About Adriana Caselotti

Adriana Hitchell Caselotti (May 16, 1916 - January 19, 1997) was an American actress best known for providing the voice behind the lead character in Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. 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. It goes without saying that Adriana herself was also vocally gifted, given her strong musical background. In the mid-1930s, Guido Caselotti was hired by Walt Disney to help cast parts in his new film. Adriana 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. 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. 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. Adriana was once quoted saying, "I know my voice will never die". Since her passing, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has become one of the most well-known Disney movies, assuring her voice--and herself--immortality.