Julie Andrews Net Worth: Age, Wiki, Bio, Career, Personal Life, Family & Daughter

Julie Andrews 88, an English film and stage actress, singer and dancer, has a net worth of $30 million. She began her career as a child actress in stage productions and eventually became a leading star in the entertainment industry. One of her most famous roles was in “Mary Poppins”, where she played the lead role and won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Early Life and Challenges

Julie Andrews was born Julia Elizabeth Wells on October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England. Raised by Ted Wells, she later learned that her biological father was a family friend. Andrews discovered this secret in the 1950s and revealed it to the world in her autobiography in 2008.

Her parents divorced during World War II. Julie lived with Ted for a time before moving in with her mother and stepfather in 1940. Her new family lived in poverty, but Ted believed they could help Julie succeed in entertainment. However, her stepfather was a violent alcoholic who tried to abuse her. Despite this, her mother and stepfather were involved with the local theater and paid for her acting lessons. Julie attended an art school and trained with a British soprano, honing her early talent.

The beginning of a brilliant career

Julie Andrews began her career on stage in various productions with her parents. Her stepfather introduced her to Val Parnell, a powerful entrepreneur in London’s live performance venues. In 1947, Andrews performed solo at the London Hippodrome and later performed for King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at the London Palladium.

She worked in radio, television, and theater over the next year. In 1952, she provided the voice of Princess Zilla in the animated film “The Singing Princess.”

Success with Mary Poppins

By 1954, Julie Andrews was on Broadway, debuting in “The Boy Friend.” She then starred in “My Fair Lady” and the made-for-TV movie “High Tor.” Her big break came in 1963 when she landed the lead role in “Mary Poppins.” Walt Disney himself insisted on casting her and the film became a huge success. Andrews won an Academy Award for her role.

Continued success from The Sound of Music

In 1965, Andrews starred in “The Sound of Music,” another major success. Adjusted for inflation, it remains the third-highest-grossing film in U.S. history. She received Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for her role.

Career Challenges and New Focus

Following the success of “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” Andrews faced career challenges. Films such as “Star!” and “Darling Lili” failed at the box office, causing her to focus more on television. She hosted a variety show between 1972 and 1973.

In 1982, Andrews starred in “Victor/Victoria,” which was a commercial hit. She won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Academy Award. She returned to Broadway in 1995 with “Victor/Victoria,” earning a Tony Award nomination, which she declined because the production received no other nominations.

Health troubles and legal battles

In 1997 Julie suffered from hoarseness and had to undergo surgery to remove non-cancerous lumps. The surgery permanently damaged her singing voice. She underwent surgery four more times to regain her speaking voice, but was never able to sing again. She sued the doctors for negligence and settled for an undisclosed amount in 2000.

A new chapter in voice acting

Despite the failure, Andrews returned to acting. In 2001, she starred in “The Princess Diaries” and its sequel. She also voiced Queen Lillian in “Shrek 2” and its sequel and played Marlena Gru in “Despicable Me” and its sequel.

Personal life and real estate ventures

Julie Andrews married set designer Tony Walton in 1959. They had one child before divorcing in 1967. She then married director Blake Edwards in 1969 and they remained together until his death in 2010, adopting two Vietnamese daughters.

In 2012, Andrews listed her Brentwood home for $2.649 million. She originally lived there with her late husband. The gated property features cathedral ceilings, an artist’s studio, four bedrooms, a swimming pool, and a spa. The couple purchased it in 1989 for $1.2 million.

legacy of a star

Julie Andrews remains an iconic figure in the entertainment world. Despite her singing challenges, she has remained active in the industry and is recognized for her extensive contributions to film, television, and the stage. Her perseverance and talent have left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

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