Ilene Woods

Ilene Woods (June 5, 1929 – August 1, 2010) was an American actress, singer, and voice actress whose career spanned several decades of entertainment history. She is best remembered for providing the voice of Cinderella in Walt Disney's 1950 animated masterpiece 'Cinderella,' a role that required not only exceptional singing ability but also the capacity to convey emotional depth through vocal performance alone. Woods' rendition of 'A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes' became one of the most beloved songs in Disney canon, and her performance as Cinderella helped establish the template for Disney Princess characterization. Born in Springfield, Illinois, Woods began her entertainment career in radio and musical theater before transitioning to animation. Beyond her iconic Disney role, she appeared in various films and television shows, and worked as a voice actress on other animated projects. Her contribution to 'Cinderella' proved timeless; the film was re-released multiple times throughout her lifetime and continues to enchant new generations of viewers. Woods received recognition for her artistry, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her legacy as the original voice of one of the world's most famous fictional characters ensures that Ilene Woods remains an integral part of animation history and Disney's cultural impact on global entertainment.