Dame Julie Andrews, celebrated for her iconic role as the magical nanny Mary Poppins, reveals that she is quite different from her on-screen persona. As she approaches her 90th birthday, Andrews reflects on her varied life experiences and offers insights into the personality behind her famed roles.
Despite her portrayal of perfect characters, Andrews’ personal life was more nuanced. She was married twice, first to Tony Walton with whom she shared one child, and then to Blake Edwards, with whom she adopted two Vietnamese daughters. The marriages, especially her second to Edwards, were profound love stories for her. She currently enjoys the company of her nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Known for swearing like a sailor, Andrews dispels the myth of her being overly genteel. On the set of Mary Poppins, even Walt Disney discovered her penchant for less-than-ladylike language when a technical mishap prompted an uncharacteristic outburst. Another surprising revelation includes Andrews’ early habit of smoking, something many find at odds with her wholesome image.
Andrews maintains a bond with the actors who portrayed the Von Trapp children in The Sound of Music, and they still connect on special occasions. However, not all her Hollywood experiences were as harmonious. Andrews once expressed her disappointment in not securing the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, which went to Audrey Hepburn. Despite this, Andrews found success and accolades with her performance in Mary Poppins, winning both an Oscar and a Golden Globe, which further fueled rumors of rivalry between her and Hepburn.
As she reflects on her remarkable career and life, Andrews embraces the reality of ageing with grace. Her humor and humility remain intact, as she acknowledges the inevitable passage of time with her trademark charm and wit.