While musicals may not appeal to everyone, The Sound of Music remains an undeniable milestone in music and film history. Released in 1965 by RCA Victor — a legendary American label that also represented icons like Elvis Presley and Diana Ross — the soundtrack quickly became a phenomenon. It went on to dominate the UK charts, earning the title of best-selling album not just once, but in 1965, 1966, and again in 1968.
At the heart of its magic was the unmistakable voice of Julie Andrews. Cast as Maria von Trapp — the only actress director Robert Wise ever envisioned for the role — Andrews brought warmth, grace, and sincerity to the screen. Alongside the Von Trapp children, she helped tell a deeply moving story inspired by the real-life family and the 1949 book The Story of the Trapp Family Singers.
Dame Julie Andrews, who received her damehood in 2000, has enjoyed a truly extraordinary career. From her Oscar-winning turn in Mary Poppins (earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1964 and a Golden Globe the following year) to her beloved role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries and her voice work as Gru’s mother in the Despicable Me films, her legacy spans generations.
So it came as no surprise when Andrews was honored with the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award on June 9. The ceremony celebrated not only her remarkable body of work, but the joy, comfort, and inspiration she has given audiences around the world.
One especially tender moment from the tribute saw Julie softly singing along to “Do-Re-Mi” as highlights from her career played behind her. The emotion deepened when five surviving cast members who played the Von Trapp children joined her onstage for the chorus — Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta), and Kym Karath (Gretl). Together, they recreated a moment that felt like time gently folding back on itself, reminding everyone why The Sound of Music still lives in our hearts.