Who voiced Ursula in "The Little Mermaid"?

Ursula in Disney’s 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid was voiced by Pat Carroll.

Carroll supplied both Ursula’s spoken performance and her singing voice, including the memorable number “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” Her deep, theatrical delivery helped make the sea witch one of Disney’s most recognizable villains. Ursula tempts Ariel with a contract that allows the mermaid to become human for three days, while secretly planning to sabotage her.

The role followed a lengthy casting process. Directors Ron Clements and John Musker initially imagined a performer with a Bea Arthur-like basso voice, while lyricist Howard Ashman considered other prominent actresses. Elaine Stritch was first cast, but disagreements over the performance of Ursula’s song led to her replacement by Carroll.

Ursula’s visual design was influenced by the drag performer Divine, as well as marine animals such as manta rays and scorpionfish. Her character is loosely related to the sea witch in Hans Christian Andersen’s 1837 fairy tale, although Disney greatly expanded that minor figure into the film’s principal antagonist.

The answer refers to the 1989 animated movie. The 2023 live-action remake features Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, making the year or version important in broader discussions.