40 Interesting Facts about Julie Andrews

Dan September 1, 2023

Dame Julie Andrews, born on October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, is a highly acclaimed British actress, singer, and author. Her career spans over seven decades and has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Andrews’ early exposure to performing arts came from her family’s vaudeville background, and she began her professional career as a child performer.

Julie Andrews gained widespread recognition for her iconic role as Maria in the 1965 film adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s musical “The Sound of Music.” Her extraordinary vocal range and captivating presence in the film solidified her status as a talented actress and singer. Prior to “The Sound of Music,” she had already made a significant impact on the stage, originating the role of Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway production of “My Fair Lady” in 1956.

Beyond her stage and film accomplishments, Julie Andrews’ collaborations with Disney were also pivotal in shaping her legacy. She lent her voice to the character of Mary Poppins in the 1964 Disney film, earning an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her contributions to the entertainment world extended to various genres, including dramatic roles, comedies, and voice acting in animated films.

In addition to her acting career, Julie Andrews is an accomplished author. She has penned numerous children’s books, as well as her critically acclaimed memoirs, providing readers with insights into her life and experiences in the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, Dame Julie Andrews has consistently displayed her exceptional talents, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Let’s take a look at these 40 interesting facts about Julie Andrews to know more about her.

1. Julie Andrews was born on October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England.
2. Her birth name is Julia Elizabeth Wells.
3. Andrews’ parents, Barbara and Ted Wells, were both vaudeville performers.
4. She began performing on stage with her parents at a very young age.
5. At age 12, she became the youngest solo performer to entertain the troops in post-World War II London.
6. Julie Andrews made her Broadway debut in 1954 in the musical “The Boy Friend.”
7. She rose to fame in 1956 when she starred as Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway production of “My Fair Lady.”
8. Andrews was passed over for the film adaptation of “My Fair Lady” in favor of Audrey Hepburn, which led to her iconic role in “Mary Poppins.”
9. Her role as Mary Poppins in the 1964 Disney film earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
10. Andrews has a four-octave vocal range and is known for her clear and distinctive singing voice.
11. She starred in the film “The Sound of Music” in 1965, which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
12. In 1967, Julie Andrews starred in the musical film “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
13. She appeared in various successful films during the 1970s, including “Victor Victoria” (1982) and “10” (1979).
14. Andrews has received numerous awards, including Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.
15. She was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2000.
16. Andrews was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2007.
17. She is known for her warm and gracious demeanor, both on and off-screen.
18. In addition to acting and singing, Andrews is a talented whistler.
19. She underwent vocal cord surgery in 1997, which affected her singing voice.
20. Andrews has made a successful transition to voice acting, lending her voice to characters in animated films like “Shrek” and “Despicable Me.”
21. She appeared in “The Princess Diaries” film series as Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
22. Julie Andrews is an accomplished author, with children’s books like “The Very Fairy Princess” series and her memoirs “Home” and “Home Work.”
23. She directed stage productions, including a revival of “The Boy Friend” and “Putting It Together.”
24. Andrews was married to set designer Tony Walton from 1959 to 1967. They have a daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton.
25. She married director Blake Edwards in 1969, and they remained together until his death in 2010. They had two children, Joanna and Jennifer.
26. Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton have co-authored several children’s books.
27. She was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2001.
28. Andrews appeared in a special guest role on the television show “The Office.”
29. She received the George and Ira Gershwin Award for Lifetime Musical Achievement in 2009.
30. Andrews is an advocate for literacy and education, especially for children.
31. She was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).
32. Andrews is a co-founder of the charity “Operation USA,” which provides aid to communities around the world.
33. She underwent hip surgery in 2010 due to wear and tear from her active career.
34. In 2015, she released a memoir co-written with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, titled “Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years.”
35. Andrews starred in the Netflix original series “Julie’s Greenroom,” aimed at teaching children about the performing arts.
36. She has received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
37. Andrews has been an inspiration to generations of performers, especially aspiring actresses and singers.
38. She has been known for her impeccable diction and delivery, which contributed to her success in both theater and film.
39. Julie Andrews remains active in the entertainment industry, making occasional appearances in various projects.
40. Her contributions to the world of entertainment have left an enduring legacy, making her an icon beloved by audiences around the world.

Julie Andrews stands as an iconic figure whose multifaceted talents have left an indelible mark on stage, screen, and literature. With her remarkable singing voice, charismatic presence, and warm personality, she has enchanted audiences for decades. Her ability to transition seamlessly between musicals, dramas, comedies, and voice acting showcases her versatility and enduring appeal. Beyond her artistic achievements, Andrews’ commitment to education, charity work, and advocacy demonstrates her profound impact on society. With a legacy spanning generations, Julie Andrews remains a beloved and cherished figure whose contributions continue to inspire, entertain, and uplift people all around the world.