Why This Iconic Disney Star Relies on Prayer to Choose Roles

Published: September 2, 2024

Why This Iconic Disney Star Relies on Prayer to Choose Roles

By Movieguide® Contributor

An iconic Disney princess actress relies on God to lead and guide her to different television roles.

Jodi Benson, known best for her role as Ariel in the original THE LITTLE MERMAID movie, recently opened up about her faith.

“It’s really neat…to see the tapestry that God has created and the puzzle pieces that have come together within my career,” she told CBN News. “But, for me, it’s a ministry. I really do feel that God places me exactly where He wants me. He opens the door exactly where He needs me, and it’s never usually about the job.”

She explained, “It’s usually about…a ‘God appointment,’ a relationship with a cast member, or with a crew or creative team member. It’s usually these behind-the-scenes moments that I get — that moment where I go, ‘Oh, that’s why I’m doing this project.’”

Benson also explained how in her everyday life, she listens for God’s lead regarding who she’s supposed to encounter and what she’s going to do.

“I wake up every morning feeling really joyful and hopeful and looking forward to the God appointments that are going to happen that day, whether it’s at the grocery store or at a doctor’s appointment, wherever I’m at, and I’m ready to be light and salt.”

The scripture Benson is referencing is Matthew 5:13-14 which says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” As believers, we are called to point others to Jesus.

“We’re trying to be modern-day disciples,” Benson said previously about her family’s approach to their faith. “We’re trying not to let our agenda get in the way of His work.”

Currently, Benson plays Nia in Angel Studios’ THE WINGFEATHER SAGA series. While talking to CBN, Benson explained how all her possible roles begin by praying with her husband about the decision.

“Once I pray about it, and my husband and I are both praying — we both are discussing — we will get an automatic door open or close, and it’s pretty clear cut there,” she said. “There is not a lot of in-between, which I love.”

THE WINGFEATHER SAGA is available via Angel Studios.

Movieguide® previously reported on what fans can expect from Season 2 of THE WINGFEATHER SAGA:

Season two promises to continue to teach strong Christian values. This season’s focus will be on the importance of family, and leaning on your community for help.

“We feel very strong that kids, and certain kids at a certain age, which are our kids in our story, are coming of age. That they can best navigate those difficult times with their family, with their community,” Wall said. “Our culture right now tells us we can navigate those times best on our own. And in fact, to get parents out of the way and ‘let [me] just do this by myself.’”

“That’s not really the way it works in real life. In real life, families do well together solving those problems and helping those kids to work through that together, alongside them, as part of their community, not isolated. So our story is kinda demonstrating that without really talking about it.”