After almost 60 years apart, the Von Trapp kids are back together again.
At the 48th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute, The American Film Institute (AFI) Life Achievement Award was given to Julie Andrews. The celebration, which was originally scheduled for the spring of 2020, honored Andrews for her distinguished career and her memorable parts in movies including Mary Poppins, The Princess Diaries, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and others.
But one of the highlights of the evening came when five of the actors who played the characters in the 1965 musical “The Sound of Music” reunited.
Pals from the iconic film reunited to celebrate.
Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich) now 72, Duane Chase (Kurt) now 71, Angela Cartwright (Brigitta) now 69, Debbie Turner (Marta) 65, and Kym Karath (Gretl) now 63, all walked onto the stage.
In support of Andrews, who helped their film become such a massive success over the decades. The former child actors wanted to put on a good show, as the film was a huge sensation when it came out in 1965. They showed up at the gala wearing their best clothing in black and white.
Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO said, “Julie Andrews has sent spirits soaring across generations, this new date for her AFI Tribute enriches our anticipation to celebrate her in a manner worthy at a time the world needs it most.”
Sadly, two of the young actors, Charmian Carr and Heather Menzies who played Liesl and Louisa von Trapp in The Sound of Music, were not present at the event because they passed away in 2016 and 2017. However, we see the rest of the group give a rousing performance of the number, and the five actors even ended up walking out into the audience and singing behind Andrews, who eventually joined in and sang along with them.
The highest accolade for a career in film is the AFI Life Achievement Award. This honor has been given to numerous notable performers and actresses, including Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and many more. The award has been around since 1973 when it was first given to James Cagney.
With her films and movies, Julie Andrews has brought joy to people across the world, which is why it is clear that Andrews deserves this award for her prolific career in film.
Sources: AWM, People, USmagazine