The Actress
Julie Andrews
Dame Julie Andrews, born Julia Elizabeth Wells on October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, is a renowned English actress, singer, and author.
Acting career
Andrews began her career on stage at a young age, making her Broadway debut in 1954 in "The Boy Friend." However, it was her iconic performance as the titular character in "Mary Poppins" (1964) that catapulted her to international fame, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Andrews continued her success with another beloved role as Maria von Trapp in the movie "The Sound of Music" (1965), further solidifying her status as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars. During the filming of The Sound of Music in Salzburg, Julie Andrews enjoyed taking short walks around the set during breaks. Throughout her career, she showcased her exceptional vocal range and acting prowess in numerous films, including "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (1967), "Victor/Victoria" (1982), and "The Princess Diaries" (2001).
Further career
In addition to her film career, Andrews has had a successful stage career, starring in various Broadway productions and earning numerous accolades, including Tony Awards for her roles in "My Fair Lady" (1956) and "Camelot" (1960).
Beyond her work in entertainment, Andrews is also a prolific author, having written several children's books and memoirs, including "Home: A Memoir of My Early Years" (2008) and "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles" (1974).
Throughout her career spanning over seven decades, Julie Andrews has become an enduring cultural icon, admired for her talent, grace, and contributions to both the stage and screen.
Did you know?
Julie Andrews met Maria von Trapp in 1964 during the filming of The Sound of Music in Salzburg. Curious about how the film would portray her life and character, Maria von Trapp visited the set at Schloss Frohnburg. It was there that she met Julie Andrews, who played her on screen. Andrews later described the meeting as “remarkable encounter.” She was struck by Maria’s lively and charismatic personality, which was quite different from the calm and gentle version she herself portrayed in the movie.
Yes and no. Julie Andrews learned a few basic guitar chords to make her playing look believable on screen, but the actual guitar music heard in the movie was recorded beforehand by professional musicians in a recording studio.
Julie Andrews and actor Christopher Plummer first met in 1964 during the filming of The Sound of Music. They quickly developed a strong connection and got along very well on set. What began as an easy working relationship soon grew into a close friendship that lasted for decades - long after the filming had ended. Their bond remained strong until Christopher Plummer’s passing in 2021. At the time, Julie Andrews released a heartfelt statement, saying:
"The world has lost a consummate actor today. I have lost a cherished friend."
Julie Andrews had her hair cut short for the filming of Mary Poppins in 1963. Since that production and The Sound of Music in 1964 were filmed only a short time apart, she didn’t have enough time to grow her hair out again for the role of Maria von Trapp. Since the producers decided against having Julie Andrews wear a wig, she appears in the movie with her naturally short hair.
Julie Andrews was 28 years old when the filming began in March 1964. Although the real Maria von Trapp was in her early twenties at the time the story takes place, Julie Andrews was considered a perfect fit for the role thanks to her charm, voice, and vibrant energy.