Few performances are as legendary as Julie Andrews’ portrayal of Maria in The Sound of Music. The 1965 film introduced audiences to a governess who cared for and raised the Von Trapp children, bringing joy and music into their lives.
Today, 60 years later, it would seem Andrews was as generous and kind a spirit in real life as she was in film. Recently, cast members Kym Karath and Duane Chase, who portrayed Gretl and Kurt Von Trapp, looked back fondly on working with Andrews while making The Sound of Music.
Julie Andrews was a nanny to the kids on the set of ‘The Sound of Music’
Working with kids on set requires patience, and Andrews just so happened to assume the role of taking care of and guiding the child actors. She made sure they felt comfortable and kept the kids occupied between breaks, usually getting them together to play games or share stories.
Andrews would sit with the children on large blankets during breaks, playing cards and conversing with them as if they were her own family. She made every effort to keep them at ease and entertained. Chase’s favorite memory is when Andrews, the young actors, their parents, and her crew spent all day at her house for a pool party she invited them all to.
Julie Andrews taught the children music
Andrews’ influence on the young actors didn’t end with being a warm presence on set — she taught them her all-consuming love of music. Long before Mary Poppins became a symbol of American pop culture, Andrews taught The Sound of Music children what would be one of its most lasting songs.
They also remembered how Andrews had shown them an advance performance of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” playing it on guitar during a break in filming. Mary Poppins had not been released yet, so the children had no idea that they were listening to what would end up being one of the great classics of all time.