Mary Costa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mary Costa
Costa in 1976
Born	(1930-04-05) April 5, 1930 (age 95) Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
Alma mater	Los Angeles Conservatory of Music
Occupation	Actress singer
Years active	1942–2014 (acting)
Notable work	Voice of Aurora in Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Spouse(s)	Frank Tashlin ​ ​ (m. 1953; div. 1966)​
Awards	Disney Legend (1999)

Mary Costa (born April 5, 1930) is an American actress and singer who is now retired. She is most famous for being the voice of Princess Aurora in the 1959 Disney animated movie Sleeping Beauty. Mary Costa is the last living voice actress of the first three Disney Princesses created during Walt Disney's lifetime. She was honored as a Disney Legend in 1999 and received the National Medal of Arts in 2020.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Mary Costa was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she spent most of her childhood. Her parents were John and Hazel. From a young age, Mary loved to sing. She sang solos in Sunday school when she was just six years old.

High School and Moving to California

At Knoxville High School, she was part of the chorus. When she was a teenager, her family moved to Los Angeles, California. There, she finished high school and won an award for having the best voice among high school seniors in Southern California.

Studying Music and Early Performances

After high school, Mary studied music at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music. She learned from a famous teacher named Gaston Usigli. Between 1948 and 1951, she appeared on radio shows with famous entertainers like Edgar Bergen. She also sang with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in concerts.

Becoming a Disney Princess

In 1952, Mary Costa met people at a party who helped her get an audition for a special role. She tried out for the voice of Princess Aurora, also known as Sleeping Beauty, in Disney's animated film Sleeping Beauty.

Walt Disney's Call

Just a few hours after her audition, Walt Disney himself called her. He told her that she had won the part! This was a huge moment in her career.

Opera Performances Around the World

Mary Costa became a well-known opera singer. She performed in 44 different opera roles on stages all over the world. She sang in famous places like the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Royal Opera House in London. She even performed in Moscow.

Singing for Important Events

Mary also appeared on many television shows. She sang with Bing Crosby and was honored as one of the "Women of the Year" on a special show hosted by Frank Sinatra.

Singing for a President

In 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy asked Mary Costa to sing at a memorial service. This service was for her husband, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, who had passed away. Mary sang a special song called "Libera Me" from a famous piece of music by Giuseppe Verdi. She also sang at the opening concert for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1971.

Movie Roles Beyond Disney

Besides her voice work for Disney, Mary Costa also acted in other movies. In 1972, she starred in The Great Waltz, a movie about the life of a famous composer. She also appeared in films like The Big Caper (1957) and Marry Me Again (1953).

Personal Life

Mary Costa married cartoonist and screenwriter Frank Tashlin in 1953. They later divorced in 1966.

Later Years and Inspiring Others

Mary Costa retired from acting in 2014. Since then, she has spent her time inspiring young people. She gives motivational talks at schools and colleges across the country. She also supports efforts to prevent child abuse.

Continuing Her Disney Connection

Mary still makes special appearances for Disney. She has helped promote the Blu-ray release of Sleeping Beauty and the film's 50th anniversary.

Awards and Recognition

Mary Costa has received many awards for her amazing career.

• In 1999, she was named a Disney Legend. Her handprints are now a permanent part of the Disney Legends Plaza.
• In 2000, she was chosen as the Tennessee Woman of Distinction.
• In 2003, President George W. Bush appointed her to the National Council on the Arts.
• She has received honorary degrees from several colleges, including Carson–Newman College and the University of Tennessee.
• In 2007, she was inducted into the Knoxville Opera Hall of Fame.
• In 2015, she received Tennessee's Governor's Arts Award.
• In 2021, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts, one of the highest honors for artists in the United States.

Mary Costa has continued to connect with her fans. However, in 2020, she announced that she would no longer be able to reply to fan mail directly because she received so much of it, especially after her 90th birthday.

Filmography

Television Shows

Movies

Awards and Honors

See also

In Spanish: Mary Costa para niños