The Two Voices Of Ursula: Comparing Pat Carroll's Iconic Performance To Melissa McCarthy's Live-Action Sea Witch

The Sea Witch's Voice: Few Disney villains are as instantly recognizable—and audibly iconic—as Ursula, the tentacled sea witch from The Little Mermaid. For decades, the definitive, gravelly, theatrical sound of the character was provided by one legendary actress, Pat Carroll. However, with the release of the live-action remake in 2023, a new generation was introduced to a fresh, yet equally captivating, take on the villain, embodied by Hollywood powerhouse Melissa McCarthy.

As of , the conversation around Ursula’s voice remains a hot topic, with fans comparing the original’s classic theatricality to the live-action's modern, nuanced performance. This deep dive explores the two formidable women who brought the villain to life, revealing the surprising history, the vocal challenges, and the cultural impact of their respective portrayances.

The Queens of the Deep: Pat Carroll and Melissa McCarthy Biography

To truly appreciate the vocal performances, one must understand the formidable careers of the actresses behind them. Both Pat Carroll and Melissa McCarthy brought decades of comedic and dramatic experience to the role of the Sea Witch.

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Pat Carroll: The Original Voice of Ursula (1989)

• Full Name: Patricia Ann Carroll
• Born: May 5, 1927, in Shreveport, Louisiana
• Died: July 30, 2022, in Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Age 95)
• Career Highlights: Carroll’s career spanned over seven decades, beginning with her professional stage debut in 1947 in "A Goose for the Gander." She was a versatile performer, winning an Emmy Award in 1957 for her work on the variety show *Caesar's Hour*. She was also a Tony Award nominee for the 1955 play *Catch a Star!*. Her one-woman show, *Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein*, earned her a Drama Desk Award.
• Ursula Legacy: Though she had a long and varied career, the role of Ursula in Disney's 1989 animated classic became her most iconic and enduring performance, one that defined the start of the Disney Renaissance.

Melissa McCarthy: The Live-Action Ursula (2023)

• Full Name: Melissa Ann McCarthy
• Born: August 26, 1970, in Plainfield, Illinois
• Career Highlights: McCarthy is a celebrated actress, comedian, writer, and producer, known for her physical comedy and dramatic range. Her breakthrough came with the role of Sookie St. James in the TV series *Gilmore Girls*. She achieved widespread fame and critical acclaim for her role in the film *Bridesmaids* (2011), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She is a two-time Primetime Emmy Award winner for her work on *Mike & Molly* and for hosting *Saturday Night Live*.
• Ursula Legacy: McCarthy's casting in the 2023 live-action adaptation of *The Little Mermaid* brought a contemporary comedic edge and a grand theatrical presence to the Sea Witch, introducing the character to a new generation of filmgoers.

The Secret History: How a Drag Queen Inspired the Voice and Look

A crucial piece of topical authority and a unique angle for any discussion of Ursula is the character's true creative foundation. The physical look and theatrical persona of the animated Ursula were directly inspired by the legendary drag queen, Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead).

This inspiration, which was initially speculative but later confirmed by animators, cemented Ursula’s status as a queer icon and added layers of depth to the character's over-the-top, theatrical villainy. Pat Carroll embraced this campy, powerful persona, translating it into a voice that was simultaneously authoritative, seductive, and menacing. Carroll herself described Ursula as an "old theatrical dame" and a "former Shakespearean actress."

Melissa McCarthy, who is a massive fan of the original film, was keenly aware of this history. She specifically acknowledged and channeled the spirit of Divine in her live-action portrayal, stating that she wanted to honor the original inspiration while bringing her own comedic timing to the role. This connection to Divine is a powerful LSI keyword and a cornerstone of the character's enduring appeal, linking the two performances across time through a shared cultural touchstone.

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Poor Unfortunate Souls: The Vocal Challenges and Techniques

The core of Ursula's character lies in her signature song, "Poor Unfortunate Souls," written by the brilliant duo of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. The vocal demands of this track were immense, requiring a blend of speaking, singing, and pure theatrical performance.

Pat Carroll's Masterclass in Villainy

Carroll's recording process for the 1989 film is legendary. She reportedly asked lyricist Howard Ashman to sing the song one more time before her final take, absorbing the nuances of his delivery. Her voice for Ursula was a deep, guttural contralto with a distinctive, smoky texture that perfectly captured the villain's manipulative charm.

• Technique: The performance is characterized by its perfect balance of high-drama singing and spoken, cajoling lines. The way Carroll delivers the final, rapid-fire lines of the contract is a masterclass in vocal acting, making the listener feel both charmed and threatened.
• Impact: Carroll’s performance is often cited by critics as the element that elevated the film, setting a new standard for Disney villains and becoming a definitive part of the Disney Renaissance soundscape.

Melissa McCarthy's Modern Interpretation

Stepping into a role made famous by such an iconic voice was a daunting task for Melissa McCarthy. She openly admitted to being "scared to death" to sing the song. To meet the challenge, she underwent extensive voice lessons and worked closely with director Rob Marshall.

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• Technique: McCarthy’s approach focused on a technique often described as speak-singing or belt-talking. This allowed her to lean into her comedic strengths and deliver the lines with a contemporary, improvisational flair, making the song sound less like a traditional Broadway number and more like a manipulative, intoxicating sales pitch.
• Impact: Her performance provides a fresh take, prioritizing the *acting* within the song over operatic vocal perfection. She successfully channeled the character's theatricality, delivering a performance that felt grounded in the live-action setting while still paying homage to the original's campy roots.

The Enduring Legacy of the Sea Witch

The stories of Pat Carroll and Melissa McCarthy illustrate the enduring power of the Ursula character. Carroll’s passing in 2022 served as a poignant reminder of the timeless, definitive nature of her 1989 performance, a voice that launched a thousand imitations and defined a generation of Disney villainy.

McCarthy’s 2023 portrayal ensured that the Sea Witch remained relevant and resonant in the modern era. By honoring the original's foundation in drag culture (Divine) and bringing her own unique comedic voice, she created a bridge between the classic animated world and the new live-action cinematic universe. The two Ursulas stand as a testament to the fact that a truly great villain can be reinterpreted, but the core essence—the dramatic flair, the seductive manipulation, and the powerful, unforgettable voice—will always remain the key to their magic.