7 Secrets Of The Von Trapp Kids: Where The Sound Of Music Cast Is Now In 2025

The iconic 1965 film adaptation of The Sound of Music continues to capture hearts globally, but fans are always curious about the lives of the legendary cast members—especially as the film approaches its 60th anniversary. As of late December 2025, the surviving cast members, particularly the beloved Von Trapp children, have maintained an incredibly close bond, frequently reuniting to celebrate the timeless legacy of the musical masterpiece.

The biggest news for fans in 2025 is the celebration of the film's enduring success, which has prompted several of the original "Von Trapp Kids" to gather in Salzburg, Austria, the very setting of their cinematic adventure. While time has brought both joyous milestones and profound loss to the cast, their commitment to the film's spirit and their lifelong friendships remain a powerful, heartwarming story that echoes the film's themes of family and resilience. This deep dive reveals the latest updates on the stars, from the legendary Maria to the youngest Gretl.

The Main Cast of The Sound of Music: A Complete Biography Profile

The 1965 film, directed by Robert Wise, featured an unforgettable ensemble cast. Here is a look at the principal actors and their latest status:

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• Julie Andrews (Maria von Trapp):
  • Born: October 1, 1935, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England.
  • Role: Maria, a postulant nun who becomes the governess and later stepmother to the seven Von Trapp children.
  • Latest Update: Andrews remains a revered figure in film and literature. She continues to work, notably in voice acting roles and as an author with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. She is the most prominent surviving lead actor and frequently reflects on the film's legacy.
• Christopher Plummer (Captain Georg von Trapp):
  • Born: December 13, 1929, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Role: Captain von Trapp, the stern, widowed patriarch of the family.
  • Status: Passed away on February 5, 2021, at the age of 91. Plummer had an illustrious career spanning over seven decades, winning an Academy Award late in life.
• Charmian Carr (Liesl von Trapp):
  • Born: December 27, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Role: Liesl, the eldest of the Von Trapp children, "sixteen going on seventeen."
  • Status: Passed away on September 17, 2016, at the age of 73, due to complications from dementia. She later became a successful interior designer.
• Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich von Trapp):
  • Born: May 15, 1950, in Washington, D.C.
  • Role: Friedrich, the second oldest child.
  • Latest Update: Hammond is an established writer and actor based in Australia. He was a key participant in the 2025 Salzburg reunion, celebrating the film's 60th anniversary.
• Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa von Trapp):
  • Born: December 3, 1949, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Role: Louisa, the third child.
  • Status: Passed away on December 24, 2017, at the age of 68, from brain cancer.
• Duane Chase (Kurt von Trapp):
  • Born: December 12, 1950, in Los Angeles, California.
  • Role: Kurt, the fourth child.
  • Latest Update: Chase left acting to pursue a career as a geologist and software engineer. He is one of the surviving Von Trapp children who remains close with his former castmates.
• Angela Cartwright (Brigitta von Trapp):
  • Born: September 9, 1952, in Altrincham, England.
  • Role: Brigitta, the fifth child, known for her sharp wit.
  • Latest Update: Cartwright is a successful artist, photographer, and author. She frequently attends fan events and reunions, including the recent 2025 gathering.
• Debbie Turner (Marta von Trapp):
  • Born: September 5, 1956, in Arcadia, California.
  • Role: Marta, the sixth child.
  • Latest Update: Turner became a successful floral designer. She is actively involved in the cast reunions and remains a vibrant part of the film's legacy.
• Kym Karath (Gretl von Trapp):
  • Born: August 4, 1958, in Los Angeles, California.
  • Role: Gretl, the youngest of the seven children.
  • Latest Update: Karath continues to act and is an advocate for disability awareness. She has been a central figure in the recent 2025 cast gatherings in Austria.

The Enduring Bond: The Von Trapp Kids’ 2025 Salzburg Reunion

Nearly six decades after the film’s release, the connection between the actors who played the Von Trapp children remains incredibly strong, a testament to the unique experience they shared. The most significant recent update for fans is the news of a special reunion in 2025, celebrating the film’s 60th anniversary.

Several of the original "Von Trapp Kids" traveled back to Salzburg, Austria—the beautiful, historic setting of the film—to commemorate the milestone. This gathering included Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta), and Kym Karath (Gretl). These reunions are not just public appearances; they are genuine celebrations of their lifelong friendship, which they often describe as being like a real family.

The surviving cast members frequently share stories and memories from the set, emphasizing the fun and camaraderie they experienced while filming. The 2025 reunion provided a fresh opportunity for them to revisit iconic locations and share their bond with a new generation of fans, proving that their on-screen chemistry was anything but fictional.

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Where Are They Now? Careers and Legacies Beyond the Abbey

While The Sound of Music defined a major part of their early lives, the cast members have pursued diverse and fascinating careers outside of film. Their professional paths showcase a variety of talents, from continued acting to highly specialized fields.

Julie Andrews' Continued Reign: Julie Andrews, the beloved Maria, has maintained one of the most successful and enduring careers in Hollywood. In recent years, she has focused on writing and voice work, lending her unmistakable voice to major franchises like Despicable Me and Shrek. Her dedication to children's literature, alongside her daughter, has further cemented her status as a cultural icon.

The Late Christopher Plummer's Final Act: Christopher Plummer, who played the initially rigid Captain von Trapp, had a career resurgence in his later years, winning an Academy Award in 2012 for Beginners, making him the oldest person to win an acting Oscar at the time. His passing in 2021 marked a significant loss to the film world and to the Sound of Music family.

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The Von Trapp Kids' Unexpected Paths:

• Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich): Has found success as a screenwriter and director in the Australian film industry.
• Duane Chase (Kurt): Completely shifted gears, earning a degree in geology and working as a forest service technician and software engineer, a stark contrast to his childhood acting role.
• Angela Cartwright (Brigitta): Transitioned into a career as a professional photographer and artist, publishing several books of her work, including books related to the film.
• Debbie Turner (Marta): Used her creative talents to become a successful floral and event designer in Colorado.

The Tragic Losses and The Surviving Core

The passage of time inevitably brings profound change, and the Sound of Music cast has experienced several significant losses in recent years. The deaths of Christopher Plummer, Charmian Carr (Liesl), and Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa) deeply affected the remaining actors.

Charmian Carr, known for the iconic "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" sequence, passed away in 2016. Heather Menzies-Urich followed in 2017. The most recent and high-profile loss was Christopher Plummer in 2021. These losses have only strengthened the resolve of the surviving "Von Trapp Kids" to stay connected and honor the memory of their departed castmates.

Today, the core surviving Von Trapp children—Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Kym Karath—along with Julie Andrews, serve as the primary torchbearers of the film's legacy. They continue to meet, share stories, and participate in events that celebrate the musical that became one of the most beloved films of all time. Their continued friendship and public appearances ensure that the spirit of the Von Trapp family lives on for new generations, making the film's 60th anniversary a celebration of both memory and enduring love.