Earlier this month, we reported that the actors who played the Von Trapp children in the classic 1965 movie The Sound Of Music had reunited to surprise Julie Andrews when she received the AFI Life Achievement Award. Now, Andrews is opening up to reveal what this reunion was like.
But first, in case you missed it, watch the Von Trapp children serenade Andrews with a rendition of “Do Re Mi” at the ceremony.
Full Story: The Von Trapp Children Reunite To Surprise Julie Andrews
‘We Do Keep In Touch’
While appearing on the “Today” show on Wednesday morning, Andrews talked about what it was like to be reunited with Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta) and Kym Karath (Gretl).
“We do keep in touch, but not on a really regular basis,” said Andrews, 86. “I mean, Christmases, maybe birthdays and certainly get-togethers, but we just bonded so hard that I think we’re family anyway.”
‘Most Beautifully Crafted Movie’
Andrews, who played Maria Von Trapp in The Sound Of Music, went on to say that being reunited with the former child stars brings back “funny” and “real” memories from making the film.
“It really was the most beautifully crafted movie,” she recalled. “I mean, the details in the movie, first of all, the scenery, children, songs, music, all of it. But it means very, very many memories: funny ones, real ones, lovely ones, working with dear Chris Plummer also, whom I adored.”
“We were friends for years,” Andrews added of Plummer.
Related: Christopher Plummer Of ‘Sound Of Music’ Fame Defiantly Reveals Why He’ll ‘Never Retire’
Christopher Plummer, who played Captain Von Trapp, died last year at the age of 91 after suffering a fall. Two of the Von Trapp children have also sadly passed away in recent years. Charmian Carr, who played Liesl, died in 2016 at the age of 73 due to complications from dementia, and Heather Menzies-Urich, who portrayed Louisa, died in 2017 at the age of 68 after a battle with brain cancer.
Watch Andrews’ full comments on the reunion in the video below.
‘I’m A Busy Mum’
Though her accolades in life include an Oscar and two Grammys, as well as many beloved films, Andrews said this morning that she doesn’t have much time to look back on her accomplishments because she’s still so busy!
“I’m a busy mum,” she said. “And I’m very busy writing with my daughter that writes books with me and we’ve done so many and we’ve got three more coming out in the next year.”
Andrews Presented Award By Carol Burnett
Andrews was presented with her AFI Lifetime Achievement Award by her good friend Carol Burnett, who recalled that they couldn’t stop talking to each other the night that they met at a dinner party back in 1960, and that they haven’t stopped since!
“It was if we’d always known each other, and that evening kicked off what was to be, so far, a six-decade relationship, professional and best of all, personal,” Burnett said, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“This award is so very much deserved. Julie has constantly given us her all and her all is awe-inspiring,” she added. “You’re a great dame in every sense of the word. I love you. Congratulations Chum.”
Related: Julie Andrews Stuns Fans By Revealing She Was Caught In Compromising Position With Carol Burnett
Andrews was visibly touched by all the surprises and support that she got that night.
“I had no idea what I was going to see tonight and I’m gobsmacked,” she told the audience. “Thanks to all of the friends tonight who have contributed so much.”
This was certainly one night that nobody will be forgetting anytime soon! We applaud the Von Trapp children for making this reunion work, and God bless Andrews for continuing to be the epitome of grace, elegance, and class.
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