Women’s History Month: Who is Jodi Benson?

In celebration and recognition of Women's History Month, the Rockford Register Star has partnered with Midway Village Museum to bring readers a local women's history fact of the day.

Visit rrstar.com or the Rockford Register Star newspaper each day throughout the month of March to read about the women who played significant roles in Rockford history.

Raised in Rockford and a graduate of Boylan Central Catholic High School, Jodi Benson is an acclaimed singer and actress. She began her career in the early 1980s on Broadway where her work with lyricist Howard Ashman led to her breakout role as the voice of Ariel in Disney’s 1989 film "The Little Mermaid" as well as its sequel, prequel, and television series spin-off.

She has performed in many other Disney projects, and for her many contributions was named a Disney Legend in 1992. Benson also received a Tony Award nomination in 1992 for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Polly Baker in "Crazy For You."

Want to learn more about Jodi Benson? Visit Midway Village Museum online at midwayvillage.com or in person at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Women’s History Month: Who is Jodi Benson?