Shreveport native, voice of Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid', Pat Carroll dies at 95

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Shreveport native, comedy and voice legend Pat Carroll died Saturday at 95.

According to the Associated Press, her daughter Kerry Karsian said Carroll died on Saturday at her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Carroll's other daughter,  Tara Karsian wrote on Instagram that they want everyone to “honor her by having a raucous laugh at absolutely anything today (and everyday forward)"

Carroll was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1927. Her family moved to Los Angeles when she was five years old.

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Carrol would find early success on the sketch comedy and variety show circuit, appearing with television staples such as Danny Kaye, Red Skelton, and Carroll Burnett.  In 1956, she won an Emmy for her work on "Caesars Hour."  She won a Grammy in 1980 for the recording of her one-woman show “Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein, Gertrude Stein.”

La atracción de 'La Sirenita' es una de las más visitadas en Disney California Adventure.
La atracción de 'La Sirenita' es una de las más visitadas en Disney California Adventure.

She was not the first choice to voice the villain Ursula in Disney's animated classic "The Little Mermaid." Initially, the creative team wanted someone like Bea Arthur. Elaine Strich was even originally cast in the role before Carroll's performance of "Poor Unfortunate Souls" won her the part that would endear her to the hearts of a whole new generation.

Carroll was also the voice of Granny in the Englis dub of “My Neighbor Totoro.”

Carroll is survived by her daughters, Kerry Karsian and Tara Karsian; and her granddaughter, Evan Karsian-McCormick.

This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Shreveport native, Ursula in 'The Little Mermaid', Pat Carroll dies