It might come as a shock, but Ariel is all grown up.
"The Little Mermaid' is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and Jodi Benson, who voiced the mermaid, and co-director Ron Clements are looking back.
The role has continued for Benson, who has become the official Ariel ambassador in sequels, video games and the "Wreck-It Ralph" franchise.
This Feb. 19, 2019, photo shows Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from the Disney animated film, "The Little Mermaid," poses in Nashville, Tenn. The film, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, also had a big role in making Disney into an animation juggernaut. Many believe we’d never have Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” without first having Ariel. (AP PhotoMark Humphrey)
Clements says the film had a big role in making Disney into an animation juggernaut. Many believe we'd never have Anna and Elsa from "Frozen" without first having Ariel.
Propelled by such Alan Menken songs as "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl," the film won two Grammys and earned three Academy Award nominations.
This Feb. 19, 2019, photo shows Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from the Disney animated film, "The Little Mermaid," poses in Nashville, Tenn. The film, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, also had a big role in making Disney into an animation juggernaut. Many believe we’d never have Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” without first having Ariel. (AP PhotoMark Humphrey)
This Feb. 19, 2019, photo shows Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from the Disney animated film, "The Little Mermaid," poses in Nashville, Tenn. The film, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, also had a big role in making Disney into an animation juggernaut. Many believe we’d never have Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” without first having Ariel. (AP PhotoMark Humphrey)
This Feb. 19, 2019, photo shows Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel from the Disney animated film, "The Little Mermaid," poses in Nashville, Tenn. The film, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, also had a big role in making Disney into an animation juggernaut. Many believe we’d never have Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” without first having Ariel. (AP PhotoMark Humphrey)