Julia Gets Wise with Julie Andrews

Julia Andrews and Julia Louis-Dreyfus discuss the breadth of Andrews’ distinguished career in acting and singing, from her iconic roles to her numerous accolades.

Julie Andrews' iconic roles in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins

The Sound of Music was the soundtrack of Julia Louis-Dryfus' childhood, and she has seen the film dozens of times

Julia Louis-Dreyfus vividly recalls growing up with "The Sound of Music," remarking that it was essentially the soundtrack of her childhood. She shares that the movie was constantly playing in theaters and she watched it numerous times. Even up to the week before the podcast, she had seen the movie again, affirming it as her favorite film. She expresses her admiration for the tender song "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music, a sentiment echoed by Andrews, who mentions "Edelweiss" as one of her favorite songs from the film. Andrews speaks about the emotional connections and memories that the songs from The Sound of Music bring back and her enjoyment of making albums.

Walt Disney himself cast Julie Andrews in the role of Mary Poppins, which led to her appearing in other beloved films

Andrews reflects how her performance in the Broadway productions of "My Fair Lady" and "Camelot" caught the attention of Walt Disney, leading to her iconic role as Mary Poppins. Being passed up for the film version of "My Fair Lady," she suggests that winning the Oscar for Mary Poppins may have been a consolation. Andrews expresses gratitude for the Oscar and reflects on the possibility that her win was the Academy's way of acknowledging her talent. Andrews' Oscar, once hidden in her attic to avoid showing off, is now proudly acknowledged, indicating her feeling of being welcomed and honored in the film industry.

Julie Andrews' prolific and award-winning career as a performer

The conversation touches upon Julie Andrews' illustrious career in performance and her significant contributions to entertainment.

She originated leading roles in Broadway productions like My Fair Lady and Camelot

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Julie Andrews shares insights into her personal life, discussing her lasting marriage to Blake Edwards, her friendship with Carol Burnett, and her role as a matriarch in her family.

Marriages and close friendships

Her 43-year marriage to Blake Edwards and their collaborative working relationship

Julie Andrews reflects on her marriage to Blake Edwards, recounting that laughter was a significant component that kept their union strong for 43 years. She openly discusses navigating through different phases of marriage, including physical love, adoration, admiration, understanding love, and tolerance, all of which she and Edwards managed to traverse successfully. Andrews holds in high regard Edwards' talent for making her laugh and his efficiency and knowledge as a film director. She credits feeling very safe working with him and appreciated his encouragement in her writing endeavors, noting that he advised her to persist with her work.

The couple first met on Sunset Boulevard and a mutual interest was ignited after several encounters. Edwards later called Andrews to discuss a movie idea, leading to their first project together, "Darling Lily," which despite being unsuccessful, did not deter their blossoming relationship. Andrews references fond shared memories with her late husband, especially those related to their chalet in Switzerland.

Her deep friendship with Carol Burnett and their enjoyment of each other's company

Andrews speaks of her deep affection ...

Julie Andrews has opened up about her transformative experience of losing her singing voice and finding a new purpose through writing and teaching.

The challenges and depression she faced after losing her singing voice due to vocal cord surgery

Julie Andrews describes losing her singing voice not just as a single injury but as something akin to a stress fracture from overuse. This loss led her through a period of waiting and subsequent depression. Julia Louis-Dreyfus also mentions that Andrews had a lot of vocal trouble, making it a very challenging time for her.

How she channeled her creativity into writing, teaming up with her daughter Emma

Out of this challenging time, Andrews found a new direction in life by collaborating on writing projects with her daughter, Emma, which became a source of joy in her life. Julia Louis-Dreyfus notes that through finding a new voice in writing with Emma, Andrews overcame the challenge of losing her singing voice. Judith Bowles relates to Andrews' transition and acknowledges the happiness that writing brought to Andrews.

Finding fulfillment in passing on her knowledge and experience through teaching and directing

Andrews expressed a desire to conduct masterclasses, sharing her knowledge and expertise with young singers, particularly in performing and using lyrics effectively. Teaching and directing became avenues through which she could pass on her knowledge and experience. Andrews discussed looking forward to possibly offering insights through a podcast or class format and found fulfillment in teaching and directing, thus contributing to the arts.

The importance of nature and the outdoors in Julie Andrews' life

The outdoors and nature deeply influence Julie Andrews’ well-being and creative inspiration.

The solace, joy, and inspiration she finds in hiking, gardening, and experiencing the natural world

Andrews reveals her bond with gardening, anticipating the blooming of daffodils and bluebells in spring. She joyfully predic ...