15 Rare Images of Julie Andrews At the Beginning of Her Career

Julie Andrews’ impressive career dates back to the late 1940s, when, at just twelve years old, she performed the “Starlight Roof” at the Hippodrome Theatre in London (where her mother, Barbara Ward Andrews, and step-father had also performed). The actress, singer, and author’s career took off from there, with a Broadway debut in The Boy Friend in 1954 that gave her the nickname of “Britain’s youngest prima donna.” Other major Broadway roles followed, including My Fair Lady and Camelot in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

She made the transition to film in 1964, starring in Robert Stevenson’s Mary Poppins, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Playing Maria in The Sound of Music, Andrews left the world with an irresistible jingle in their ears, winning the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical; one of her most notable roles to date.

She was even made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the performing arts in 2002. And, if her on-screen (and stage) presence isn’t enough to win you over, she’s also written and co-authored dozens of books, including her beloved children’s books, like The Very Fairy Princess, Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies—a New York Times best-selling series. Andrews, now 84 years old, continues to take on new roles as one of Hollywood’s most accomplished, including Aquaman (2018) and The King’s Daughter (2017). Below, we’re taking a walk down memory lane with some incredible photos of the actress from when she was young.