Adriana Caselotti(1916-1997)

Adriana was born into an operatic family. Her father Guido, an immigrant from Italy, taught music in New York City. Her mother Maria, originally from Naples, sang at the Royal Opera. Her sister Louise was a noted opera singer & voice teacher. At 18, she was chosen by Walt Disney to voice Snow White in his first full-length animated feature Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains (1937). He had been looking for a fresh as well as natural voice & asked her father if any of his students might be suitable. Upon hearing Adriana's voice, he realized his search was over. In the days of studio contracts & indenture, Walt wanted to keep the mystery of Snow White's voice, so except for a bit part in Le Magicien d'Oz (1939), she didn't do any other film work. When Jack Benny wished to have her appear on his radio show, Walt refused-he owned the voice & it couldn't be used anywhere else. She tried opera singing, invested in real estate & the stock market while living a full life.