Julie Andrews is so adored that she doesn’t just have the one film role that made everyone fall in love with her – from Mary Poppins to Maria, Princess Diaries to her work on Broadway, she is an undeniable legend.
So it’s no surprise the iconic actress was awarded the 48th AFI (American Film Institute) Lifetime Achievement Award. There's no denying that her role in The Sound of Music, considered to be one of the best Christmas movies ever (or at least one that's enjoyed during the festive period) - is one other most beloved.
No surprise there. What might have come as a surprise to many – including Julie herself – was the unexpected Sound of Music reunion as the cast who played the Von Trapp children in the timeless classic came together for a heart-warming serenade of Do-Re-Mi.
Julie Andrews is surprised by her kids from THE SOUND OF MUSIC and joins them in a sing-a-long of ‘Do-Re-Mi’ to kick off the AFI Life Achievement Award presentation to her — what a beautiful moment! pic.twitter.com/TZYT7UNPhrJune 10, 2022
It is the first time the cast have performed together in over six decades.
Sadly, it wasn’t a full cast reunion. Charmian Carr, who played the role of Liesl, died in 2016 and Heather Menzies, who played Louisa, passed away the following year. Christopher Plummer, who played Captain von Trapp, died in 2021.
The role helped Julie Andrews win millions of hearts around the world as her portrayal of Maria, a feisty, big-hearted nun who becomes governess to seven von Trapp children.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Julie revealed she was surprised by the strength of the audience response to the film.
She said the film "stayed in people's consciousness all this time. It made a big, big dent in people's psyche."
And the reaction to clips of the reunion certainly agree with this.
After an audience member shared a clip of Julie’s AFI Lifetime Achievement Award gala, comments were quick to heap praise on the star, the movie and the memories they have.
One wrote, “Really needed this tonight”, another said “I’m not crying, you are!” and a third added “Not gonna lie, I got emotional watching this while singing along.”
One fan took to Twitter to mourn a seemingly bygone era of Hollywood encapsulated by the likes of Julie Andrews and the Sound of Music, writing “My childhood favorite. She is my classic all time favorite actress! Hollywood, take note… bring back the classy feel goods! Soften the noise, slow down the action and appeal to the heart.”
It wasn’t only the cast of the Sound of Music celebrating Julie’s unrivalled career at the gala, though.
Hector Elizondo, who played Joe in the 2001 film The Princess Diaries and its 2004 sequel, gave a speech and Anne Hathaway, who portrayed Mia Thermopolis in the movies, sent a recorded message.
The legendary Dick Van Dyke, who played Bert alongside Julie’s Oscar-winning Mary Poppins in the 1964 movie, sent a recorded message, as well.
The night was a star-studded bash, with other famous faces including Carol Burnett, Steve Carell, Fran Drescher, Jane Seymour, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
And the good news is you get to catch the Sound of Music reunion and other moments from the gala for yourself.
The AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute special will air on TNT June 16 at 10pm EST/PST.
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