The Sound of Music remains one of the most cherished films ever made, but for one of its youngest stars, the experience carried lasting pain. Kym Karath, who played little Gretl von Trapp, is now opening up about a difficult chapter from her Hollywood past.
In a new interview, Kym Karath shared that she endured a frightening assault at age 15 involving late producer Patrick Curtis. Speaking with The Times of London, the former child star described growing up around “predatory” figures in the industry. She said her parents often worried about her safety as she matured in the public eye.
Kym Karath Reflects On Life After The Sound Of Music
After the incident, Kym Karath said she stayed silent out of fear. “My parents kind of figured out what happened,” she explained, noting she was afraid her father might retaliate. Her parents encouraged her to quit acting and focus on school—a decision she now believes protected her.
According to The Wrap, she later attended USC, moved to Paris, and built a quiet life away from Hollywood. Kym Karath married, became a mother, and stepped back from acting to care for her son, who lives with long-term health challenges. “He’s the center of my life,” she said, reflecting on her decision to choose family over fame.
Finding Strength Through The MeToo Movement
Years later, Kym Karath found healing in the MeToo movement. She posted a photo of herself at 14 to show support for others who had suffered in silence. “Everyone who went through that needed to add their voices so things could change,” she said.
Now 66, Kym Karath says she feels proud to see how far Hollywood has come. “It was a big rectifying of things that needed to be rectified,” she added, grateful that her story might help protect others and inspire courage.