Julie Andrews turns 80

Good wishes poured in from around the world as actress Julie Andrews, the star of iconic movies like ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Mary Poppins’, turned 80 on Oct 1.

Disney tweeted, wishing her “a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” birthday.

Whether playing a nanny or a queen – or just being a 12-year-old prodigy – Andrews brought an infectious charm to all of her roles, and she still exudes the same beauty and poise as ever.  

Andrews became a household name after she burst on the screen in ‘Mary Poppins’, followed by her unforgettable role as Maria von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music’. Her portrayal as everyone’s favourite British nanny won her an Oscar for Best Actress in 1965.

Born in 1935 in Walton-on-Thames, England as Julia Elizabeth Wells, she took singing lessons to keep busy during World War II - and her five-octave vocal range was discovered.

By age 12, she wowed an audience at the London Hippodrome performing a difficult operatic aria as part of the ‘Starlight Roof’ revue.

She went on to appear in a variety of shows - including ‘Cinderella’ and ‘The Boy Friend’ - which led to her stage role as Eliza Doolittle in ‘My Fair Lady’.

Filmmaker Walt Disney first spotted her in the early 1960s when she was starring as Queen Guinevere in ‘Camelot’ on Broadway. He then offered her the title role in his upcoming film, ‘Mary Poppins’.

More recently, she has starred in ‘The Princess Diaries’ - and she has also voiced Princess Fiona’s mother in the ‘Shrek’ films.

Earlier this year, ‘The Sound of Music’ marked the 50th anniversary of its release.

Source: Agencies

Julie Andrews turns 80

Good wishes poured in from around the world as actress Julie Andrews, the star of iconic movies like The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, turned 80 on Oct 1. Disney tweeted, wishing her a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious birthday. Whether playing a nanny or a queen or just being a 12-year-old prodigy Andrews brought an infectious charm to all of her roles, and she still exudes the same beauty and poise as ever. Andrews became a household name after she burst on the screen in Mary Poppins, followed by her unforgettable role as Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Her portrayal as everyones favourite British nanny won her an Oscar for Best Actress in 1965. Born in 1935 in Walton-on-Thames, England as Julia Elizabeth Wells, she took singing lessons to keep busy during World War II - and her five-octave vocal range was discovered. By age 12, she wowed an audience at the London Hippodrome performing a difficult operatic aria as part of the Starlight Roof revue. She went on to appear in a variety of shows - including Cinderella and The Boy Friend - which led to her stage role as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Filmmaker Walt Disney first spotted her in the early 1960s when she was starring as Queen Guinevere in Camelot on Broadway. He then offered her the title role in his upcoming film, Mary Poppins. More recently, she has starred in The Princess Diaries - and she has also voiced Princess Fionas mother in the Shrek films. Earlier this year, The Sound of Music marked the 50th anniversary of its release. Source: Agencies