The Untold Role: 5 Ways Ben Falcone Was Crucial To The Little Mermaid (Without Being In The Cast)

Ben Falcone’s name has become intrinsically linked with Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid, but not for the reason many fans might assume. While he did not appear on-screen as a character, his presence and influence were undoubtedly crucial to the film’s success and his wife’s transformative performance. As of December 2025, the discussion surrounding the 2023 film continues, and Falcone’s role as the ultimate Hollywood partner to star Melissa McCarthy is a fascinating, yet often overlooked, part of the movie’s legacy. This article dives deep into the true nature of his involvement, his celebrated career, and the powerhouse couple he forms with one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses.

The buzz around the movie, which starred Halle Bailey as Ariel and Melissa McCarthy as the iconic sea witch Ursula, brought the Falcone-McCarthy family into the Disney spotlight. Far from just being a supportive spouse, Falcone’s career as a director, actor, and producer provides the essential context for why his attendance at the world premiere was a major event, underscoring one of the most powerful and enduring partnerships in the entertainment industry.

Ben Falcone: A Comprehensive Biography and Career Profile

Benjamin Scott Falcone is a multi-talented American actor, comedian, director, and filmmaker who has carved out a respectable career both with and independently of his wife, Melissa McCarthy. Their professional and personal lives have been intertwined since they met in the 1990s, forming one of Hollywood’s most stable and collaborative marriages.

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• Full Name: Benjamin Scott Falcone
• Born: August 25, 1973
• Birthplace: Carbondale, Illinois, U.S.
• Spouse: Melissa McCarthy (married since 2005)
• Children: Two daughters, Vivian and Georgette
• Education: Graduated from Carbondale Community High School and later attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
• Career Highlights (Actor): Known for memorable supporting roles in films like Bridesmaids (as the Air Marshal), What to Expect When You're Expecting, and frequent appearances in his own directed projects. He also appeared in 17 episodes of the series Joey.
• Career Highlights (Director/Filmmaker): He has directed several successful films starring Melissa McCarthy, including Tammy (2014), The Boss (2016), Life of the Party (2018), Superintelligence (2020), and Thunder Force (2021).
• Production Company: Co-founder of On the Day Productions with Melissa McCarthy. The company focuses on developing and producing comedy projects for both film and television.

The True Connection: Falcone’s Crucial Influence on Ursula

The "Ben Falcone Little Mermaid" narrative is not about a hidden cameo, but rather the essential support system that enabled Melissa McCarthy to fully embody the villainous Ursula. His role was less about cinematic contribution and more about personal and professional encouragement for such a demanding, high-profile role. This relationship is the very foundation of his connection to the Disney live-action remake.

1. The Supportive Partner at the World Premiere

The most visible connection was Falcone’s attendance at the 2023 World Premiere of The Little Mermaid at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. He walked the blue carpet alongside his wife and their daughter, Vivian, and later, their younger daughter, Georgette, joined them for the event. This public display of family support was a significant moment, highlighting the personal triumph of McCarthy taking on a role as iconic as Ursula.

2. The "Crazy Check" and Professional Vetting

Falcone and McCarthy have a unique professional collaboration that extends beyond their own production company, On the Day Productions. They have an informal but strict process for vetting potential co-workers, which they call a "crazy check." This process ensures that the people they work with are positive, professional, and respectful, a vital consideration for any major film set. While not officially credited, his input in ensuring McCarthy's environment was conducive to a powerful performance would have been invaluable, especially for a role that required months of commitment.

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3. The Power of "On the Day Productions" Context

The couple's production company, On the Day Productions, is a major entity in Hollywood, having produced hits like Tammy, The Boss, and Thunder Force. Their joint success in creating and managing their own projects gives Falcone an intimate understanding of the pressures and demands of a major studio film like The Little Mermaid. This experience allows him to provide a level of support and professional advice that few other spouses could offer, making him an essential off-screen collaborator.

Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy: A Collaborative Comedy Empire

To fully appreciate Ben Falcone’s connection to The Little Mermaid, one must understand the foundation of his career: his nearly two-decade-long partnership with Melissa McCarthy. Their relationship is a rare blend of personal and professional synergy, where Falcone often directs and co-writes the films in which his wife stars.

Their joint filmography is a testament to their shared comedic vision and trust. Falcone’s directorial style, which is often characterized by its focus on McCarthy's unique brand of physical and heartfelt comedy, has led to a consistent string of box office successes. This history of collaboration means that Falcone is not merely a husband; he is a trusted creative partner whose opinion and emotional support carry significant weight in every major decision McCarthy makes, including taking on the role of Ursula.

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The Impact of Ursula: A Different Kind of Collaboration

While their previous work focused on original comedies, The Little Mermaid presented a different challenge: a beloved, pre-existing Disney villain. McCarthy’s performance of Ursula, which she famously channeled with inspiration from drag queen Divine, required a specific kind of preparation and emotional commitment.

Falcone’s presence during this time was crucial. He understands the emotional toll of a long production and the pressure of a massive Disney project. His support allowed McCarthy to focus on the performance, knowing she had a stable and understanding partner at home. This behind-the-scenes dynamic is the true "untold role" of Ben Falcone in The Little Mermaid—a role as a foundational pillar for one of the film's most talked-about performances.

Looking Ahead: Future Projects and the Disney Connection

The connection to Disney may not end with The Little Mermaid. Both Ben Falcone and Melissa McCarthy are highly sought after in the industry. Falcone is scheduled for an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark in March 2025, suggesting his continued visibility and involvement in major entertainment circles.

Their production company, On the Day Productions, continues to develop new projects, always with an eye toward quality and unique comedic voices. While they are known for their R-rated comedies, their successful foray into the family-friendly Disney universe with The Little Mermaid could potentially open doors for future collaborations with the studio, perhaps even involving Falcone in a directorial or producing capacity on a major Disney or Marvel project down the line, especially considering McCarthy's appearance in Thor: Love and Thunder alongside him. The Falcone-McCarthy empire is not slowing down, and their influence on Hollywood, cemented by their presence at the Little Mermaid premiere, continues to grow.