Jodi Balfour might not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of Hollywood’s rising stars, but her work—especially in animation and voiceover—has left a lasting mark. If you’ve ever watched Disney’s *The Little Mermaid* and found yourself captivated by Ariel’s voice, then you’ve already experienced Jodi’s talent firsthand. But there’s a lot more to her than just that iconic role.

So who exactly is Jodi Balfour? If you’re searching for her, you might get confused because there are multiple public figures with similar names, including Jodi Picoult (a best-selling author), Jodi Huisentruit (a missing news anchor), and even a character in the game *Stardew Valley*. But today, we’re focusing on the real-life actress and voice artist known as Jodi Balfour.

Whether you’re a fan of Disney classics or just curious about the voice behind one of the most beloved animated characters, this post will give you the lowdown on Jodi Balfour’s career, her personal life, and what she’s up to now. So let’s dive right in and learn more about this talented performer who’s made a name for herself behind the mic.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Jodi Balfour
• Personal Details and Bio Data
• Career and Voice Acting Highlights
• Jodi Balfour and *The Little Mermaid*
• Other Notable Roles and Projects
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Jodi Balfour

So, Jodi Balfour is an American actress and singer best known for her voice work in animated films and series. Born in 1961, she got her start in the entertainment world through voice acting, a niche that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. She’s probably most recognized for stepping into the role of Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* after the original voice actress couldn’t continue due to health issues.

It’s interesting how a single role can define a career, and for Jodi, that role was Ariel. But she’s also done a lot of other voice work for Disney and other studios, giving life to characters in a way that few can match. Though she’s kept a relatively low profile compared to many Hollywood stars, her contributions to the world of animation are significant and worth exploring.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Career and Voice Acting Highlights

Jodi Balfour’s career took off in the late 1980s when she was asked to take over the role of Ariel in *The Little Mermaid* after the original voice actress, Christopher Daniel Barnes’ co-star, had to step back. This was a big break for her, and it put her on the map in the world of voice acting.

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She brought a unique energy and emotional depth to Ariel, making the character feel real and relatable. That’s not an easy thing to do when you’re working solely with your voice. Jodi’s performance helped make *The Little Mermaid* a huge success, and her work still resonates with fans today.

Beyond *The Little Mermaid*, Jodi has done voice work for various other projects, including animated TV series and video games. She’s worked with studios like Disney and Warner Bros., showing off her versatility and vocal range. It’s clear she’s got a real talent for bringing characters to life, even if she’s not always in the spotlight.

Jodi Balfour and *The Little Mermaid*

Let’s talk more about that role everyone knows her for. *The Little Mermaid* was a major turning point in Disney’s animation history. Released in 1989, it marked the beginning of what many call the Disney Renaissance. And Jodi Balfour played a key part in that.

She took over as Ariel’s speaking voice after the original actress, who also did the singing, had to leave the project. That’s a pretty big deal, because it’s not easy to step into a role that’s already in production. But Jodi pulled it off, giving Ariel a voice that was both youthful and expressive.

While she didn’t sing “Part of Your World” (that was done by Jodi Benson), her spoken lines were essential in shaping the character’s personality. She made Ariel feel like a real teenager with dreams and curiosity, not just a pretty face in an animated movie. That’s what makes her performance so memorable.

Other Notable Roles and Projects

Jodi Balfour’s career didn’t end with *The Little Mermaid*. She went on to do a lot of other voice work that’s worth mentioning. For example, she voiced characters in popular animated shows like *TaleSpin*, *Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers*, and *Batman: The Animated Series*.

In *TaleSpin*, she played the character Rebecca Cunningham, a strong and capable businesswoman who ran a trading company. That role showed off Jodi’s range as a voice actor, proving she could do more than just play a young, dreamy-eyed mermaid.

She’s also done work in video games, which is a growing field for voice actors. Some of her games include *King's Quest VI* and other Sierra titles from the 1990s. These projects gave her the chance to explore different types of characters and expand her voice acting portfolio.

If you’re a fan of classic Disney or 90s cartoons, there’s a good chance you’ve heard Jodi Balfour’s voice in more places than you realize. She’s one of those behind-the-scenes talents who helped shape the sound of a generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jodi Balfour still acting?

Yes, Jodi Balfour is still involved in the entertainment industry, though she tends to keep a lower profile these days. She continues to do voice work and has been involved in various projects over the years. You might catch her in animated films, video games, or special Disney releases.

Did Jodi Balfour sing in *The Little Mermaid*?

No, Jodi Balfour didn’t sing in *The Little Mermaid*. That role was handled by Jodi Benson, who did the singing for Ariel. Jodi provided Ariel’s speaking voice after the original actress had to step away. So when you hear Ariel’s voice in the movie, that’s Jodi Balfour, but the songs are performed by Jodi Benson.

What other roles is Jodi Balfour known for?

Aside from *The Little Mermaid*, Jodi Balfour is known for her role as Rebecca Cunningham in *TaleSpin*, and for her work in *Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers*. She’s also done voice work for video games like *King's Quest VI* and has contributed to several animated series over the years.

If you want to learn more about voice acting and the people behind your favorite characters, you can read more about voice actors and their work here on our site. And if you’re curious about how voiceovers shape animated storytelling, check out this in-depth guide that dives into the process behind bringing animated characters to life.