The Timeless Evolution of Julie Andrews: From ‘Sound of Music’ to ‘Bridgerton’ and Beyond

Julie Andrews has been captivating audiences for many years, stealing their hearts along the way.

Originally known as Julia Elizabeth Wells, this talented actress began her journey from modest beginnings. However, it was her breakthrough on Broadway in September 1954, shortly before turning 19, that truly launched her into stardom. Portraying Polly Browne in The Boy Friend, Andrews' impeccable performance not only garnered the admiration of the audience but also industry professionals, propelling her towards an overwhelmingly triumphant career.

Andrews eventually made her way to the silver screen, securing the lead roles in the iconic films The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.

Originally from England, this three-time Grammy winner has had her fair share of ups and downs in her personal life. In November 1962, the Netflix star joyfully welcomed her daughter Emma into the world with her first husband, Tony Walton, a talented set designer. However, their marriage unfortunately came to an end in 1967 after less than a decade together.

Andrews married her second husband, the deceased director Blake Edwards, in 1969 and later welcomed two daughters from Vietnam into their family. Amelia was adopted in 1974 and Joanna in 1975.

Continue scrolling to revisit some of Andrews' notable career achievements:

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Julie Andrews Through the Years: From 'Sound of Music' to 'Bridgerton'

Julie Andrews has been stealing viewers’ hearts for decades.

Julia Elizabeth Wells, the actress, started from humble beginnings and achieved a breakthrough on Broadway in September 1954, shortly before turning 19. Her portrayal of Polly Browne in The Boy Friend garnered widespread acclaim from both the audience and industry professionals, marking the beginning of her immensely prosperous career.

Subsequently, Andrews ventured onto the silver screen, securing the leading roles in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins.

The English-born artist, who has won three Grammy Awards, has had both triumphs and challenges in her personal life. She became a mother in November 1962 to her daughter Emma, whom she had with her former husband, Tony Walton, a set designer. Their marriage ended in 1967 after less than a decade.

In 1969, Andrews married her second husband, the late director Blake Edwards, and together they adopted two daughters from Vietnam: Amelia in 1974 and Joanna in 1975.

Keep scrolling for a look back at Andrews’ career highlights:

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1954

Andrews's first appearance on Broadway was as Polly Browne in The Boy Friend, a musical that takes place in the French Riviera during the 1920s. The initial run of the show lasted for over 2,000 performances.

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1956

After her appearance in The Boy Friend, Andrews gained attention in the theater industry, catching the eye of Richard Rodgers, who extended an offer for her to play the coveted role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. This iconic production made its debut on Broadway in March 1956 and received enthusiastic acclaim from critics.

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1957

The actress, who was nominated for an Emmy for her performance in the TV musical adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, recently unveiled her debut solo album titled The Lass with the Delicate Air.

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1964

When Mary Poppins premiered, Andrews showcased her exceptional talent and asserted her ability to captivate audiences on both stage and screen. The Disney film received five Oscar nominations, with Andrews emerging victorious in the category of best actress. Moreover, her outstanding performance earned her the prestigious Golden Globe award. Not only that, but the entire cast also received the Grammy for Best Album for Children in 1965, solidifying the film's remarkable success.

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1965

Andrews' popularity soared even further with the release of The Sound of Music, a film that achieved great success in 1965. This movie not only earned her a second Golden Globe victory but also a nomination for best actress at the Academy Awards.

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1972

In 1967, she assumed the lead role in Thoroughly Modern Millie and subsequently ventured into television by hosting her own variety show, The Julie Andrews Hour. Although the series aired for just one season on ABC, it earned an impressive seven Emmys.

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1982

Andrews was once again joined by her The Americanization of Emily co-star James Garner in Victor/Victoria, a delightful musical comedy that eventually made its way to Broadway. This performance not only earned her another prestigious Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy but also garnered her a nomination for Best Actress at the 1982 Oscars. Unfortunately, the coveted award went to none other than the incredible Meryl Streep for her unforgettable performance in Sophie's Choice.

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1997

In the midst of Victor/Victoria's successful run on Broadway, Andrews had to temporarily withdraw from the production due to vocal surgery. Although she initially refuted claims of cancer or vocal nodules being the reason, her singing abilities were altered post-surgery, leading her to file a malpractice lawsuit against her surgeons. The lawsuit reached a settlement in September 2000.

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2001

Andrews was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in the same year The Princess Diaries was released in theaters. In the film, she played the role of Queen Clarisse Marie Renaldi, the beloved grandmother of Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway). Andrews would later reprise this iconic role three years later in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

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2007

The Tooth Fairy actress was given the Screen Actors Guild’s Lifetime Achievement Award shortly before being named one of The Times’ top 10 British actresses of all time.

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2010

Andrews’ second husband died in December 2010 after experiencing complications from pneumonia. The duo were married for more than 40 years.

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2015

The actress from the show Julie’s Greenroom pleasantly surprised the audience during the 87th Academy Awards by bringing onstage Lady Gaga. The renowned singer delivered a mesmerizing medley from The Sound of Music, marking the 50th anniversary of its release.

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2019

Andrews' Hollywood journey is laid bare in her second memoir, Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years, offering devoted followers an intimate glimpse into her extraordinary career that spanned several decades. Earlier, in 2008, she unveiled Home: A Memoir of My Early Years.

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2020

The British star provided the voice of Lady Whistledown on Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton.

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2022

Andrews, renowned for her portrayal of a royal matriarch in The Princess Diaries, conveyed a heartfelt message following the demise of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022. "Today marks a significant turning point in history," she penned emotionally. "Like countless others, I grieve the loss of our cherished Queen Elizabeth II. It feels as if we have bid farewell to a dear friend: a devoted Monarch who enriched our lives with her love, sagacity, and elegance. May we honor her memory by upholding the principles she exemplified for herself and her nation."

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2023

Andrews stepped out at fellow acting icon Carol Burnett’s 90th birthday television special, which was taped in March.