THE LITTLE MERMAID’s Jodi Benson: ‘He’s Not Only God of My Life, But He’s Director’
By Movieguide® Staff
THE LITTLE MERMAID’s Jodi Benson has found her voice—and no one can take it away.
“It’s just truly been an incredible faith walk,” Benson said. “Obviously, God knew that He had my career lined up 10,000 steps ahead of me.”
Benson voiced Ariel in Disney’s 1989 cartoon, and lent her talents to several faith-based projects including KIDS’ TEN COMMANDMENTS and the upcoming WINGFEATHER SAGA.
“He’s in control, and I’m not, and that’s that’s the key,” she said. “He’s not only God of my life, but He’s director, He’s casting director, He’s Producer, He’s everything.”
The actress shared pieces of her faith in her new book, Part of My World: What I’ve Learned from The Little Mermaid about Love, Faith, and Finding My Voice.
“Never in a million years did I ever think I would write a book… But when Tyndale Publishing reached out to me 2 years ago, I realized you’ve been asking me questions for 30+ years…about The Little Mermaid, about Broadway, about my life.
So, this book is my love letter to all of you,” Benson said. “… I share how we made the movie, what it was like working with the brilliant Howard Ashman & Alan Menken, creating a starring role on Broadway…but I also share a bunch of my mistakes and how God has taken the ashes and broken pieces and made it beautiful and whole. My hope is that this book encourages and uplifts you on your own journey. I’m excited to share my world with all of you, and just want to thank you for allowing me to be part of your world for all these many years!”
Though the actress grew up in a religious household, she told Faithwire that her faith became authentic to her when she was 18 years old.
“When I met my husband while I was 18 … he’s like, ‘You know you can have that personal relationship,’ and I knew that I had that, so it was just the realization of: It isn’t a religion,” Benson said. “It really is this ongoing, 24-seven relationship that I can call out and talk to any time of the day or night.”
The actress is now vocal about her faith and how it inspires her career.
“I just need to walk in the room. I just need to do my best and throw it out there and let it go,” she said. “Because I’ll be part of the things I’m supposed to be part of, and then I’m not going to be part of things I’m not supposed to be part of.”
View this post on Instagram
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +1