Ilene Woods was the original voice of Cinderella which was released back in 1950 – but still remains one of the brand’s most famous and loved films to this day12:21, 04 Mar 2025Updated 12:28, 04 Mar 2025Cinderella’s Curse: Official trailerAs Cinderella celebrates it’s 75 anniversary, we’re taking a look into the life and death of the actress that voiced the iconic Disney princess. Ilene Woods was the voice behind the character which is still cherished til this day.The singer, who was named a Disney Legend in 2003, passed away in July 2010 when she was 81 from causes related to Alzheimer’s disease at a nursing and rehabilitation center in Canoga Park, California.Her husband, Ed Shaughnessy, the former longtime drummer, confirmed the news and revealed she suffered from the disease during the later years of her life. Unfortunately, the star was unable to remember that she had played Cinderella towards the end of her life but her nurses claimed she was soothed by the song A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes.Sadly there was no funeral service for the actress, due to her own wishes, according Los Angeles Times. But she still leaves her mark on the world as new generations of fans learn about the film.Ilene played Cinderella in the Disney originalWhen she was first cast as the lead role, she beat out 300 singers to the post after Walt loved her demo tape so much he called her himself. In 2005, she spoke about playing the princess to the Houston Chronicle and said: “I loved doing the character.”When my dad saw the movie, he said he saw me in the facial expressions, hand movements and mannerisms. Marc Davis, who animated [the Cinderella character], would watch me record and picked up on things.”Disney CinderellaAfter Cinderella, she went on to work in TV and appeared on the Perry Como and Garry Moore shows. In 1963, she married her second husband and drummer Ed Shaughnessy. Her first marriage took place when she was 17 and ended in divorce.After tying the knot, she retired from the spot light, aside from various Disney fan events where she would partake. She also focused her efforts on being a spokeswoman for the charity United Cerebral Palsy.Ilene went on to explore a career in TVArticle continues belowIlene was modestly proud of her contribution to Cinderella and once said: “I didn’t realise what I had until, many years later, an agent said, ‘Ilene, that’s the longest engagement you will ever have, because as long as children are born and movies are shown, they’ll be hearing your voice.'”Ilene is survived by her son, Daniel Shaughnessy, her daughter from her first marriage, Stephanie Pagoto and three grandchildren.Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter. More