Adriana Caselotti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adriana Caselotti
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![]() Caselotti in 1937
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Born |
Adriana Elena Loreta Caselotti
May 6, 1916 Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
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Died | January 18, 1997 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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(aged 80)
Occupation |
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Years active | 1932 – 1997 |
Notable work
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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; Joseph Dana Costigan
(m. 1972; 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.
Contents
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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1951 | Lux Radio Theatre | Snow White / Herself | Lux Radio Theatre Intermission |
Awards and Recognition
Year | Award | Category | Result | Nominated work | Ref. |
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1994 | Disney Legends | Animation—Voice | Won | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs |
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Adriana Caselotti para niños