Julie Andrews Through the Years Is Sweeter Than a Spoonful of Sugar

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It’s tough to know what to say when you want to compliment one of the most famous and well-loved performers ever. How do you even begin to find the perfect words to express your admiration?

Well, when that star is Julie Andrews… snap, the job’s a game.

The British actress will celebrate her 90th birthday on October 1st, and it’s rare for a performer to have such a diverse career. She’s spent decades acting on stage and in films, and more recently, she’s become a successful children’s book author, podcaster, Bridgerton narrator, and has received numerous awards and accolades.

Honestly, when I received the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2022, I was completely overwhelmed. As I said at the time, “I don’t know where to begin,” and I truly had no idea what the evening would hold. I was just… gob-smacked, to be honest! It was such an incredible honor, and the outpouring of love and kind words was just… a lot to take in.

She then made a point of thanking “the many people who work behind the scenes and aren’t usually recognized except when their names quickly flash on the screen at the end of a film.” This highlights Andrews’ character-she’s a true Hollywood star who consistently acknowledges and appreciates the contributions of others.

One particularly famous movie role marked a significant achievement for her. After starting her film career with a nearly flawless performance as a nanny in 1964’s Mary Poppins (and receiving the Academy Award for Best Actress), Andrews next played an enthusiastic young woman training to be a nun. She arrived at her job as a governess with just a guitar and a lot of spirit in The Sound of Music.

She had already received Tony nominations for her roles as Eliza in My Fair Lady and Guinevere in Camelot on Broadway, and an Emmy nomination for starring in Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella before arriving in London-famously descending with an umbrella-but her captivating presence on film was clear to everyone.

However, by 2001, when Andrews was captivating a new audience as the Queen of Genovia in The Princess Diaries, she had stopped singing as part of her performances. This was due to permanent vocal cord damage from a 1997 surgery to remove a cyst.

It was truly heartbreaking,” she shared in a 2004 interview with the Academy of Achievement. “I deeply miss making music, but I’ve found new avenues – I now have a publishing company, give lectures, and appear in many films that don’t need vocals. I’m still working incredibly hard, and actually, I believe I’m even busier than before, which I absolutely adore. I couldn’t ask for a better situation.

Andrews continued to be highly sought after for her distinguished voice, lending her powerful yet soothing tone to films like Shrek and Despicable Me, as well as Aquaman, Bridgerton, and many other projects.

Privately, she’s a busy family woman-a mother to three daughters, including Emma Walton Hamilton from her marriage to Tony Walton, and Amy Edwards and Joanna Edwards with her late husband, Blake Edwards. She’s also a grandmother to nine and a great-grandmother to three.

Emma and her mother have written over 30 children’s books as a team. They also brought a lot of joy in 2020 with their Julie’s Library podcast, where they beautifully read their favorite books together.

Oh my gosh, seriously, we *have* to celebrate Andrews while he’s still here with us! I mean, he’s a legend! Let’s just make it a super fun, joyful day looking at pictures of his amazing life through the years – it’s the least we can do!

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2025-10-01 21:58