History of Julie Andrews in Timeline
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.
1908: Birth of Ted Wells
In 1908, Edward Charles "Ted" Wells, Julie Andrews's perceived father, was born.
July 1910: Mother's Birth
In July 25, 1910, Barbara Ward Wells (née Morris), Julie Andrews's mother, was born.
1932: Marriage
In 1932, Julie Andrews's mother, Barbara Ward Wells (née Morris) married Edward Charles "Ted" Wells.
October 1935: Birth of Julia Elizabeth Wells
On October 1, 1935, Julia Elizabeth Wells was born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England.
October 1935: Julie Andrews' Birth
On October 1, 1935, Julia Elizabeth Wells, later known as Dame Julie Andrews, was born in England.
1940: Moved to Live with Mother and Stepfather
In 1940, Julie Andrews moved to live with her mother and stepfather, as her perceived father thought they could better support her artistic training.
1941: "London Pride" Anthem
In 1941, Noël Coward wrote a patriotic song, "London Pride", during the Blitz, which Andrews herself had survived and included in her album.
1943: Mother's Remarriage
In 1943, Julie Andrews's mother, Barbara, remarried to Ted Andrews.
1944: Father's Remarriage
In 1944, Julie Andrews's perceived father, Ted Wells, remarried to Winifred Maud (Hyde) Birkhead.
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.
1950: Discovery of True Parentage
In 1950, Julie Andrews learned from her mother about her true parentage, which involved an affair.
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".
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.
May 1959: Married Tony Walton
On May 10, 1959, Julie Andrews married set designer Tony Walton in Weybridge, Surrey.
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: Daughter Emma was born
In 1962, Emma Walton Hamilton, Julie Andrews' and Tony Walton's daughter, was born.
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: Divorced Tony Walton
In 1968, Julie Andrews and Tony Walton divorced.
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.
November 1969: Married Blake Edwards
In November 1969, Julie Andrews married director Blake Edwards and became stepmother to his children.
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.
1984: Death of Mother
In 1984, Julie Andrews's mother, Barbara Ward Wells (née Morris) died.
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.
1990: Death of Ted Wells
In 1990, Edward Charles "Ted" Wells, Julie Andrews's perceived father, died.
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.
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.
1997: Botched vocal surgery
In 1997, Julie Andrews had a botched vocal surgery which led to the loss of her singing voice.
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.
1999: Filed Malpractice Suit
In 1999, Julie Andrews filed a malpractice suit against the doctors at Mount Sinai Hospital who performed the surgery on her throat.
September 2000: Malpractice Suit Settled
In September 2000, Julie Andrews' malpractice suit against the doctors at Mount Sinai Hospital was settled for an undisclosed amount.
2000: Damehood
In 2000, Queen Elizabeth II made Julie Andrews a Dame (DBE) for her services to the performing arts.
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".
2001: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2001, Julie Andrews was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors for her contributions to the performing arts.
2002: Attends Queen's Golden Jubilee party
In 2002, Julie Andrews attended the Queen's Golden Jubilee Hollywood party and appeared on the "100 Greatest Britons" poll.
2002: Ranked in BBC's 100 Greatest Britons
In 2002, Julie Andrews was ranked No. 59 in the BBC's poll of the 100 Greatest Britons.
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.
2007: Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
In 2007, Julie Andrews received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, recognizing her career achievements.
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".
2008: Public Disclosure of Parentage
In 2008, Julie Andrews publicly disclosed the details of her parentage in her autobiography.
2008: Autobiography Refutes Absolute Pitch
In her 2008 autobiography, Julie Andrews refuted the claim that she possessed absolute pitch.
January 2009: Named Top British Actress
In January 2009, Julie Andrews was named on The Times' list of the top 10 British Actresses of all time.
December 2009: Addressed Singing Rumors
In December 2009, Julie Andrews stated on British television that rumors of her singing at her upcoming performance were untrue, and she would be doing a form of "speak singing".
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.
December 2010: Blake Edwards Passed Away
On December 15, 2010, Julie Andrews's husband, Blake Edwards, passed away at the age of 88 due to complications of pneumonia.
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.
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.
2022: AFI Life Achievement Award
In 2022, Julie Andrews was awarded the AFI Life Achievement Award, celebrating her significant contributions to film.
April 2023: Participated in Carol Burnett Tribute
In April 2023, Julie Andrews participated in the NBC primetime special Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, paying tribute to Carol Burnett.
2024: Directed Second Production of "The Great American Mousical"
In 2024, Julie Andrews directed a second, sold-out production of "The Great American Mousical" at Legacy Theatre in Branford, Connecticut.
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