Halle Bailey And Jodi Benson Evoke Warm Reactions After Embracing At Little Mermaid Premier
Photos of the actors at the Los Angeles premiere of Disney’s much-anticipated live-action remake of the 1989 animated classic went viral when Bailey, 23, hugged and was photographed with Benson, 61.
Bailey’s performance, which has received praise for being great, is featured at the premiere cuddling up to Benson in a TikTok video that Disney posted. Disney’s caption reads, “We’re all crying here.”
One fan responded with: “Love this so much. Truly a magical moment.” Another commented: “The Little Mermaid was my first movie in 1989, it will be my daughter’s first movie in 2023.”
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at the premiere on Tuesday (9 May), Benson described Bailey as brilliant.
“I did get to meet her a few times and chat with her and just tell her how proud I was of her, and I love that she has a purity of heart and a pure spirit. I’m so thrilled for her,” said Benson, who was also the voice of Barbie in Toy Story 3.
Halle Bailey expressed thanks for having the opportunity to represent young Black girls, despite the racist slurs she has been subjected to ever since it was disclosed she will be playing Ariel in 2019.
When the film’s first trailer was released last year, parents began to share their children’s joyful reactions to seeing the actress as Ariel, with one heartwarming TikTok showing a fan shouting: “She’s Black. Mama, she’s Black. Mama, they made a Black Ariel.”
Halle Bailey said: “Seeing all the babies’ reactions, all the brown and Black young girls, really tore me up emotionally. It’s honestly been such a crazy ride, and I genuinely feel shocked and honoured and grateful to be in this position. A lot of times, I have to pinch myself and [ask], ‘Is this real life?’
Halle Bailey height
Halle Bailey is 5ft 2 inches (1.57m) tall. She is an American singer-songwriter and actress. She became known for being one half of the musical duo Chloe x Halle with her sister Chlöe Bailey.
They have released the albums The Kids Are Alright (2018) and Ungodly Hour (2020), and have together earned five Grammy Award nominations. As an actress, Bailey has played a supporting role in the television sitcom Grown-ish (2018–2022). In 2023, she starred as Ariel in the musical fantasy film The Little Mermaid.
