Disney Legend Jodi Benson Celebrates Daughter's Debut as the Little Mermaid

In October 2025, Jodi Benson, the acclaimed voice actress behind Ariel in Disney's 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid, beamed with pride as she discussed her daughter Delaney's burgeoning acting career. Delaney, now 24 years old, has followed in her mother's footsteps, recently portraying the iconic mermaid in a regional theater production in Miami, Florida, from July to August 2024.

Jodi, who has voiced Ariel in numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs over the years, reflected on the moment when Delaney, at just 4 years old, confidently declared that she wanted to be Ariel when she grew up. Jodi recognized then that her daughter was "born to play" the role, and she was thrilled to see Delaney make the character her own in the 2024 production.

Jodi's own connection to The Little Mermaid remains strong, as she even made a cameo appearance in the 2023 live-action remake of the Disney classic, portraying a marketplace vendor who offers a now-human Ariel, played by Halle Bailey, a bowl of food. Jodi's continued involvement in the franchise she helped bring to life is a testament to her enduring legacy as the voice of one of Disney's most beloved princesses.