Career Timeline of Julie Andrews: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Julie Andrews made an impact.

Dame Julie Andrews is a highly acclaimed English actress, singer, and author whose career spans over eight decades. She has received numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, BAFTA, Emmys, Grammys, and Golden Globes. Andrews was a major box office draw in the 1960s and has been recognized with Kennedy Center Honors, a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and an AFI Life Achievement Award. In 2000, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to the performing arts.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1945: Stage Performances with Parents

Beginning in 1945, Julie Andrews began performing spontaneously and unbilled on stage with her parents.

October 1947: Professional Solo Debut

On October 22, 1947, at the age of 12, Julie Andrews made her professional solo debut at the London Hippodrome, singing "Je suis Titania" from Mignon.

November 1948: Royal Variety Performance

On November 1, 1948, Julie Andrews became the youngest solo performer in a Royal Variety Performance before King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at the London Palladium.

1948: West End Appearance

In 1948, Julie Andrews appeared in the West End as a child actress and singer, marking an early stage in her career.

October 1949: Television Début

Reportedly, on 8 October 1949, Julie Andrews made her television début on the BBC programme RadiOlympia Showtime.

1950: Educating Archie

From 1950 to 1952, Julie Andrews was a cast member in "Educating Archie", a BBC Light Programme comedy show.

1952: First Film and Voice-Over Work

In 1952, Julie Andrews voiced Princess Zeila in the English dub of the Italian animated movie "La Rosa di Bagdad" (renamed "The Singing Princess"), marking her first film and voice-over work.

September 1954: Broadway Debut in The Boy Friend

On 30 September 1954, Julie Andrews made her Broadway debut as Polly Browne in the London musical "The Boy Friend".

1954: Broadway Debut

In 1954, Julie Andrews made her Broadway Debut.

November 1955: Filming High Tor

In November 1955, Julie Andrews filmed "High Tor" in Los Angeles with Bing Crosby, which was her first screen project.

March 1956: My Fair Lady Opens on Broadway

On March 15, 1956, "My Fair Lady" opened on Broadway at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, becoming a huge success for Julie Andrews.

July 1956: Ed Sullivan Show Appearance

On July 15, 1956, Julie Andrews guest-starred on "The Ed Sullivan Show".

1956: My Fair Lady

In 1956, Julie Andrews starred as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" on Broadway, which brought her significant recognition.

March 1957: Cinderella Broadcast

On March 31, 1957, the Rodgers and Hammerstein television musical "Cinderella", written specifically for Julie Andrews, was broadcast live on CBS.

1957: Cinderella Television Musical

In 1957, Julie Andrews starred in the Rodgers and Hammerstein television musical "Cinderella", showcasing her talent on television.

1960: Camelot

In 1960, Julie Andrews starred as Queen Guinevere in "Camelot" on Broadway, another significant role in her stage career.

June 1962: Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall

In June 1962, Julie Andrews co-starred with Carol Burnett in "Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall", a CBS special.

1962: Television Special with Carol Burnett

In 1962, Julie Andrews collaborated with Carol Burnett on a television special, marking one of their well-known partnerships.

1962: Won the role of Mary Poppins

In 1962, Julie Andrews won the role of Mary Poppins.

1962: My Fair Lady Film Casting

In 1962, casting began for the film adaptation of "My Fair Lady", but Julie Andrews was not cast due to a lack of name recognition.

1963: Begins work in Mary Poppins

In 1963, Julie Andrews began working in the titular role of Disney's musical film, Mary Poppins, after Walt Disney offered her the role following her performance in Camelot. Despite initially declining due to pregnancy, Disney insisted and waited for her. P. L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins, contacted her, commenting on her appearance. During production, Andrews developed her portrayal instinctually, creating the character's background and mannerisms.

1964: Mary Poppins Film Debut

In 1964, Julie Andrews made her film debut playing the title role in Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins", launching her film career.

1964: Stars in The Americanization of Emily and begins filming The Sound of Music

In 1964, Julie Andrews starred in "The Americanization of Emily" opposite James Garner and filming for "The Sound of Music" began in Salzburg, Austria. She took the role in "The Americanization of Emily" to avoid typecasting.

1964: The Americanization of Emily Release

In 1964, Julie Andrews starred in "The Americanization of Emily", one of her early film roles, directed by Arthur Hiller.

1964: Worked alongside Dick Van Dyke on Mary Poppins

In 1964, Julie Andrews worked alongside Dick Van Dyke in the film Mary Poppins.

November 1965: The Julie Andrews Show airs on NBC-TV

In November 1965, "The Julie Andrews Show", featuring Gene Kelly and the New Christy Minstrels as guests, aired on NBC-TV, later winning an Emmy Award.

1965: The Sound of Music release

In 1965, "The Sound of Music" was released and became the highest-grossing film of the year. Andrews admitted she initially considered the musical "rather saccharine" before being cast.

1965: Wins Academy Award for Best Actress

In 1965, Julie Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mary Poppins. The film, a major success, received thirteen nominations and won five awards. She also received a Golden Globe Award and a Grammy Award for her work on the film, gaining recognition as a measure of "sweet revenge".

1966: Hawaii & Torn Curtain

In 1966, Julie Andrews starred in the film "Hawaii" directed by George Roy Hill and "Torn Curtain" directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

1967: Stars in Thoroughly Modern Millie

In 1967, Julie Andrews played the titular character in Thoroughly Modern Millie. She described the film as a "pleasant distraction" after the death of her stepfather. The film was a box office success and earned Andrews a Golden Globe nomination.

1967: Thoroughly Modern Millie Release

In 1967, Julie Andrews starred in "Thoroughly Modern Millie", directed by George Roy Hill.

1968: Concept of Darling Lili pitched

In 1968, Blake Edwards pitched the concept of Darling Lili to Julie Andrews two years prior to the start of production. She prerecorded original songs for the film with Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer.

1968: Stars in Star!

In 1968, Julie Andrews starred in Star!, a biopic of Gertrude Lawrence. She experienced insecurity during production and found the musical numbers physically and mentally grueling. Despite mixed reviews, her performance was nominated for a Golden Globe.

1969: Shares spotlight with Harry Belafonte

In 1969, Julie Andrews shared the spotlight with singer Harry Belafonte for an NBC-TV special, "An Evening with Julie Andrews and Harry Belafonte."

1970: Stars in Darling Lili

In 1970, Julie Andrews starred in Darling Lili, co-starring Rock Hudson and directed by her second husband, Blake Edwards. The film was one of Hollywood's most expensive flops.

1971: Guest appearance at Walt Disney World grand opening

In 1971, Julie Andrews appeared as a guest for the Grand Opening Special of Walt Disney World. Also, she and Carol Burnett headlined a CBS special, Julie and Carol At Lincoln Center.

1971: Second Television Special with Carol Burnett

In 1971, Julie Andrews collaborated with Carol Burnett on a second television special.

1972: Stars in The Julie Andrews Hour

In 1972, Julie Andrews starred in her own television variety series, The Julie Andrews Hour, on the ABC network.

1973: Continues association with ABC

Between 1973 and 1975, Julie Andrews continued her association with ABC by headlining five variety specials for the network.

1973: The Julie Andrews Hour

In 1973, Julie Andrews starred in her variety special, "The Julie Andrews Hour", and received a Primetime Emmy Award for it.

1974: The Tamarind Seed Release

In 1974, Julie Andrews starred in "The Tamarind Seed", directed by Blake Edwards.

1974: Stars in The Tamarind Seed

In 1974, Julie Andrews starred in The Tamarind Seed, which was successful at the box office and received positive reviews from critics.

1975: Continues association with ABC

Between 1973 and 1975, Julie Andrews continued her association with ABC by headlining five variety specials for the network.

1977: Guest stars on The Muppet Show

In 1977, Julie Andrews guest-starred on The Muppet Show.

March 1978: Appears with the Muppets on CBS special

In March 1978, Julie Andrews appeared again with the Muppets on a CBS television variety special, Julie Andrews: One Step Into Spring.

1979: Stars in 10

In 1979, Julie Andrews starred in 10, which was successful at the box office and received positive reviews from critics.

1979: Original Play of On Golden Pond

In 1979, The original play of On Golden Pond released.

February 1980: Headlines "Because We Care" special

In February 1980, Julie Andrews headlined "Because We Care", a CBS-TV special raising funds for Cambodian Famine victims.

1981: Stars in S.O.B.

In 1981, Julie Andrews starred in Blake Edwards's S.O.B., playing Sally Miles.

1981: S.O.B. Release

In 1981, Julie Andrews starred in the film "S.O.B.", directed by Blake Edwards.

1982: Victor/Victoria Release

In 1982, Julie Andrews starred in "Victor/Victoria", a film directed by Blake Edwards.

1982: Stars in Victor/Victoria

In 1982, Julie Andrews starred in Victor/Victoria, reuniting with James Garner. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination.

1983: Chosen as Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year

In 1983, Julie Andrews was chosen as the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year by the Harvard University Theatrical Society. That year, she co-starred with Burt Reynolds in The Man Who Loved Women.

1986: Stars in That's Life! and Duet for One

In 1986, Julie Andrews starred in That's Life! and Duet for One, earning her Golden Globe nominations.

1986: That's Life! and Duet for One Releases

In 1986, Julie Andrews starred in both "That's Life!", directed by Blake Edwards, and "Duet for One", directed by Andrei Konchalovsky.

December 1987: Stars in Julie Andrews: The Sound Of Christmas

In December 1987, Julie Andrews starred in an ABC Christmas special, Julie Andrews: The Sound Of Christmas, which won five Emmy Awards.

December 1989: Reunites with Carol Burnett for variety special

In December 1989, Julie Andrews reunited for the third time with Carol Burnett for a variety special which aired on ABC.

1989: Third Television Special with Carol Burnett

In 1989, Julie Andrews collaborated with Carol Burnett on a third television special.

1989: Last performance in London before comeback

In 1989, Julie Andrews performed a Christmas concert at the Royal Festival Hall. This was her last performance in London before her comeback in 2010.

1991: Makes television dramatic debut

In 1991, Julie Andrews made her television dramatic debut in the ABC made-for-TV film, Our Sons, co-starring Ann-Margret. She was also named a Disney Legend within the year.

December 1992: Hosts Christmas In Washington and has rose named after her

In December 1992 Julie Andrews hosted the NBC holiday special, Christmas In Washington. Also in 1992, a rose was named after Julie Andrews at London's Chelsea Flower Show, with portions of the sales donated to charity.

1993: Stars in Putting It Together

In 1993, Julie Andrews starred in a limited run at the Manhattan Theatre Club in the American premiere of Stephen Sondheim's revue, Putting It Together.

1994: Records solo albums saluting Richard Rodgers and Alan Jay Lerner

Between 1994 and 1995, Julie Andrews recorded two solo albums – the first saluted the music of Richard Rodgers and the second paid tribute to the words of Alan Jay Lerner.

October 1995: Stars in Victor/Victoria on Broadway

On October 25, 1995, Julie Andrews starred in the stage musical version of Victor/Victoria, marking her first appearance in a Broadway show in 35 years. She declined a Tony Award nomination, feeling the entire production was snubbed.

1998: Appears in Dr. Dolittle stage production

In 1998, Julie Andrews appeared in a stage production of Dr. Dolittle in London, providing the voice of Polynesia the parrot.

November 1999: Reunites with James Garner in One Special Night

In November 1999, Julie Andrews was reunited with James Garner for the CBS made-for-TV film, One Special Night.

2001: Receives Kennedy Center Honors and stars in On Golden Pond

In 2001, Julie Andrews received Kennedy Center Honors. She also reunited with Christopher Plummer in a live television performance of On Golden Pond and appeared in The Princess Diaries, her first Disney film since Mary Poppins.

2001: The Princess Diaries Release

In 2001, Julie Andrews returned to films, acting in "The Princess Diaries".

April 2003: Eloise at the Plaza Premieres

In April 2003, Julie Andrews was featured as the nanny in "Eloise at the Plaza" television films. Eloise at the Plaza premiered.

November 2003: Eloise at Christmastime Broadcasted

In November 2003, Julie Andrews was featured as the nanny in "Eloise at the Plaza" television films. Eloise at Christmastime was broadcasted.

2003: Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime Releases

In 2003, Julie Andrews appeared in "Eloise at the Plaza" and "Eloise at Christmastime".

2004: Portrayed Mary Poppins in Video Release

In 2004, Julie Andrews again portrayed Mary Poppins and narrated the story of The Cat That Looked at a King for a Walt Disney video release.

2004: The Princess Diaries 2 Release

In 2004, Julie Andrews starred in "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement".

2004: Stars in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement

In 2004, Julie Andrews starred in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, singing on film for the first time since her throat surgery.

2004: Voiced Queen Lillian in "Shrek 2"

In 2004, Julie Andrews voiced the character Queen Lillian in the animated film "Shrek 2", marking the beginning of her involvement in the Shrek franchise.

March 2005: Appeared Onstage for Mary Poppins Musical Curtain Call

On March 2005, Julie Andrews made an appearance onstage during the curtain calls for the musical of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End, reminiscing about the film and praising the cast's interpretation.

May 2005: Hosted Disneyland's Fireworks Show

In May 2005, Julie Andrews hosted and narrated Disneyland's new fireworks show, Remember... Dreams Come True, for the park's 50th anniversary celebration.

2005: Directs The Boy Friend at Goodspeed Opera House

In 2005, Julie Andrews' production of "The Boy Friend", which she directed, was remounted at the Goodspeed Opera House.

2006: Wrote "The Great American Mousical"

In 2006, Julie Andrews co-authored the children's book, "The Great American Mousical", with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, which later became a musical stage adaptation.

2006: The Boy Friend goes on national tour

In 2006, Julie Andrews' production of "The Boy Friend" went on a national tour.

January 2007: Received Lifetime Achievement Award

In January 2007, Julie Andrews received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, expressing her desire to continue directing for the stage and possibly produce a Broadway musical.

2007: Narrated Enchanted

In 2007, Julie Andrews narrated the Disney film "Enchanted", a musical comedy that paid homage to and parodied classic Disney films.

April 2008: Published Memoir "Home"

On April 1, 2008, Julie Andrews published "Home: A Memoir of My Early Years," the first part of her autobiography, detailing her early life in Britain's music hall circuit until 1962.

August 2008: Hosted "The Gift of Music" Tour

From July until early August 2008, Julie Andrews hosted "Julie Andrews' The Gift of Music", a short tour of the United States featuring Rodgers and Hammerstein songs and her book, marking her first public singing performances in twelve years after vocal cord surgery.

2008: Home: A Memoir of My Early Years Publication

In 2008, Julie Andrews co-authored her autobiography, "Home: A Memoir of My Early Years".

January 2010: Presented Vienna New Year's Concert

In January 2010, Julie Andrews was the official United States presenter for the Great Performances From Vienna: The New Year's Celebration 2010 concert. This was her second appearance in this role.

May 2010: Published "The Very Fairy Princess"

On May 18, 2010, Julie Andrews's 23rd book, "The Very Fairy Princess" (co-written with her daughter Emma), was published.

May 2010: London Comeback Performance

On May 8, 2010, Julie Andrews made her London comeback performance after a 21-year absence at The O2 Arena with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

June 2010: "The Very Fairy Princess" reached #1

In June 2010, "The Very Fairy Princess" reached number 1 on The New York Times Best Seller List for Children's Books.

July 2010: "Despicable Me" Opened

On July 9, 2010, "Despicable Me", an animated film in which Julie Andrews voiced Marlena Gru, opened to rave reviews and strong box office.

October 2010: Appeared on Oprah for "The Sound of Music" Anniversary

On October 28, 2010, Julie Andrews, along with the actors who portrayed the cinematic von Trapp family members, appeared on Oprah to commemorate "The Sound of Music"'s 45th anniversary, and published her 24th book, Little Bo in Italy.

2010: Despicable Me Franchise Voice Role

From 2010 to the present, Julie Andrews has provided voice roles in the "Despicable Me" franchise.

2010: Reprised role in Shrek Forever After

In 2010, Julie Andrews reprised her role as Queen Lillian in "Shrek Forever After", the fourth film in the Shrek series.

February 2011: Received Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

In February 2011, Julie Andrews received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and, with her daughter Emma, a Grammy for best spoken-word album for children.

2012: Directed "The Great American Mousical"

In 2012, Julie Andrews directed the premiere of the musical stage adaptation of "The Great American Mousical" at Goodspeed Musicals' Norma Terris Theatre.

2013: Australian and New Zealand Tour

In 2013, at the age of 77, Julie Andrews undertook her first tour of Australia and New Zealand, hosting speaking engagements instead of singing.

August 2015: Announced to Direct My Fair Lady

In August 2015, Lyndon Terracini announced that Julie Andrews would direct My Fair Lady in 2016 for Opera Australia at the Sydney Opera House.

2016: Created Julie's Greenroom

In 2016, Julie Andrews created the preschool television series Julie's Greenroom with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton and Judy Rothman.

2017: Julie's Greenroom

In 2017, Julie Andrews co-created and hosted "Julie's Greenroom".

2017: Reprised Role in Despicable Me 3

In 2017, Julie Andrews reprised her role as Marlena Gru in the second Despicable Me sequel, Despicable Me 3.

2018: Declined Cameo in Mary Poppins Returns

In 2018, Julie Andrews declined a cameo appearance in Mary Poppins Returns to avoid overshadowing star Emily Blunt.

2019: Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years Publication

In 2019, Julie Andrews co-authored her autobiography, "Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years".

December 2020: Voiced Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton

Beginning in December 2020, Julie Andrews voiced the narrator Lady Whistledown in the Netflix period drama series Bridgerton.

2020: Bridgerton

From 2020 to the present, Julie Andrews has voiced Lady Whistledown in the Netflix series "Bridgerton".

June 2022: Awarded AFI Life Achievement Award

In June 2022, Julie Andrews was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award at a ceremony in Los Angeles after a two-year delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.