Julie Andrews is a British theatre and screen actor, author, and singer. She was born in 1935 in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, and has written numerous children’s books as well as her autobiography, Home: A Memoir of My Early Years, released in 2008.
She made the majority of her money by appearing in well-known musicals like Camelot and My Fair Lady, as well as playing in musicals like Mary Poppins and giving voiceovers for animated films like Shrek.
She has received numerous prizes and acclaim from both peers and critics for her often passionate and spectacular performances. She has won an Emmy Award, a Theatre World Award, a Golden Globe Award, Kennedy Center Honors, an Academy Award (for best actress), a BAFTA, a People’s Choice Award, a Grammy Award, and even The Sound of Music for her work as an actor.
Julie Andrews Beginnings Life and Stage Career
Julie Andrews is the daughter of Barbara Ward Wells and Ted Wells and was born on October 1, 1935. She was born in the town of Walton-on-Thames in the county of Surrey, England, where her family resided at the time. Andrews claimed in her 2008 autobiography that she was born after her mother had an affair with a family member. At the outbreak of World War II, her parents were divorced and on their separate paths.
Her mother Elizabeth married Ted Andrews in 1943, and her father Ted Wells married Winfred Maud in 1944. Under the Entertainments National Service Association, her mother and Andrew’s stepfather, Ted Andrews, entertained the troops. Andrew’s stepfather, Wells believed, was in a better position to provide for her artistic education. Wells returned Andrews to her mother in 1940 after leaving her with her for a short time.
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Andrew’s life became unpleasant as she lived with her stepfather, whom she had to refer to as “pop” rather than “Uncle Ted” as she had done previously. He discovered that his stepfather was violent and drunk. In her book, she said that while “Pop” was intoxicated, he tried to slide into her bed on multiple occasions. As a result, she decided to install a lock on her door to ensure optimum security.
Andrew’s family’s situation was gradually improving. They relocated to a new apartment in West Grove, Hersham, at the Old Meuse. Her stepfather had enrolled her in the Cone-Ripon Schools in London so she could take art classes.
Julie Andrews Personal Life
In his entire life, Andrews has been married twice. Tony Walton, her first love, married her on May 10, 1959, in Weybridge, Surrey. They met for the first time in 1948. Andrews was performing at the London Casino at the time in preparation for the “Humpty Dumpty” show. In November 1962, they welcomed their first child, Emma Walton Hamilton. In 1968, the couple divorced.
Andrews fell in love again in 1969. Blake Edwards, a director, was the person in charge this time. She married Blake’s children, Jennifer and Geoffrey, and became their stepmother. In the 1970s, they also adopted two Vietnamese daughters. Amy, later known as Amelia, was one of the daughters. In 1974, she was adopted.
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Joana was adopted by the family in 1975. Their marriage lasted 41 years despite all difficulties. Blake passed away on December 15, 2010, in Santa Monica, California. Pneumonia had been diagnosed in him. Blake was 88 years old at the time of his death. Andrews is now the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
What Is Julie Andrews’s Salary and Net Worth?
Julie Andrews’ net worth is estimated to be $50 million as of December 2021. Films, book sales, and singing are thought to have brought in a lot of money for the Hollywood celebrity. Andrews, for example, was paid a whopping $1, 110, 000 for her role in “Darling Lili.” She also earned $1 million for “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and $750,000 for “Tom Curtain.” She has made the majority of her money from her numerous acting roles in films.
Julie Andrews’s Career Start
Julie and her parents began performing on stage together in 1945. She went on to become one of the country’s youngest rising stars after performing exceptionally well on stage for the next two years. Andrew described how she used to sing while standing on a crate during her first shows to reach the microphone. Petula Clark, a friend of hers, accompanied her on a tour of the United Kingdom.
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In the past, they slept in luggage racks. Looking back, Clark admitted that the adventure was enjoyable because most children their age never had the opportunity to participate in such activities. Her big break came when her father introduced her to Van Parnell, a British television managing director. Andrews made her solo debut on October 22nd, singing “Je Suis Titiana.” The song was performed as part of the “Starlight Roof” musical revue.
Andrews’ career accelerated to the point where she became the youngest solo performer to perform in front of King George VI and future Queen Elizabeth at the Royal Variety Performance. The event took place at the London Palladium and featured performances by George and Bret, Danny Kaye, and the Nicholas Brothers, among others.
Andrews had frequently accompanied her parents to radio and television shows. This would later prepare her for a similar situation. From 1950 to 1952, she had a role in “Educating Archie,” and she graced the stages of the show. The talented singer was also a comedian on the BBC’s Light Program.
Andrews was more than ready to appear on television on October 8, 1949. “RadiOlympia Showtime,” which aired on BBC, was her first television program. She also appeared in the West End Theatre productions of Aladdin and Humpty Dumpty. She also starred in the film “Cinderella.” She did the voice-over for “La Rosa di Bagdad,” an animated film that was later renamed “The Singing Princess.”
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Her Broadway debut came with the release of the London musical “The Boy Friend.” Despite Andrews’ lack of experience researching a role or studying a script, Cy Feuer guided her and taught her everything she needed to know, ensuring the success of “The Boy Friend.” She was also the breadwinner for her family at the time. She jumped at the chance to play the part. Her first film, “High Tor,” was released in November 1955 in Los Angeles and was her first screen project.
As “The Boyfriend” was approaching its first year, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Rodgers approached Andrew with an offer to star in their film “My Fair Lady” as Eliza Doolittle. Rodger was so taken aback by her performance that he devised another musical, “Cinderella,” which was written specifically for her. On March 31, 1957, it was broadcast live on CBS. It received a massive response, as evidenced by the fact that it has received over 100 million views. For her outstanding performance, she was later nominated for an Emmy Award.
Sound of Music and Mary Poppins
In 1963, Andrews began work on the musical film “Mary Poppins.” She was also spotted by Walt Disney, who offered her a part. Andrews first turned down the opportunity because she was pregnant and needed to return to London to give birth. Disney persisted in waiting for her to return because he had noticed something in her. Andrews returned to finish filming Disney’s musical picture after giving birth to her daughter.
Mary Poppins was released soon after and became Disney’s highest-grossing film. The picture was so well-received that it received thirteen Academy Award nominations. The film received five Academy Awards out of thirteen nominations, which was a significant win for them. Andrews was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for best actress.
Andrews was cast as Maria in the film “The Sound of Music” in 1965. The film was the year’s highest-grossing film. Salzburg, Austria, served as the setting for the film. The shooting process was slowed due to the weather conditions. Despite the film’s negative reviews, Andrews won her second Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture.
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International Popularity
Andrews has always managed to stay true to himself while maintaining a positive public image. Andrews was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2000. Her contributions to the performing arts were recognized. At Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the title on her. In 2002, she received a special invitation to attend the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Hollywood party. The event was set to take place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
Andrews was ranked No. 59 on the BBC’s “100 Greatest Britons” list. In 2001, the Hollywood star received the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime contribution to American culture. Andrews starred in another Disney film, “The Princess Diaries,” after reconciling with Christopher Plummer. In “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement,” she reprised her role as Queen Clarisse. In this film, she sings for the first time since her throat surgery. Andrews delivered to perfection on the first take, according to David Soler, the film’s music supervisor.
During Disney’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, the musician served as the company’s official ambassador for nearly 18 months. On May 1, 2005, Disney debuted a new fireworks show called “Remember… Dreams Come True,” which Andrews was allowed to host and narrate.
Andrews hosted the Great Performances from Vienna for the second time in 2010, becoming the official states presenter for the second time. She was later cast in the film “Tooth Fairy” as a supporting character. On May 18, 2010, she released her 23rd book. The book, titled “The Very Fairy Princess,” was widely praised, and it reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller List. “Shrek Forever,” a film in which she was featured, was released three days after her book was published.
Andrew’s 24th novel, “Little Bo in Italy,” was released in October 2010. On December 15, 2010, she suffered the worst news of her life when her spouse died. He died at the Saint John’s Health Centre at the age of 88. Andrews founded “Julie’s Greenroom” in 2016 with Emma Walton Hamilton and Judy Rothman. In 2017, it debuted on Netflix. She also contributed to the Aquaman voice cast as Kara then, A Leviathan. The Oscar winner also played Lady Whistledown, the narrator in the Netflix series “Bridgerton,” which premiered on December 25, 2020.
Recognitions and Awards
In his career, the Hollywood star has been one of the most successful. She has been nominated for and won several prestigious prizes. 6 Golden Globe Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, 2 British Academy Film Awards, 3 Grammy Awards, and 1 Academy Award are among Andrews’ honors. In addition, she has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recognition of her contributions to Disney as a company, the actor was also named a Disney Legend.
Julie Andrews’s Property
Julie Andrews listed her Brentwood house for $2.649 million in 2012. She soon found a buyer for the home she and her late husband had shared for many years. The four-bedroom home has cathedral ceilings, an artist’s studio, and a secured entrance. A swimming pool and a spa are available in the outdoor area. Julie and her husband paid $1.2 million for the house in 1989.
How Old Was Julie Andrews When She Was in Mary Poppins?
A dynamic young actress who could also sing was needed for the musical adaption. Even though the character was wanted by several experienced actors, Lerner, Loewe, and director Moss Hart chose to take a chance on Julie Andrews, a 20-year-old actress who had never before acted in such a demanding role.
