Ilene Woods
Jacqueline Ruth "Ilene" Woods (May 5, 1929 – July 1, 2010) was an American singer and actress who voiced Cinderella in the 1950 Disney movie.[1]
Ilene Woods | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Jacqueline Ruth Woods May 5, 1929 |
| Died | July 1, 2010 (aged 81) |
| Cause of death | Alzheimer's disease |
| Occupation(s) | Actress, singer |
| Years active | 1944–2004 |
| Spouse | Ed Shaughnessy (1963–2010; her death) |
| Awards | Disney Legend (2003) |
Early life
Woods was born on May 5, 1929 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. As a child Woods was led into singing by her mother.[2] By the age of 11, Woods had her own radio show. [1]
Career
In 1948, at the age of 18, Woods recorded several songs for friends Mack David and Jerry Livingston.[3] The songs ("Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo", "So This is Love", and "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes") were then played for Walt Disney. He chose Woods out of 300 other girls to play the part of Cinderella for the Disney movie Cinderella.[3] Recording the part took about 2 years, working off and on.[3]
Later years
Woods was first married to Stephen Steck Jr. They had one child, a daughter named Stephanie.[1] After a divorce, in 1963 she married Ed Shaughnessy. They had two sons, James and Daniel.[1][4] In 2003 she was recognized as a Disney Legend for her work in Cinderella.[4]
Death
Woods died on July 1, 2010 from causes related to Alzheimer's disease in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, California.[1] She was 81.[1]
References
- Mclellan, Dennis. "Ilene Woods dies at 81; voice of Disney's Cinderella". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- "Ilene Woods, Voice of Disney's Cinderella dead at 81". CNN. 2010-07-02. Retrieved 2010-07-02.
- Hicks, Chris. "Landing coveted Disney role was Cinderella story for voice actress". Deseret News. Archived from the original on 2015-07-03. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- "Disney Legends bio". Disney. Retrieved 2011-03-28.