How old was Jodi Benson in The Little Mermaid?

American actress, Jodi Benson was 25 years old when she was cast for the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She first auditioned for The Little Mermaid in 1986, through playwright, Howard Ashman.

They had a good relationship because they had worked on Smile together that same year. Therefore, she was a great fit for the role. After hearing the demo for Part of Your World, Benson sang a small part of it on tape which was later sent to Disney executives. She won the role of Ariel and voiced the character for years.

Her roles as Ariel in The Little Mermaid film series include; The Little Mermaid (1989), The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning (2008), The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, Enchanted, and more. She also made an appearance in ABC’s 2019 concert performance of The Little Mermaid. 

Benson began her career when she made an appearance in Marilyn: An American Fable. She also starred in other Broadways including Smile (1986).