Julie Andrews, a name that resonates with grace and talent, was born and raised in England under circumstances that would ultimately lead to the unraveling of her family. Born in 1935 following her mother’s affair, Julie Andrews’ early life was marked by emotional turbulence, culminating in her parents’ divorce during the 1940s. As a child, she moved back and forth between both parents, enduring a challenging and unstable upbringing. Yet, even amid those difficulties, Julie Andrews found solace and strength in performance—so much so that she eventually sang for the King and Queen of England as a young teenager, a remarkable feat that hinted at the extraordinary path ahead.
By the time she was under 20, Julie Andrews had already made her way to Broadway, showcasing the kind of determination and skill that would define her career. Her big break on television came with the live broadcast of Cinderella on CBS in 1957, a performance that earned Julie Andrews an Emmy nomination and introduced her radiant charm to a wide American audience. But it was her collaboration with Disney that truly catapulted her into stardom. Starring as the beloved nanny in Mary Poppins (1964), Julie Andrews delivered a performance so iconic that she won the Academy Award for Best Actress—an incredible achievement for her film debut.
Not one to rest on her laurels, Julie Andrews followed up this triumph with another classic just a year later: The Sound of Music (1965). Though she didn’t win the Oscar this time, the film itself took home the Academy Award for Best Picture, further cementing Julie Andrews as a leading lady of both musical theater and cinema. The rest of the 1960s saw her take on diverse roles—from the spirited flapper in Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) to a tense espionage role in Alfred Hitchcock’s Torn Curtain (1966)—proving that Julie Andrews was far more than just a singing sensation.
The 1970s, however, brought some professional setbacks. After the box office disappointment of Darling Lili (1970), Julie Andrews ventured into television with The Julie Andrews Hour (ABC, 1972–73), a variety show that, despite critical praise, lasted only one season. Though she continued to appear in ABC specials and other one-off performances, the decade didn’t offer the same level of success she had enjoyed before. Still, Julie Andrews wasn’t one to fade quietly. The 1980s marked a strong comeback, with standout roles in films like 10 (1979), the satirical SOB (1981), the daring Victor/Victoria (1982), and heartfelt dramas such as That’s Life! (1986) and Duet for One (1986).
Beyond acting, Julie Andrews’ voice—once considered one of the most beautiful in entertainment—graced countless television specials. Her holiday special, Julie Andrews: The Sound of Christmas (ABC, 1987), won multiple Emmys and reminded audiences why her name was synonymous with elegance and vocal mastery. In the early ‘90s, she returned to prime-time television with Julie (ABC, 1992), though the series, like her earlier variety effort, was short-lived.
Tragedy struck in 1997 when Julie Andrews lost her singing voice due to complications from throat surgery—a devastating blow for someone whose identity was so closely tied to music. Yet, even without her once-celebrated soprano, Julie Andrews remained a towering figure in the arts. In recognition of her immense contributions, she was named Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II, a well-deserved honor that celebrated her enduring legacy.
As the new millennium began, Julie Andrews experienced a modest but meaningful career revival. Her role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries (2001) alongside Anne Hathaway charmed a new generation, leading to a sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). She also lent her distinctive voice to animated hits like Shrek 2 (2004), Enchanted (2007), and Despicable Me (2010), proving her appeal across age groups and genres. In 2017, Julie Andrews expanded her reach to children’s programming with Julie’s Greenroom on Netflix, a show that combined education and performance, reflecting her lifelong passion for the arts. Even in her later years, she made memorable appearances, including a voice role in Aquaman (2018).
Throughout it all, Julie Andrews has remained a symbol of resilience, artistry, and timeless charm—her name forever etched in the annals of entertainment history.
When it comes to Julie Andrews’s career highlights, one name that consistently stands out is Victor/Victoria (1982), which happens to be her highest-rated film. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised Julie Andrews for her remarkable performance in this musical comedy, solidifying its place as a standout in her impressive body of work. On the other hand, when we look at the lower end of the spectrum, the movie Unconditional Love (2002) receives notably less acclaim—making it Julie Andrews’s lowest rated project to date. While Julie Andrews brings her signature charm even to lesser-known roles, it’s clear that Julie Andrews shines brightest in films like Victor/Victoria, where her talent truly takes center stage.