Jodi Benson was born Jodi Marie Marzorati on October 10, 1961, in Rockford, Illinois. She has achieved worldwide recognition and critical acclaim for her voice acting roles in various animated films and television shows. Some of her most notable voice acting credits include Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989),Tour Guide Barbie in Toy Story 2 (1999),Weebo in Flubber (1997),and Thumbelina in Thumbelina (1994).
In addition to her voice acting work, Benson has also had a successful career on the stage. She has starred in several Broadway productions, including Crazy For You, Smile, Welcome to the Club, Marilyn, and Babes in Arms. Internationally, she has shared the stage with her husband Ray Benson at the European premiere of Ira Gershwin's My One & Only, playing the role of Miss Edythe Herbert.
Benson has also had the opportunity to perform with various symphonies around the world, including the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, The National Symphony, Cleveland Philharmonic, Dallas Philharmonic, and Tokyo Philharmonic. She has been honored to be the resident guest soloist for the Walt Disney Company/Disney Cruise Line and ambassador for feature animation.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Benson is also a devoted mother to her son McKinley Benson and daughter Delaney, and she credits her family, friends, and husband Ray for their support and love.
