The Hills Are Still Alive: Where Is The Sound Of Music Film Cast Now, 60 Years Later?

The Sound of Music, the 1965 cinematic masterpiece that captured the hearts of the world, remains one of the most beloved musical films of all time. As the movie approaches its 60th anniversary in 2025, a new generation of fans and long-time enthusiasts are looking back at the legendary cast and wondering about their lives today, in December 2025.

The story of Maria, Captain Von Trapp, and the seven singing children is timeless, but the cast members themselves have experienced decades of life, career changes, and unfortunately, loss. The current status of the surviving actors, especially Dame Julie Andrews and the Von Trapp "kids," is a major point of curiosity, with many still active in the arts and celebrating the film's enduring legacy.

The Complete Sound of Music Film Cast: A Biographical Profile

The ensemble cast, directed by Robert Wise, created one of the most iconic movie families in history. Here is a detailed profile of the main actors, including their roles and current status:

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• Julie Andrews (Maria von Trapp):
  • Role: Maria, the spirited postulant-turned-governess.
  • Status: Still Active.
  • Note: A global icon, Andrews continues to work as an author, director, and voice artist, recently winning an Emmy for her voice role as Lady Whistledown in the Netflix series *Bridgerton* and directing stage productions like *The Great American Mousical*.
• Christopher Plummer (Captain Georg von Trapp):
  • Role: The stern, widowed naval officer.
  • Status: Deceased (February 5, 2021).
  • Note: Plummer had a prolific career spanning over seven decades, winning an Academy Award at age 82. He and Julie Andrews remained close friends until his death.
• Charmian Carr (Liesl von Trapp):
  • Role: The eldest, 16-going-on-17 daughter.
  • Status: Deceased (September 17, 2016).
  • Note: After acting, Carr became a successful interior designer, counting Michael Jackson among her clients.
• Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich von Trapp):
  • Role: The second-oldest son.
  • Status: Still Active.
  • Note: He continued his acting career, notably playing Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the 1970s TV series, and now works as an actor, writer, and director, primarily in Australia.
• Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa von Trapp):
  • Role: The third daughter.
  • Status: Deceased (December 24, 2017).
  • Note: She was an actress and later an advocate for cancer patients through the foundation she started in her late husband Robert Urich's name.
• Duane Chase (Kurt von Trapp):
  • Role: The middle, mischievous son.
  • Status: Still Active.
  • Note: Chase left acting to pursue a career in geology and forestry, which he still practices today.
• Angela Cartwright (Brigitta von Trapp):
  • Role: The fourth daughter, known for her honesty.
  • Status: Still Active.
  • Note: She is a successful artist, photographer, and author, and has also continued to take on acting roles in recent years.
• Debbie Turner (Marta von Trapp):
  • Role: The fifth daughter.
  • Status: Still Active.
  • Note: Turner became a professional interior designer and florist in Colorado.
• Kym Karath (Gretl von Trapp):
  • Role: The youngest daughter.
  • Status: Still Active.
  • Note: She continued acting sporadically and has worked as a writer, often participating in cast reunions.
• Other Key Roles:
  • Eleanor Parker (Baroness Elsa Schraeder): Deceased (December 9, 2013).
  • Richard Haydn (Max Detweiler): Deceased (April 25, 1985).
  • Peggy Wood (Mother Abbess): Deceased (March 5, 1978).

The Enduring Bond: Where the Surviving Von Trapp Children Are Now

Despite the passage of six decades since filming in Salzburg, Austria, the bond between the surviving seven "Von Trapp children" remains one of Hollywood's most remarkable friendships. Five of the seven children are still alive and frequently participate in reunion events, keeping the spirit of the film alive.

The actors who played the children—Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Kym Karath—have largely moved away from the spotlight, choosing careers that reflect their personal passions rather than continued Hollywood fame. This decision, however, has not severed their connection to the film or to each other.

Duane Chase (Kurt), for instance, found his calling in the natural world, becoming a respected geologist and forester. Angela Cartwright (Brigitta) seamlessly transitioned her artistic talents into a successful career as a photographer and artist, often publishing books and showcasing her work. Debbie Turner (Marta) channeled her creative energy into interior design and floral arrangement.

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Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich) and Kym Karath (Gretl) are the most active in the entertainment industry, with Hammond continuing to work behind and in front of the camera, primarily in Australia. Their commitment to celebrating the film’s legacy is especially important as the 60th-anniversary milestone approaches, giving fans a chance to connect with the beloved characters once more.

A Tribute to the Legends: Remembering the Cast Members We've Lost

As time marches on, the cast of *The Sound of Music* has faced significant loss, most notably with the passing of its two biggest stars and three of the Von Trapp children. The tributes and memories shared by the surviving cast members offer a poignant look at the deep relationships forged during the 1965 production.

Christopher Plummer: The Captain Who Found His Voice

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Christopher Plummer, who famously played the strict but loving Captain Georg von Trapp, passed away in 2021. Though he often joked about the film, calling it "The Sound of Mucus" in jest, he later acknowledged its immense impact and his deep friendship with Julie Andrews. Their public appearances and shared anecdotes over the years highlighted a genuine, long-lasting bond that transcended their on-screen romance.

Charmian Carr and Heather Menzies-Urich: Liesl and Louisa

The loss of Charmian Carr (Liesl) in 2016 and Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa) in 2017 deeply affected the remaining "children." Carr, whose performance of "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" is iconic, was seen by the younger cast as a true older sister. Menzies-Urich, who played the mischievous Louisa, was remembered for her dedication to charitable work later in life. Their deaths brought the surviving cast members closer, cementing their commitment to preserving the film's memory.

The Legacy of Julie Andrews: A Guiding Light

Dame Julie Andrews, the heart of the film, continues to be the central figure in the cast's collective memory. Her recent work, including her Emmy-winning voice role in *Bridgerton* and her directorial projects, shows her commitment to the arts has not waned. She has consistently spoken about the incredible bond she shared with the children and her "dear friend" Christopher Plummer, emphasizing that they are all "great friends."

As the film prepares for its 60th anniversary, the surviving cast members often participate in special screenings, interviews, and events. These reunions serve as a powerful reminder of the movie's message of family, music, and resilience, ensuring that the hills of Salzburg remain alive with *The Sound of Music* for generations to come.