Biography: Julia Elizabeth Wells - JULIE ANDREWS - was born October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, a south suburb of London.  After performing with her mother and stepfather in many of their stage shows, she performed in her first royal command performance, for the Queen (now the Queen Mother), and Princess Margaret, at London's Stage Door Canteen. At the age of 12, Julie made her professional solo debut at the London Hippodrome in a new musical revue called "Starlight Roof".  Overnight she became a star, and has been a star ever since.  On November 1, 1948, she became the youngest solo performer ever to be seen in a Royal Command Variety Performance, at the London Palladium, where she performed for King George VI, and members of the Royal Family.

Julie then went on to appear in many stage shows, and on many radio and television programs, in her native England.  In August of 1954, when she was 18 years old, Julie flew to New York City, to star in the new Broadway production of the musical "The Boyfriend", where she played the leading role of Polly.  The show, and especially Julie, were a big hit.  Because of her insecurity in moving away from her family and friends in England, Julie did not sign the standard two year contract, but only agreed to sign on for one year.  Her insecurity would prove to be a good thing, since it was this one year contract, that made her available to star in the even more successful Broadway production of "My Fair Lady", as Eliza Doolittle.  Overnight, Julie was a star on two continents. Julie starred in "My Fair Lady", where she earned a Tony Award nomination, for two years on Broadway and another sixteen months in London.

During her long run in "My Fair Lady", both Rodgers and Hammerstein and Lerner and Lowe wrote musicals for her.  Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the original television musical, "Cinderella", which was broadcast live and in color, in March of 1957, and set a record for most watched entertainment television show.  Lerner and Lowe, the composers of "My Fair Lady", wrote "Camelot" (another Tony nomination), in which Julie starred as Queen Guenevere, in 1962.  During a performance of "Camelot", Walt Disney was in the audience, and immediately after the show went backstage to offer Julie the starring role in his new motion picture, MARY POPPINS.

Julie accepted Disney's offer, and made her film debut in the 1964 smash hit, winning an Oscar for Best Actress.  MARY POPPINS was the most successful film of 1964.  Also in 1964, Julie starred in THE AMERICANIZATION OF EMILY, and filmed the starring role of Maria, in Robert Wise's production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, earning another Academy Award nomination. THE SOUND OF MUSIC was the most successful film of the entire decade, and for a while, of all time.  Julie went on to star in HAWAII, the most successful film of 1966; TORN CURTAIN, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, STAR!, DARLING LILI, THE TAMARIND SEED, 10, LITTLE MISS MARKER, S.O.B., VICTOR/VICTORIA (another Oscar nomination for Best Actress), THE MAN WHO LOVED WOMEN, THAT'S LIFE!, DUET FOR ONE and A FINE ROMANCE.  Due to her many film success during the 60's, Julie held the number one position at the box office, the last female star to do so. During the 70's, Julie starred in her own variety series (winning an Emmy Award for Best Show) and many specials for television.  She made her television film debut with Ann-Margret and Hugh Grant, in OUR SONS.  In the 90's, she has appeared on the New York stage in the limited run smash hit, "Putting It Together", and the hit Broadway version of "Victor/Victoria", and has released new recordings, as well.

Julie ends the century with her starring role, opposite her former 'Emily' and VICTOR/VICTORIA co-star, James Garner, in the new television film entitled ONE SPECIAL NIGHT, which will have its United States airing in November of 1999.  Julie has also just completed her new theatrical feature film of Noel Coward's RELATIVE VALUES, where she has the leading role.

For over 50 years, Julie Andrews has been THE singer, actress and overall performer of this, and assuredly the new millennium. Julie Andrews has become one of the most loved moviestars ever.

This biography was written by John M. Maher

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