Dame Julie Andrews, the celebrated actress known for her roles in "Mary Poppins" and "The Sound of Music," has announced her retirement from screen acting, confirming she will not appear in a potential third installment of "The Princess Diaries."
Andrews, 90, who has had a career spanning over eight decades, told The Hollywood Reporter that she was asked about returning for the sequel last year but ultimately declined. "It was very very hard to say 'no,' but I did because I thought I had a wonderful ride, and this one I felt would flourish very well and wouldn't need Granny going in there at my age," she explained.
Despite stepping back from on-screen performances, Andrews clarified that she is not entirely retired, as she continues to be active in writing books, podcasts, and voiceover work. She marked her 90th birthday in October of last year and shared in a 2024 podcast appearance that she feels as energetic as someone in their 50s, attributing her well-being to a sharp mind.
Andrews described her current life as quieter and more home-focused, something she has come to enjoy. "I don't go out as much, and I love being home. But I kind of enjoyed that, pulling back a little bit now," she said.
The actress made her film debut in the 1964 movie "Mary Poppins," earning an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. She later received an Oscar nomination for her role in the 1965 film "The Sound of Music." Her extensive filmography also includes "Thoroughly Modern Millie" (1967), "Darling Lili" (1970), and "Victor/Victoria" (1982).
Andrews played Queen Clarisse Renaldi in "The Princess Diaries" in 2001 and reprised the role in its 2004 sequel, "The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement." More recently, she has lent her voice to the character of Lady Whistledown in the Netflix series "Bridgerton."
In 2022, Andrews revealed that she recorded her "Bridgerton" voiceovers remotely and had not met the on-screen cast in person. Last year, she received an Emmy for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance.