Julie Andrews's Reclusive Life at 91: A Look Back at the Legendary Actress
The beloved star, known for her iconic roles, has largely withdrawn from public life, relying on a cane and focusing on private pursuits.
Dame Julie Andrews, the celebrated actress and singer, has become an increasingly rare sight in public as she approaches her 91st birthday. Once a constant presence in the spotlight, Andrews has retreated from the demanding world of acting, now often seen walking with the aid of a cane. This shift away from her previously ubiquitous public profile has led to increased interest in her current life.
Andrews, who captivated audiences as Maria von Trapp in "The Sound of Music" (1965) and Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady," has been more selective about her professional engagements. Earlier this year, it was reported that she would not reprise her role in the upcoming "Princess Diaries" movie.
Her career, which began with a memorable film debut in "Mary Poppins" (1964) for which she won an Oscar, has spanned decades and genres. She also starred in the 1982 movie "Victor/Victoria," a role a source described as her favorite. In the 1990s, she revived this role on Broadway, but later experienced vocal difficulties following surgery.
Despite her reduced public presence, Andrews's talent continues to be recognized. Last year, she received an award for Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance at the 2025 Creative Arts Emmys.
Her husband, Blake Edwards, passed away in 2010. A source close to the actress described his death as "another hard thing to deal with, who was the love of her life."
Andrews, who was born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, in 1935, has maintained a private life, particularly in recent years. While she was previously pictured in 2023 leaving her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton's theater, located a short distance from her home, she has largely withdrawn from the public eye.
