The Original Cast of ‘The Sound of Music’ Then and Now for the 60th Anniversary

It’s hard to believe it’s been six decades since “The Sound of Music” first brought the story of Maria, the von Trapps, and those unforgettable songs to the big screen.

Now, as “Good Morning America” celebrates the 60th anniversary of the beloved film, fans are getting the perfect excuse to revisit the original cast and see how their lives and careers have unfolded since the hills first came alive with music.

Julie Andrews as Maria

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The star of the show had to be Julie Andrews, who played Maria, the spirited governess who taught the von Trapp children to embrace both music and family. She would eventually become their stepmother.

Andrews earned an Oscar nomination for playing Maria, PEOPLE reported. Afterwards, Andrews continued to have hit roles in movies, including another Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in “Victor/Victoria” in 1982.

Recently, she is best known for her iconic roles as the queen in both “The Princess Diaries” and “Shrek” franchises. We have also heard her serve as the voice for Lady Whistledown in “Bridgerton” and its spinoff “Queen Charlotte” from 2020 to 2024.

With a third film in the works for “The Princess Diaries,” fans are hoping Andrews will reprise her role once again.

Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp

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Plummer starred as the stern von Trapp patriarch. He would go on to have a long career both on Broadway and in Hollywood after “The Sound of Music.”

That long career included Tony awards for his performances in “Cyrano” (1974) and “Barrymore” (1997). He also earned three Oscar nominations. Two for his roles in “The Last Station” (2009) and “All the Money in the World” (2017). He did win an Oscar for “Beginners” (2011).

In 2021, Plummer died at the age of 91. After his death, Andrews said, “I treasure the memories of our work together and all the humor and fun shared through the years,” the BBC reported.

Eleanor Parker as Baroness Schraeder on ‘The Sound of Music’

Eleanor Parker portrayed Baroness Schraeder, the elegant socialite who briefly captures Captain von Trapp’s romantic interest.

Parker was an established actor before taking on the role of Baroness Schraeder. She had already earned three Oscar nominations for her roles in “Caged” (1951), “Detective Story” (1952), and “Interrupted Melody” (1958).

From success in the movies to success in television for Parker. She earned a Golden Globe nomination for the series “Bracken’s World” (1970). Parker later held guest spots on a wide variety of shows, like “Hawaii Five-O” and “Murder, She Wrote” (1986).

Charmian Carr as Liesl von Trapp

Charmian Carr played Liesl, the eldest von Trapp daughter in love with Rolf. “The Sound of Music” was one of her only acting roles, aside from a 1966 TV appearance on an episode of “ABC Stage 67.”

She later became an interior designer, wrote two books about her experience on the film, and even recorded “Edelweiss” with the von Trapp great-grandchildren in 2014.

Carr died at the age of 73 in 2016. Her loved ones wrote on her website after her passing that Carr left show business behind “to focus on her two daughters,” PEOPLE wrote.

Nicholas Hammond as Friedrich von Trapp

Nicholas Hammond portrayed Friedrich, the oldest von Trapp son. He’s famously known for telling Maria that he is “impossible.”

After “The Sound of Music,” he starred as Peter Parker in “The Amazing Spider-Man” series (1977-1979). He would later appear in projects like “Salem’s Lot” (2004) and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (2019). In 2025, he starred in the dramedy series “Good Cop/Bad Cop.”

Heather Menzies-Urich as Louisa von Trapp

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Heather Menzies-Urich played daughter Louisa. Beyond “The Sound of Music,” she starred in “Logan’s Run” (1977–1978), appeared in Playboy in 1973, and had guest roles on shows like “T.J. Hooker” (1982) and “Vega$” (1979).

She was married to actor Robert Urich until he died in 2002. She then devoted herself to a foundation in his honor. In 2017, she died at the age of 68, survived by three children.

Duane Chase as Kurt von Trapp on ‘The Sound of Music’

Duane Chase played Kurt, the youngest von Trapp brother. After a short-lived acting career, he studied geology and worked in the field, crediting his love of rocks to time spent filming in Austria.

He married a woman named Petra and has largely stayed out of the spotlight.

Angela Cartwright as Brigitta von Trapp

Angela Cartwright portrayed Brigitta. She went on to star in “Lost in Space” (1965–1968) and appeared in “Beyond the Poseidon Adventure” (1979).

She later had cameos in “Lost in Space” reboots and built a career in photography. Married to actor Steve Gullion since 1976, she has two children and is the sister of horror actress Veronica Cartwright, who starred in “Alien” and “The Witches of Eastwick.”

Debbie Turner as Marta von Trapp

Debbie Turner played Marta, the second-youngest von Trapp sister. She left acting behind and now runs a floral and wedding design business, Debbie Turner Originals.

She married Rick Larson in 1989, and they share three daughters.

Kym Karath as Gretl von Trapp

Kym Karath was the youngest von Trapp child, Gretl. She later guest-starred on shows like “The Brady Bunch” and “Archie Bunker’s Place.”

Karath modeled in Paris and graduated from USC. Today, she advocates for children with disabilities, inspired by her experiences raising her son with special needs.

Happy 60th anniversary to “The Sound of Music” and its cast.

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