Julie Andrews, the Oscar-winning star of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music, turns 91 on October 1, 2026. Born on October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, Andrews has spent more than seven decades in entertainment—from her teenage stage debut in London to her Emmy-winning voice work as Lady Whistledown on Netflix’s Bridgerton.
While Andrews confirmed in August 2026 that she has retired from on-screen acting, she continues to work as an author, narrator and voice performer. On her 91st birthday, here is a comprehensive look at her life, her most famous roles and where she stands professionally today.
Julie Andrews Turns 91 Today
Julie Andrews was born on October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England. She is the daughter of a pianist mother and a stepfather who were both vaudeville performers, and she began performing at a young age alongside them.
Her professional singing debut came in 1947 at the London Hippodrome, when she was just twelve years old. By thirteen, she had performed for King George VI at the Royal Variety Show—reportedly the youngest solo performer ever to do so.
At 91, Andrews remains one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment. Her career spans stage, film, television, recording, and publishing, with major awards across multiple disciplines.
Julie Andrews’ Early Life and Rise to the Stage
Julie Andrews grew up in a household steeped in British vaudeville. Her mother, Barbara Ward Wells, was a pianist, and her stepfather, Ted Andrews, was a singer and performer. Andrews often performed with them as a child, developing the extraordinary vocal range that would define her early career.
After her professional debut at the London Hippodrome in 1947, Andrews quickly became a sought-after stage performer in Britain. At nineteen, she made her Broadway debut in The Boy Friend (1954), which brought her to American audiences for the first time.
Her theatrical breakthrough came in 1956 when she starred as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on Broadway. The role made her a theatrical legend before she turned twenty-one and established her as one of the most gifted musical performers of her generation.
Andrews followed My Fair Lady with the Broadway production of Camelot in 1960, playing Guinevere opposite Richard Burton. The role earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Musical.
Julie Andrews and Mary Poppins
In 1964, Julie Andrews made her film debut as Mary Poppins in Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins. She was 29 years old and had been passed over for the film adaptation of My Fair Lady—a role she had originated on Broadway—which went to Audrey Hepburn.
The decision to cast Andrews as the magical nanny proved transformative. Her performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1965, and she famously thanked My Fair Lady producer Jack Warner in her acceptance speech for not casting her.
Mary Poppins became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of Disney’s most beloved films. Andrews’ portrayal of the practically perfect nanny—combining warmth, wit and musical brilliance—established her as a major film star overnight. The role also earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
Retrospective critical assessment has consistently placed Andrews’ performance among the finest film debuts in Hollywood history. The film itself won five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Andrews.
The Sound of Music Made Julie Andrews a Global Star
The year after Mary Poppins, Andrews starred as Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1965), directed by Robert Wise. The film, based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, became an international sensation and remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time when adjusted for inflation.
Andrews’ performance as the spirited novice-turned-governess earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture.
The Sound of Music features some of the most recognizable songs in film history, including “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things.” Andrews’ portrayal of Maria opposite Christopher Plummer’s Captain von Trapp became a defining role of her career and introduced her to generations of viewers worldwide.
The film’s continuing popularity—through annual television airings, theatrical revivals and streaming—has kept Andrews’ performance in the cultural conversation for more than sixty years.
Julie Andrews’ Biggest Movies
| Movie | Year | Julie Andrews’ Role | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mary Poppins | 1964 | Mary Poppins | Career-defining film debut; won Academy Award for Best Actress |
| The Sound of Music | 1965 | Maria von Trapp | Global classic; Golden Globe winner; Academy Award nomination |
| Thoroughly Modern Millie | 1967 | Millie Dillmount | Major musical comedy role during her peak film years |
| Victor/Victoria | 1982 | Victoria Grant | Career reinvention; Academy Award nomination for Best Actress |
| The Princess Diaries | 2001 | Queen Clarisse Renaldi | Introduced her to a new generation of fans |
| The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement | 2004 | Queen Clarisse Renaldi | Sequel that cemented her popularity with younger audiences |
Andrews also starred in Star! (1968), Darling Lili (1970), *10* (1979), S.O.B. (1981), and Duet for One (1986), among others. Her later film work included The Tooth Fairy (2010), which marked her final on-screen acting appearance before her retirement from camera work.
Julie Andrews and The Princess Diaries
In 2001, Julie Andrews took on the role of Queen Clarisse Renaldi in The Princess Diaries, opposite Anne Hathaway. The film, directed by Garry Marshall, introduced Andrews to a new generation of viewers who may not have grown up with Mary Poppins or The Sound of Music.
The story follows Mia Thermopolis (Hathaway), a San Francisco teenager who discovers she is the heir to the throne of the fictional European kingdom of Genovia. Andrews played her regal grandmother, who trains her in the ways of royalty.
The film was a commercial success and spawned a sequel, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Andrews has spoken fondly of working with Hathaway and Marshall, describing the experience as “very enjoyable.”
In August 2026, Andrews confirmed that she would not appear in the announced third Princess Diaries film, citing her retirement from on-screen acting. “I think I’m really past all that now,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
Julie Andrews’ Voice Work and Narration
While Andrews has retired from appearing on camera, she continues to work extensively as a voice performer and narrator. This aspect of her career has become increasingly prominent in recent years.
Her most high-profile current voice role is as Lady Whistledown, the unseen narrator of Netflix’s Bridgerton. Andrews has voiced the gossip columnist since the series premiered in 2020, delivering the show’s signature narration without ever appearing on screen.
In September 2026, Andrews won her second consecutive Emmy Award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance for Bridgerton at the Creative Arts Emmys. She was not present at the ceremony, and presenter Eric Bauza accepted the award on her behalf.
Andrews has also recorded voice work for podcasts and audiobooks, and she continues to narrate projects that allow her to work from a recording studio rather than on set. In a 2022 interview, she noted that she had never met the Bridgerton cast in person, recording her lines separately from the rest of production.
Julie Andrews and Bridgerton
Julie Andrews’ connection to Bridgerton has given her a significant presence in one of Netflix’s most-watched series. She voices Lady Whistledown, the mysterious society columnist whose narrations frame each episode and provide commentary on the romantic and social intrigues of Regency-era London.
The role is entirely vocal—Andrews is never seen on screen as Lady Whistledown, and the character’s identity is revealed within the show’s narrative but not portrayed physically by Andrews.
Her work on Bridgerton has earned her multiple Emmy nominations and two consecutive wins in the Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance category, in 2025 and 2026. The 2026 win made her the oldest woman to win a Primetime Emmy Award.
Bridgerton has now won seven Emmys in total, with Andrews’ voice work contributing to two of those wins. Her involvement in the series has allowed her to remain part of a major modern television franchise without requiring on-camera work.
Julie Andrews’ Awards and Career Recognition
Julie Andrews has received major awards across film, television, music and recording. According to her official honors, she has won an Academy Award, six Golden Globes, three Grammys, two Emmys, and received a Kennedy Center Honor.
Her Academy Award win came in 1965 for Mary Poppins. She was subsequently nominated for Best Actress for The Sound of Music (1966) and Victor/Victoria (1983).
In television, Andrews won an Emmy for The Julie Andrews Hour in 1973 and has more recently won two consecutive Emmys for Bridgerton voice work. She won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for Children in 2011 for Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies.
In 2022, Andrews received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Board of Governors.
Julie Andrews’ Acting Career and Retirement From On-Screen Roles
In August 2026, Julie Andrews confirmed that she has retired from on-screen acting. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter while promoting her children’s book Shy, co-written with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, Andrews said: “I think the absolute truth is that I think I’m really past all that now.”
She clarified that she is not completely retired from entertainment. “It’s a different kind of work that I do these days—writing books, and I do a lot of recording of podcasts and voiceovers,” she said.
Andrews’ decision not to appear in the announced third Princess Diaries film was a direct consequence of this choice. She told The Hollywood Reporter that she felt the film would “flourish very well and wouldn’t need Granny going in there at my age.”
Her final on-screen acting role was in the 2010 film The Tooth Fairy, starring Dwayne Johnson. Since then, her professional work has focused on voice performances, narration, writing, and podcast appearances.
Where Is Julie Andrews Now in 2026?
As of October 1, 2026, Julie Andrews is 91 years old and remains professionally active in several areas.
Voice work: Andrews continues to voice Lady Whistledown on Bridgerton, for which she won her second consecutive Emmy in September 2026.
Writing: She has authored numerous children’s books, including Shy, released in 2026 with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton.
Podcasts and narration: Andrews has recorded voice work for podcasts and continues to take on narration projects that do not require on-camera appearances.
Documentary project: A feature-length documentary about Andrews is in production for Disney+, directed by R.J. Cutler. The film is scheduled to debut in 2027 and will feature archival footage and new interviews.
Andrews’ representatives have not disclosed details about her private life or current location, and Newz18 does not speculate on personal matters beyond her publicly documented professional activities.
Julie Andrews’ Legacy Across Generations
Julie Andrews’ career has spanned more than seventy years and reached audiences across multiple generations through different eras of entertainment.
For audiences of the 1960s, she was Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp—the singing sensation who won an Oscar for her first film and became the highest-paid actress in Hollywood. For audiences of the 2000s, she was Queen Clarisse Renaldi, the regal grandmother in The Princess Diaries films. For contemporary viewers, she is the voice of Lady Whistledown, narrating one of Netflix’s most popular series.
Her stage career, which began in London’s vaudeville halls and moved to Broadway, produced some of the most acclaimed musical performances of the twentieth century. Her recording career includes Grammy-winning spoken word albums and original cast recordings.
Documented achievements—including an Academy Award, multiple Emmys, Grammys, Golden Globes, and a Kennedy Center Honor—establish her as one of the most decorated entertainers of her era.
Julie Andrews Career Timeline
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1935 | Born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England on October 1 |
| 1947 | Professional singing debut at the London Hippodrome, age 12 |
| 1948 | Performs for King George VI at the Royal Variety Show, age 13 |
| 1954 | Broadway debut in The Boy Friend |
| 1956 | Stars as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on Broadway |
| 1960 | Stars in Camelot on Broadway; Tony Award nomination |
| 1964 | Film debut as Mary Poppins; wins Academy Award for Best Actress |
| 1965 | Stars in The Sound of Music; Golden Globe win, Oscar nomination |
| 1967 | Stars in Thoroughly Modern Millie |
| 1972–1973 | Hosts The Julie Andrews Hour; wins Emmy for Outstanding Variety Show |
| 1982 | Stars in Victor/Victoria; Academy Award nomination |
| 2001 | Stars in The Princess Diaries as Queen Clarisse Renaldi |
| 2004 | Reprises role in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement |
| 2020 | Begins voicing Lady Whistledown in Netflix’s Bridgerton |
| 2022 | Receives Academy Lifetime Achievement Award |
| 2025 | Wins Emmy for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Bridgerton) |
| 2026 | Wins second consecutive Emmy for Bridgerton; announces retirement from on-screen acting; turns 91 on October 1 |
Julie Andrews at 91 — Quick Facts
- Full name: Julie Andrews
- Born: October 1, 1935
- Age: 91
- Birthplace: Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England
- Profession: Actress, singer, author, voice performer
- Breakthrough role: Mary Poppins (1964)
- Famous roles: Mary Poppins, Maria von Trapp (The Sound of Music), Queen Clarisse Renaldi (The Princess Diaries), Lady Whistledown (Bridgerton)
- Bridgerton role: Voice of Lady Whistledown
- Current status: Retired from on-screen acting; continues voice work, writing and narration
- Major awards: Academy Award, six Golden Globes, three Grammys, two Emmys, Kennedy Center Honor
FAQ Section
How old is Julie Andrews in 2026?
Julie Andrews turned 91 on October 1, 2026. She was born on October 1, 1935.
When is Julie Andrews’ birthday?
Julie Andrews’ birthday is October 1. She was born on October 1, 1935.
When did Julie Andrews turn 91?
Julie Andrews turned 91 on October 1, 2026.
What is Julie Andrews best known for?
Julie Andrews is best known for her Academy Award-winning role as Mary Poppins (1964), her portrayal of Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1965), and more recently for voicing Lady Whistledown in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
Did Julie Andrews play Mary Poppins?
Yes. Julie Andrews starred as Mary Poppins in the 1964 Disney film, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
What role did Julie Andrews play in The Sound of Music?
Julie Andrews played Maria von Trapp in the 1965 film The Sound of Music. The performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.
Who does Julie Andrews voice in Bridgerton?
Julie Andrews voices Lady Whistledown, the unseen narrator and society columnist in Netflix’s Bridgerton. She has voiced the role since the series premiered in 2020.
Is Julie Andrews still acting?
Julie Andrews has retired from on-screen acting but continues to work in voice performance, narration, and writing. She confirmed her retirement from camera work in August 2026.
What happened to Julie Andrews’ acting career?
Julie Andrews had a prolific film career from the 1960s through the 2000s, including Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria, and The Princess Diaries. In 2026, she confirmed she would no longer take on-screen acting roles, stating she is “past all that now.”
What are Julie Andrews’ most famous movies?
Her most famous films include Mary Poppins (1964), The Sound of Music (1965), Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), Victor/Victoria (1982), The Princess Diaries (2001), and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004).
Has Julie Andrews won an Oscar?
Yes. Julie Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Mary Poppins in 1965. She was later nominated for The Sound of Music (1966) and Victor/Victoria (1983).
What is Julie Andrews doing now?
As of October 2026, Julie Andrews continues to work as a voice performer, author, and narrator. She voices Lady Whistledown on Bridgerton, writes children’s books, and records podcasts and voiceovers. A documentary about her life and career is in production for Disney+, scheduled for 2027.