Julie Andrews: Biography

Julie Andrews
Birth Name:
Julia Elizabeth Wells

Born:
Oct 1, 1935 in Walton-On-Thames, England

Genres:
Holiday Music, Standards & Vocal Music, Show Tunes, Traditional Pop Vocal Music

Decades Active:
1940's|1950's|1960's|1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's


Artistic Quality
Medium
Cultural Impact
High
Popularity
High



During her five decades in show business, on the stage, radio, and in cinema versions of The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews perfected the image of the classic Englishwoman: refined, elegant, and more than a bit eccentric. Born in 1935, she began her career as part of her parents' variety show when she was just ten years old. Two years later, Andrews made her stage debut in +Starlight Roof, and began working as a radio actor for the BBC not long after. On Broadway for +The Boy Friend in 1954, she became available for Lerner Loewe's +My Fair Lady, and accepted the spot opposite Rex Harrison. Reprising her role in London, Andrews then returned to New York to star with Richard Burton in +Camelot. Disappointed that she was passed over for the film versions of both (for Audrey Hepburn and Vanessa Redgrave, respectively), Andrews nevertheless gained an Oscar for her 1964 performance in Mary Poppins, with Dick Van Dyke. (The duo also reached number 66 on the pop charts with "Super-Cali-Fragil-Istic-Expi-Ali-Docious.") Her later film musicals include Thoroughly Modern Millie, Victor/Victoria, and Star, though none were as successful as The Sound of Music (1965). Soundtracks of all of the above are available, as well as several Christmas albums and a live appearance at ~the Lincoln Center with Carol Burnett. Andrews has also appeared in standard film roles, in 10 and S.O.B.

- John Bush, All Music Guide

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