The 'Sound of Music' Cast Then and Now: Julie Andrews and More

Can you believe it’s been more than 55 years since we first met the beloved cast of The Sound of Music? Stars like Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer have moved on in their careers, but their iconic roles in the classic film continue to grace our TV screens today.

The Sound of Music first premiered on April 1, 1965. The film, which is based on real life, tells the story of the von Trapp family, one of the most famous concert groups in the era preceding World War II. When Julie’s character, Maria, gets hired as a governess in the home of widow Captain von Trapp, played by Christopher, she falls in love with him and his seven children.

Throughout the legendary film — which won multiple Academy Awards and two Golden Globes — we meet plenty of other incredible actors, including late stars Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Chairman Carr, Heather Menzies-Urich and more. Even though most of the cast is no longer around today, surviving members like Julie and Christopher continue to keep the spirit alive.

The Mary Poppins alum said she considers The Sound of Music to be “an old friend.” While Julie doesn’t watch the classic film every Christmas season, she revealed she’ll “bump into it” and watch once in a blue moon.

“The memories [from filming] are great, though” she shared during an interview with host Robin Roberts on Good Morning America in 2015. “The pleasure of making it and the friendship with the children and Christopher continues, and I see him a lot.”

Julie revealed she also keeps in touch with her younger former costars, Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner and Kym Karath. “The children are always in some contact one way or another,” she gushed.

Looking back, the Princess Diaries star revealed why she believes The Sound of Music went down in history as one of Hollywood’s favorite films. “Every 70 years, there’s a new generation, but the film has to be good to last that long anyway!” she proclaimed. “It’s got children and nuns … and beautiful scenery — somewhere in there is the secret.”

Scroll through the gallery below to see Julie, Christopher and more of the iconic movie’s cast then and now!

Julie Andrews

Just one year after she starred in Mary Poppins, Julie, who was 30 years old at the time, was cast in The Sound of Music. This role led her to win her second Academy Award for Best Actress. Today, the star continues to act. Her impressive resume includes gigs in The Princess Diaries film series, Victor/Victoria, Thoroughly Modern Millie, S.O.B. and dozens more.

In terms of her personal life, Julie is the mom of three kids. She shares her eldest daughter, Emma, with her first husband, Tony Walton, and her younger kids, Amy and Joanna, with her second spouse, Blake Edwards. The couple was together for 41 years until Blake’s death in 2010.

Christopher Plummer

After The Sound of Music, Christopher went on to have a successful acting career that has spanned more than five decades. He has starred in popular films including Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, A Beautiful Mind and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Aside from his career, Christopher tied the knot three times throughout his life. He was married to his first wife, Tammy Grimes, from 1956 to 1960, second spouse Patricia Lewis from 1962 to 1967, and he walked down with current love Elaine Taylor in 1970. Christopher shares his only child, Amanda, with his first wife, Tammy.

Nicholas Hammond

Nicholas is best known for playing the second eldest von Trapp child, Friedrich, and for his subsequent role as Peter Parker in the 1970s CBS series The Amazing Spider-Man. He now works as a Hollywood writer and director.

Nicholas doesn’t have any children, but he did experience love throughout his life. He was married to his ex-wife, Laura Soli, from 1978 to 1984, and he’s been dating his longtime partner, Robyn Nevin, since 1987.

Angela Cartwright

In addition to starring in The Sound of Music as Brigitta, Angela appeared in the 1960s TV series Lost in Space and in the 2009 movie The Bolt Who Screwed Christmas. She now works as a photographer when she’s not spending time with her husband, Steve Gullion, and their two kids, Rebecca and Jesse.

Kym Karath

Following her role of Gretl, Kym primarily appeared on TV, starring on Family Affair, The Brady Bunch and Lost in Space. After a brief hiatus from acting to raise her son, Eric, the star returned to Hollywood in 2005. Kym shares her only child with her ex-husband, Philippe L Equibec, whom she was married to from 1985 to 2005.