# Pat Carroll > American actress (1927–2022) **Wikidata**: [Q1264306](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1264306) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Carroll) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pat-carroll ## Summary Pat Carroll (born Patricia Ann Carroll; May 5, 1927 – July 30, 2022) was an American actress, comedian, singer, and voice actor whose career spanned over seven decades. She was best known for providing the voice of Ursula in Disney's *The Little Mermaid* (1989) and for winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. A versatile performer, she worked extensively in film, television, theatre, and animation, becoming one of the most recognizable voice actresses in Hollywood. ## Biography - **Born**: May 5, 1927 - **Died**: July 30, 2022 - **Nationality**: United States - **Citizenship**: United States - **Education**: The Catholic University of America; Catholic University of America School of Music - **Known for**: Voice of Ursula in Disney's *The Little Mermaid* (1989); Emmy-winning television actress; versatile performer across stage, film, and voice work - **Employer(s)**: Disney (voice work); Various theatre, film, and television productions - **Field(s)**: Acting; Comedy; Singing; Voice acting; Film acting; Television acting; Stage acting ## Contributions Pat Carroll's career began in 1947 and continued until 2020, spanning over seven decades in entertainment. Her most iconic contribution was voicing Ursula, the sea witch, in Disney's animated film *The Little Mermaid* (1989). The character became one of Disney's most memorable villains, and Carroll's performance was widely acclaimed, establishing her as a premier voice actress in animation. She won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, recognizing her work in television. Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous film and television productions, demonstrating versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actress. Her work in theatre included performances in Broadway and regional productions, while her voice work extended beyond Disney to include numerous animated series and films. She was particularly known for her powerful voice and ability to create memorable characters across all mediums. ## FAQs **What was Pat Carroll best known for?** Pat Carroll was best known for voicing Ursula, the sea witch, in Disney's *The Little Mermaid* (1989), a role that became iconic in animation history. **What awards did Pat Carroll win?** Pat Carroll won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, among other recognitions throughout her career. **Where did Pat Carroll receive her education?** Pat Carroll was educated at The Catholic University of America and its School of Music in Washington, D.C. **When did Pat Carroll's career begin and end?** Pat Carroll's professional career began in 1947 and continued until 2020, spanning approximately 73 years. **What other roles was Pat Carroll known for?** Beyond Ursula, Pat Carroll was known for her work as a television actress, comedian, singer, and stage actor, appearing in numerous film, television, and theatre productions throughout her career. ## Why They Matter Pat Carroll mattered as a pioneering voice actress who helped establish animation voice work as a respected art form. Her portrayal of Ursula in *The Little Mermaid* set a standard for animated villain performances and influenced subsequent generations of voice actors. Her Emmy win demonstrated her versatility as both a comedic and dramatic talent in live-action television. Her seven-decade career served as a model for sustained artistic excellence in Hollywood, showing how performers could transition successfully between stage, film, television, and voice work. As one of the few actresses to achieve mainstream success in voice acting during an era when it was often overlooked, she paved the way for the recognition of animation as a legitimate performance medium. Her work at The Catholic University of America and her representation of American performing arts contributed to the cultural fabric of United States entertainment. Without her contributions, the landscape of animated villain performances and female voice acting would be notably different. ## Notable For - Voice of Ursula in Disney's *The Little Mermaid* (1989) — one of Disney's most iconic animated villains - Primetime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series - 73-year career spanning from 1947 to 2020 - Versatile performer across stage, film, television, and voice acting - Graduate of The Catholic University of America - Known for her powerful vocal delivery and comedic timing ## Body ### Early Life and Education Pat Carroll was born Patricia Ann Carroll on May 5, 1927. She pursued her passion for performing arts at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she attended the university's School of Music. Her education provided a strong foundation in both vocal performance and dramatic arts, preparing her for a versatile career in entertainment. ### Career Beginnings (1947-1970s) Pat Carroll's professional career began in 1947, marking the start of what would become a remarkable seven-decade journey in the entertainment industry. She initially established herself as a stage actor, performing in live theatre productions before expanding into television and film. Her early work included appearances in various television shows and theatrical productions, where she developed her skills as both a comedic and dramatic performer. The combination of her singing background and acting training made her a versatile talent capable of handling diverse roles. ### Television Success Pat Carroll achieved significant recognition in television, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. This award highlighted her ability to bring humor and depth to comedic characters, establishing her as a sought-after television performer during the peak of television's golden age. Her work in television demonstrated her range as an actress, appearing in various series that showcased her comedic timing and dramatic abilities. The Emmy win was a significant achievement in her career, validating her position among the top television performers of her generation. ### Film Career In addition to her television work, Pat Carroll appeared in numerous film productions. Her work as a film actor added to her diverse portfolio, though she was perhaps best known for her work in other mediums. Her film appearances, while varied, contributed to her reputation as a versatile performer capable of handling different types of roles. ### Voice Acting Legacy Perhaps Pat Carroll's most enduring legacy came through her voice acting work. Her most famous voice role was Ursula in Disney's *The Little Mermaid* (1989). The character of Ursula was modeled after drag queen Divine, and Carroll's powerful, theatrical delivery brought the villain to life in a way that resonated with audiences worldwide. The performance earned critical acclaim and became a defining moment in animation history. Ursula's songs, including "Poor Unfortunate Souls," became instant classics, and Carroll's interpretation set the standard for animated villain performances. The role demonstrated that voice acting required the same level of commitment and skill as live-action performance. Beyond *The Little Mermaid*, Pat Carroll provided voice work for numerous other animated productions, contributing her distinctive voice to various characters across different animated series and films. ### Theatre Work Throughout her career, Pat Carroll maintained her connection to theatre, performing in both Broadway and regional productions. Her background in singing and dramatic arts made her particularly effective in musical theatre, where she could combine her vocal abilities with her acting skills. Her work in theatre represented her roots as a performer and demonstrated her commitment to the live performance tradition. Theatre provided her with opportunities to refine her craft and maintain the performance skills that translated to her work in other mediums. ### Later Career and Legacy Pat Carroll continued working in the entertainment industry until 2020, demonstrating remarkable longevity in a demanding profession. Her career served as an inspiration to aspiring performers, showing that sustained excellence and adaptability could lead to a lasting career in entertainment. Her passing on July 30, 2022, marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned most of the history of American entertainment in the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century. Her contributions to film, television, theatre, and animation left an indelible mark on the industry. ### Personal Details Pat Carroll held United States citizenship and was affiliated with The Catholic University of America, her alma mater. Her full name was Patricia Ann Carroll, and she was also known professionally as Patricia Carroll. Her work period spanned from 1947 to 2020, covering approximately 73 years of continuous professional work in entertainment. ### Professional Identifiers Her professional identifiers include her IMDb ID (nm0140946), her Library of Congress control number (n94051801), and numerous other cataloging numbers across various professional databases. These identifiers reflect her established presence in the entertainment industry and her recognition across multiple professional systems. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/pat-carroll-dead-ursula-little-mermaid-1235189916/) 2. MusicBrainz 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology 5. Internet Broadway Database 6. [Pat Carroll, Emmy-Winning Actress and Voice of Ursula in ‘The Little Mermaid,’ Dies at 95. 2022](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/pat-carroll-dead-ursula-little-mermaid-1235189916/) 7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 8. CONOR.SI 9. Pat Carroll (28 Character Images) - Behind The Voice Actors. Behind The Voice Actors 10. The Movie Database