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Adriana Caselotti
Adriana Caselotti photo.jpg
Caselotti in 1937
Born
Adriana Elena Loreta Caselotti

(1916-05-06)May 6, 1916
Died January 18, 1997(1997-01-18) (aged 80)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation
Years active 1932 – 1997
Notable work
Original voice of Princess Snow White in Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
Spouse(s)
Robert James Chard
(m. 1945, divorced)

Norval Weir Mitchell
(m. 1952; his death 1972)

Joseph Dana Costigan
(m. 1972; his death 1982)

Florian St. Pierre
(m. 1989, divorced)
Relatives Louise Caselotti (older sister)
Awards Disney Legend (1994)

Adriana Elena Loreta Caselotti (born May 6, 1916 – died January 18, 1997) was an American actress and singer. She is best known as the original voice of Princess Snow White. This was for Walt Disney's first full-length animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, released in 1937. In 1994, she was honored as a Disney Legend. This made her the first female voice actress to receive this special award.

Early Life and Family

Adriana Caselotti was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Her family had Italian roots. Her father, Guido Caselotti, was a music teacher and vocal coach. Her mother, Maria Caselotti, was a singer who performed in opera. Adriana's older sister, Louise Caselotti, also sang opera and taught voice lessons. Famous singer Maria Callas was one of her sister's students.

When Adriana was seven, her family moved to Italy for three years. Her mother was touring with an opera company. Adriana went to a convent school near Rome. When her family returned to New York, she had to re-learn English. She also continued her singing lessons with her father. In 1934, Adriana attended Hollywood High School. She sang in the school choir and played a main role in the school musical, The Belle of New York.

Becoming Snow White

In 1935, Walt Disney hired Adriana Caselotti to be the voice of Snow White. She was paid $970 for her work on the film. This was a good amount of money at the time. However, she was not listed in the movie's credits.

After Snow White, it was hard for Adriana to find other voice acting jobs. Walt Disney wanted to keep the "illusion" of Snow White's voice special. He did not want her voice to be used in other projects.

Adriana did have a few other small film roles. She was the voice of Juliet in The Wizard of Oz (1939). You can hear her say, "Wherefore art thou Romeo?" during the Tin Man's song. In 1946, she also sang in a bar scene in the movie It's a Wonderful Life.

Later Career and Recognition

Adriana Caselotti often appeared at events to promote Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. She would sign autographs for fans. In 1972, she was a guest on The Julie Andrews Hour. She sang "I'm Wishing" and "Some Day My Prince Will Come" with Julie Andrews. She also appeared on The Mike Douglas Show.

Later in her life, Adriana wrote a book called Do You Like to Sing?. She also continued to sing opera. In the early 1990s, she re-recorded her song "I'm Wishing" for the Snow White Wishing Well at Disneyland. This was when she was 75 years old. In 1994, she was honored as a Disney Legend for her famous role.

Personal Life and Death

Adriana Caselotti was married four times during her life. She passed away on January 18, 1997, at the age of 80. She died from cancer at her home in Los Angeles.

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1950 One Hour in Wonderland Snow White Voice actress
1972 The Julie Andrews Hour Herself Aired on Thanksgiving Day
1981 A Gift of Music Herself TV Special
1983 The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Herself Desk - "Vacation Snapshots"
The Magical World of Disney Herself Episode: 20
1985 Disney Family Album Herself "Voice Actors"
1993 John & Leeza from Hollywood Herself Season 1: Episode 14

Film

Year Film Role Notes
1935 Naughty Marietta Dancing Doll Uncredited
1937 The Bride Wore Red First Peasant Girl Uncredited
Modern Inventions Robot Baby Carriage Voice actress
Donald's Ostrich Opera Singer Voice actress
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Snow White Voice actress, uncredited
1939 The Wizard of Oz Juliet Uncredited, voice actress
1942 We Were Dancing Opera Singer Uncredited, voice actress
1944 Donald's Off Day Singer of Opening Song Uncredited, voice actress
1945 Hobo's Lady Hobo Voice actress
1946 It's a Wonderful Life Singer at Martini's Uncredited, voice actress
Two Sisters from Boston Opera Singer Uncredited
1969 Bambi Meets Godzilla Studio Owner Uncredited, voice actress
1981 Once Upon a Mouse Snow White Voice actress
1983 The Fairest of Them All Herself TV Movie
1990 Celebrating Walt Disney's 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs': The One That Started It All Snow White Voice actress
1992 The Music of Disney: A Legacy in Song Snow White Voice actress
1993 The Best of Disney Music: A Legacy in Song - Part I Herself TV Movie

Radio

Year Title Role Notes
1951 Lux Radio Theatre Snow White / Herself Lux Radio Theatre Intermission

Awards and Recognition

Year Award Category Result Nominated work Ref.
1994 Disney Legends Animation—Voice Won Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Adriana Caselotti para niños

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