Adriana's early life was deeply rooted in the world of opera, as she was born into a family with a rich musical heritage. Her father, Guido, an Italian immigrant, taught music in New York City, while her mother, Maria, originally from Naples, was a talented singer who performed at the prestigious Royal Opera. Adriana's sister, Louise, also followed in their parents' footsteps, becoming a renowned opera singer and voice teacher.
At the tender age of 18, Adriana's life took an unexpected turn when she was handpicked by Walt Disney to lend her voice to the iconic character of Snow White in his groundbreaking animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Disney had been searching for a fresh and natural-sounding voice, and after hearing Adriana's, he was convinced that he had found the perfect fit. Her father, Guido, was approached by Disney to recommend any of his students who might be suitable for the role, and it was Adriana's voice that ultimately won her the part.
The decision to keep Snow White's voice a secret was a deliberate one, as Disney wanted to maintain the illusion of the character's anonymity. As a result, Adriana's voice was only featured in the film, and she did not appear in any other movie roles during her career. Even when Jack Benny requested her appearance on his radio show, Disney refused, as he owned the rights to Snow White's voice and did not want it to be used elsewhere.
Adriana's life after her time in the spotlight was marked by her pursuit of other passions. She continued to explore her love of opera, and also invested in real estate and the stock market. Despite her relatively short time in the public eye, Adriana lived a full and fulfilling life, and her legacy as the voice of Snow White continues to be celebrated to this day.
