Ilene Woods facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ilene Woods
Performing for ABC in the 1940s
Born	Jacqueline Ruth Woods (1929-05-05)May 5, 1929 Portsmouth, New Hampshire, U.S.
Died	July 1, 2010(2010-07-01) (aged 81) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actress Singer Voice actress
Years active	1940 – 2008
Spouse(s)	Stephen Steck Jr. ​ ​ (m. 1946; div. 1954)​ Ed Shaughnessy ​ (m. 1963)​
Children	3
Awards	Disney Legend (2003)

Ilene Woods (born Jacqueline Ruth Woods, May 5, 1929 – July 1, 2010) was an American actress and singer. She is best known as the original voice of Cinderella in the classic Walt Disney animated movie Cinderella. For her amazing work, she was honored as a Disney Legend in 2003.

Early Life and Start in Music

Ilene Woods was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Her mother worked in the film industry, and Ilene often went with her. When she was a little girl, Ilene dreamed of becoming a schoolteacher. However, her mother wanted her to be a singer.

By 1944, when she was only 14, Ilene had her own radio show. During World War II, she performed with famous bandleader Paul Whiteman. She also sang with the Army Air Forces Orchestra, entertaining soldiers.

Becoming Cinderella

In 1948, two of Ilene's friends, Mack David and Jerry Livingston, were songwriters. They asked her to record some songs for them. These songs included "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo", "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes", and "So This is Love".

Her friends then sent these recordings to Walt Disney. He was looking for a voice for his new animated movie, Cinderella. Walt Disney heard Ilene's voice and loved it! Just two days later, he asked her to be the voice of Cinderella.

Ilene was very surprised and happy to get the role. More than 300 other people had tried out for the part. She said that watching the movie later was "breathtaking" and brought back "wonderful memories" of working with Walt Disney.

To help promote the Cinderella movie, Ilene also voiced Snow White. This was for a Disney audiobook of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs released in 1949.

Ilene also had the special chance to sing for two U.S. Presidents. She sang for President Franklin D. Roosevelt at his home. Later, she sang at the White House for President Harry S. Truman. She stopped performing regularly in 1972.

Family Life

Ilene Woods got married for the first time when she was 17. Her first husband was Stephen Steck Jr., and they had a daughter named Stephanie. After they divorced, Ilene married Ed Shaughnessy in 1963. Ed was a drummer for The Tonight Show. Ilene and Ed had two sons together, James and Daniel.

Later Years and Recognition

As Disney began releasing its animated movies on video, some voice actors felt they should get more money. Ilene Woods was one of the actresses who filed a lawsuit in 1990 to receive royalties for her voice work.

In 2003, Ilene Woods received a special honor. She was given the Disney Legend award for her voice work as Cinderella. This award celebrates people who have made a big impact on the Disney company.

In an interview in 2006, Ilene shared how much she loved her role. She said, "I love the idea that after I’m gone, children will still be hearing my voice [as Cinderella]."

Illness and Passing

Ilene Woods passed away on July 1, 2010, at the age of 81. She died from complications of Alzheimer's disease in Canoga Park, Los Angeles.

Discography

• Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as Snow White (1949, RCA/Camden)
• It's Late (1957, Jubilee Records JGM 1046, LP, mono)

Film

Awards and Recognition

See also

In Spanish: Ilene Woods para niños