Adriana Caselotti
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| Adriana Caselotti | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 16, 1916 Bridgeport, Connecticut |
| Died | January 19, 1997 (aged 80) Los Angeles, California |
Adriana Hitchell Caselotti (May 16, 1916 - January 19, 1997) was an American actress and singer, perhaps best known for providing the voice behind the lead character in Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
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[edit] Biography
[edit] Early life
Adriana was born into a home full of song. Her father Guido Caselotti, an immigrant from Italy, was a teacher of music and a vocal coach. Her mother, Maria Caselotti (from Naples), was a singer in the Royal Opera. Her older sister Louise was also quite musical; she gave voice lessons and sang opera.
[edit] Career
In the mid-1930s, Guido Caselotti was hired by Walt Disney to help cast parts in his new film. She made a conscious decision to not appear in any other films following Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in order to not "spoil the illusion of Snow White". The only other work she did following her premiere was an uncredited role in The Wizard of Oz, as the voice of Juliet during the Tin-Man's song, "If I Only had a Heart".
She did, however, do a few promotional spots for Snow White, signing memorabilia. In 1973, she appeared on an episode of The Julie Andrews Hour saluting the music of Walt Disney, singing I'm Wishing with Julie Andrews. She also made a guest appearance on the syndicated Mike Douglas show. Later in her life, she sold autographs. She also made an attempt at an opera career. In the early 1990s, when the Snow White Grotto at Disneyland was refurbished, Caselotti re-recorded "I'm Wishing" for the Snow White Wishing Well at the age of 75.
[edit] Marriage
She was married four times. Adriana's first husband was Robert Chard, whom she married in 1945. The marriage ended in divorce. Adriana later met bit actor Norval Mitchell, whom she married in 1952. He retired after marrying her, but later died in 1972. The same year, she married Dr Dana Costigan, who later died. Her last husband was Florian St Pierre, who later divorced her.
[edit] Death and legacy
Eleven years before her death, Adriana was diagnosed with cancer in her left breast, which she eventually had removed. In 1996, she again developed cancer - this time, in her lungs. On January 19, 1997, Adriana Caselotti died at home of respiratory failure. She was 80 years old. Her body was cremated, and the ashes were scattered in the waters of Newport Beach.[citation needed] Adriana was once quoted saying, "I know my voice will never die". Today, she has many surviving relatives ranging all over the country. The most well known, is the budding young actor Isaac Josephthal.
[edit] Salary
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - 970 dollars
- The Wizard of Oz - 100 dollars
