
Julie Andrews in 2024: Life, Health, Family, and New Projects
Few voices have defined a generation like Julie Andrews’. But the woman behind Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp has spent the last two decades quietly building a second act—as a children’s author, a narrator, and a grandmother in Sag Harbor. Here’s where she stands today.
Age in 2024: 89 years old (born October 1, 1935) · Academy Award: Best Actress for Mary Poppins (1964) · Children: 5 (1 biological, 4 adopted) · Current residence: Sag Harbor, New York · Spouse: Blake Edwards (m. 1969–2010)
Quick snapshot
- Alive and active as of 2026 (Ozwatcher.org)
- Resident of Sag Harbor, New York (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- Narrated Bridgerton on Netflix (NPR)
- Upcoming documentary in 2027 (OzBrief)
- Exact details of daily mobility and routine in 2024 (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- Specific financial portfolio beyond public estimates (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- Inconsistent reports about her primary residence (Guildford vs. Sag Harbor) (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- New children’s book co-authored with daughter Emma (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- Continued advocacy for literacy and the arts (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- Possible further narration projects (Wikipedia (Spanish))
Andrews has transformed a devastating vocal loss into a prolific writing career—co-authoring nearly three dozen children’s books with her daughter since 2000. That pivot is a blueprint for reinvention after a career-defining setback.
Here are six key facts that frame her story.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dame Julie Andrews |
| Birth Date | October 1, 1935 |
| Birth Place | Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England |
| Spouse | Tony Walton (1959–1967), Blake Edwards (1969–2010) |
| Children | Emma Walton Hamilton (biological), Jennifer, Geoffrey, and Amy Edwards (adopted) |
| Notable Works | Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria |
Where does Julie Andrews live today?
Her main residence in Sag Harbor
- Julie Andrews has lived in Sag Harbor, New York, for decades, a choice that keeps her away from the Hollywood spotlight. (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- Some reports also mention a home in East Hampton, but the Sag Harbor address is the most consistently cited. (OzBrief)
Why she chose the Hamptons over Hollywood
- Andrews said she wanted a quieter, more private life for her family, away from industry pressures. (Business Insider)
- She has called the area “a sanctuary” where she can focus on writing and family. (Business Insider)
What is Julie Andrews doing now?
Writing and publishing children’s books
- Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton have co-authored nearly three dozen children’s picture books. (OzBrief)
- Their latest, Shy: A Picture Book, is scheduled for 2026 publication. (Wikipedia (Spanish))
- She also wrote two memoirs: Home: A Memoir of My Early Years (2008) and Home Work: A Memoir of My Hollywood Years (2019). (Business Insider)
Narrating the Bridgerton series
- Andrews provides the voice of Lady Whistledown for Netflix’s Bridgerton. (NPR)
- She recorded the voiceover from her home in Sag Harbor, demonstrating how technology allows her to work without travel. (NPR)
Upcoming documentary announcement
- Director RJ Cutler is producing a feature documentary about Andrews’ life, set for release in 2027. (OzBrief)
- Cutler has described the film as an intimate look at her career and personal evolution. (OzBrief)
Andrews traded the live singing career that made her famous for a quieter, equally creative life as an author. The result: a second act that reaches millions of children, not just theatregoers.
How is Julie Andrews’ health today?
The 1997 vocal cord surgery and its impact
- In 1997, Andrews underwent surgery to remove non-cancerous nodules from her vocal cords. The procedure inadvertently damaged her singing voice. (NPR)
- She has not been able to sing professionally since about 2005. (NPR)
- Andrews disputes the common description that she had “cancerous” nodules, stating the condition was misstated over time. (NPR)
Current mobility and public appearances
- Andrews uses a wheelchair or walker for long distances due to spinal issues. (OzBrief)
- She remains active in public life, attending book launches and charitable events. (People)
- Some reports claim she stays physically active with stretching, aerobics, and ballet barre, but this has not been independently confirmed. (OzBrief)
Confirmed facts
- Born October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, England.
- Won Academy Award for Mary Poppins (1964).
- Married Blake Edwards in 1969; remained married until his death in 2010.
- Gave birth to daughter Emma Walton Hamilton in 1962.
- Adopted four children with Blake Edwards.
- Resides in Sag Harbor, New York.
- Alive and active as of 2026.
- Narrated first season of Bridgerton.
- Documentary directed by RJ Cutler scheduled for 2027.
What’s unclear
- Exact extent of current mobility issues.
- Precise financial portfolio beyond public estimates.
- Daily routine and public appearances in 2024.
- Inconsistent reports about primary residence (Guildford vs. Sag Harbor).
- Whether she still practices ballet barre regularly.
Timeline
- : Born Julia Elizabeth Wells in England.
- : Broadway debut in The Boy Friend.
- : Stars in My Fair Lady on Broadway.
- : Wins Academy Award for Mary Poppins.
- : Stars in The Sound of Music.
- : Marries director Blake Edwards.
- : Undergoes vocal cord surgery, ending her singing career.
- : Made a Dame Commander by Queen Elizabeth II.
- : Blake Edwards passes away.
- : Narrates Netflix series Bridgerton.
- : New documentary about her life to be released.
Key quotes
“Therapy saved my life in multiple ways.”
— Julie Andrews, Business Insider
“I’m not the squeaky-clean lady you might expect.”
— Julie Andrews, NPR
“I prioritized family by focusing on quality time over quantity time.”
— Julie Andrews, Business Insider
“This documentary will show the real Julie Andrews—the grit behind the glamour.”
— RJ Cutler, documentary director, OzBrief
For readers tracking her legacy, the data is clear: Andrews has moved from a performing career defined by her voice to a writing career defined by her words. The implication is that reinvention is possible, even after a loss that seems total.
Related reading: Julie Andrews Life 2025 · Julie Andrews Today 2025
amazon.com, en.wikipedia.org, goodreads.com, ozbrief.org, amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, jpc.de, goodreads.com, amazon.com
Frequently asked questions
Did Julie Andrews win an Oscar for The Sound of Music?
No — she was nominated for Best Actress for The Sound of Music but did not win. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Mary Poppins in 1965.
What is Julie Andrews’ most famous role?
Her most iconic roles are Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (1964) and Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music (1965).
Has Julie Andrews written any books?
Yes. She has co-written nearly three dozen children’s books with her daughter Emma, and published two memoirs: Home (2008) and Home Work (2019).
Did Julie Andrews ever return to Broadway?
She returned to Broadway in 1995 for a limited engagement of Victor/Victoria, which she also directed. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance.
Who was Julie Andrews’ first husband?
Her first husband was set designer Tony Walton. They were married from 1959 to 1967.
What vocal injury did Julie Andrews have?
In 1997, she had surgery to remove non-cancerous nodules from her vocal cords. The surgery damaged her voice, and she has not sung professionally since about 2005.
Is Julie Andrews on social media?
She does not maintain personal public social media accounts. Her official updates are shared through her publisher and public appearances.