Not everyone is a fan of musicals, but it’s hard to deny the magic of The Sound of Music. Released in 1965, its soundtrack became a global phenomenon — even topping the UK charts in 1965, 1966, and again in 1968. At the heart of it all was Julie Andrews, whose warm and unforgettable voice as Maria Von Trapp turned the story into a timeless treasure.
Director Robert Wise knew right away that Andrews was the only choice for Maria, and he was right. Her performance, alongside the Von Trapp children, brought the true story of the Austrian family to life, inspired by the 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
Julie’s career, of course, stretches far beyond The Sound of Music. She charmed the world in Mary Poppins — earning an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Actress — and later became beloved again as Queen Clarisse in The Princess Diaries. Even younger generations know her voice as Gru’s mom in Despicable Me. In 2000, her contributions to the arts were recognized when she was made Dame Julie Andrews.
This June, Andrews received one of Hollywood’s highest honors: the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award. The evening was filled with touching tributes, but one moment stood out above all.
As clips of The Sound of Music played, Julie softly sang along to “Do-Re-Mi,” smiling as the audience joined in. Then came the surprise — the five remaining actors who played the Von Trapp children stepped on stage. Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta), and Kym Karath (Gretl) walked forward, their voices blending once more with Julie’s in a chorus that made the hall feel like 1965 all over again.
Julie’s face lit up, her joy filling the room as her “children” wrapped her in music and memory. For fans watching, it was more than just a performance — it was a reunion of hearts, a reminder of how deeply these songs and stories are woven into our lives.
Spanning more than seven decades, Julie Andrews’ career has given the world countless reasons to smile, sing, and dream. Whether on stage, on screen, or through her books, she remains one of the most cherished voices of all time. And in that moment, surrounded by her Sound of Music family, it was clear: Maria Von Trapp — and Julie Andrews — will never leave our hearts.