10 Fascinating Stories From Ariel's Reference Model That Made Me See "The Little Mermaid" In A Whole New Light
It's hard to believe that it's been 35 years since we were introduced to Ariel, Eric, Flounder, Ursula, and so many classic characters.
While researching the film, I read how Disney animators hired reference models to help "capture a more believable realistic figure" (Cartoon Research). A famous example is Marge Champion, the reference model for Snow White.
To celebrate 35 years of The Little Mermaid, I reached out to Ariel's reference model, Sherri Stoner, to hear how she and the animators brought Ariel to life.
Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
1) Sherri was asked to audition as Ariel's reference model when her improv comedy troupe, The Groundlings, visited Disney Studios.
Sherri Stoner: I was really happy to be asked because I thought it would just be the coolest little job ever. I've been an animation geek my whole life. At that point, I wasn't writing animation yet, and I was still primarily acting. They sent me the script, and I thought it was just fantastic. I read it, and I just thought, this is really great stuff. If I remember correctly, in the audition, they gave me a little snippet of Jodi Benson's [Ariel's voice actor] track and had me lip-sync to it and do some movements.
When I found out I got it, I was thrilled! I thought that it would be a job where no one would know that I did it except for me and my friends and family. I didn't realize that the movie would become so mega-successful that people wanted more and more information about it. And people, rightfully so, were kind of fascinated by what that entailed.
Sherri performing with The Groundlings at their 40th anniversary celebration.
2) Sherri worked as Ariel's reference model for two to four days a month, for over a year.
3) Sherri's improv work, and prior acting experience in shows like Little House On The Prairie came in handy.
4) Many of Sherri's expressions and movements became a part of Ariel's character.
5) Additional Examples:
Also Ariel biting her lip:
And Ariel's hand motions, when she is at the doorway and overhears bad news from Prince Eric:
6) Sherri worked with one other reference model for Prince Eric [Joshua Finkel], and they used props to represent the sea creatures.
7) The most difficult reference work was the ocean scenes. The crew used a large tank and a pool at the YMCA.
8) Her most memorable scene was filming the iconic "Part Of Your World."
9) One of Sherri's funniest memories is the filming of "Kiss The Girl."
10) Sherri was called back to work as the reference model for Belle in Beauty and the Beast.
Sherri went on to have a successful career in animation, writing and producing for shows like Tiny Toons Adventures and Animaniacs.
BuzzFeed: The Little Mermaid turns 35 this month, which I find absolutely mind blowing. What is your reaction to the continued legacy of the film?
Sherri: I knew the script was really, really good when I read it, and so I had high hopes for it. The team that I worked with were all such geniuses. They were just so great at what they did, but I didn't realize that it would be so successful and such a huge hit for Disney. I'm very thrilled that it was.
Thank you to Sherri Stoner for taking the time to share her amazing memories of an iconic role. What does The Little Mermaid mean to you? Let me know in the comments below!
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