The Sound Of Music Cast: Where Are The Von Trapp Children Now? (2025 Reunion Updates)

The hills are alive with the sound of new updates! As of December 18, 2025, the legacy of the 1965 cinematic masterpiece *The Sound of Music* continues to resonate, fueled by a major 60th-anniversary celebration for the original cast and the announcement of a completely new North American stage tour. This iconic film, which introduced the world to the fictionalized Von Trapp family, remains one of the most beloved musicals in history, and the curiosity surrounding its actors—especially the seven Von Trapp children—is as strong as ever. This article dives deep into the lives of the original cast, their post-film careers, the tragic losses they’ve endured, and the exciting new productions keeping the magic alive today. The enduring appeal of Maria, Captain von Trapp, and their musical brood is a testament to the film’s timeless themes of love, music, and resilience. Decades after its debut, fans are still eager to know what happened to the young stars and how the main actors forged their careers after creating one of Hollywood’s most memorable families. We explore the latest news, including recent reunions and the status of the actors who brought the classic story to life.

The Original Von Trapp Family: Complete 1965 Cast Biography and Status

The heart of *The Sound of Music* lies in its unforgettable characters, brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast. While many of the original actors have sadly passed away, their performances are immortalized on screen. Below is a complete look at the main cast members of the 1965 film and their current status.

• Julie Andrews (Maria von Trapp): The iconic star of the film, Andrews is a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire and has enjoyed a legendary career spanning film, stage, and television. She remains active in the entertainment industry, including voice work and writing children’s books. She is one of the few principal cast members still alive.
• Christopher Plummer (Captain Georg von Trapp): A celebrated stage and screen actor, Plummer won an Academy Award for *Beginners* in 2012. He passed away peacefully in February 2021 at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of over 200 film and television roles.
• Charmian Carr (Liesl von Trapp): The eldest Von Trapp child, known for the song "Sixteen Going on Seventeen." After the film, Carr largely left acting to pursue a career as an interior designer. She sadly passed away in 2016 at the age of 73 from complications related to dementia.
• Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich von Trapp): After *The Sound of Music*, Hammond continued acting, notably playing Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the 1970s television series *The Amazing Spider-Man*. He currently resides in Australia and works as a writer and director.
• Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa von Trapp): Menzies-Urich continued acting after the film, appearing in several TV shows and films. She passed away in 2017 at the age of 68 after a battle with brain cancer.
• Duane Chase (Kurt von Trapp): Chase chose to leave acting and pursue a career in geology. He earned a master's degree and became a software engineer and forest service worker, reflecting a life far removed from Hollywood.
• Angela Cartwright (Brigitta von Trapp): Cartwright was already a recognized child actress from *The Danny Thomas Show*. After *The Sound of Music*, she starred in the TV series *Lost in Space*. She later became a photographer, author, and artist.
• Debbie Turner (Marta von Trapp): Turner stepped away from acting after the film and became a floral designer. She is also an entrepreneur, having launched a line of *The Sound of Music*-themed products.
• Kym Karath (Gretl von Trapp): The youngest Von Trapp child, Karath continued acting sporadically but later focused on advocacy. She is a prominent advocate for disabled adults and parents, which she has spoken about publicly.
• Eleanor Parker (The Baroness Elsa Schraeder): A three-time Academy Award nominee, Parker had a distinguished career before and after the musical. She passed away in 2013 at the age of 91.
• Peggy Wood (Mother Abbess): Known for her inspiring rendition of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," Wood was a veteran stage and screen actress. She passed away in 1978.
• Richard Haydn (Max Detweiler): The charming and opportunistic impresario, Haydn was a character actor with a long career. He passed away in 1985.

The Hills Are Still Alive: 2025 Reunions and New Stage Castings

The enduring popularity of *The Sound of Music* ensures that the story is constantly being revisited, both by its original stars and by new generations of performers. The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the film's release, and the original Von Trapp children are celebrating with highly anticipated gatherings.

Original Cast Celebrates 60 Years with Salzburg Reunion

Several of the original Von Trapp children actors—including Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), and Kym Karath (Gretl)—have participated in recent and upcoming gatherings to commemorate the film’s 60th anniversary. These reunions often take place in Salzburg, Austria, the picturesque setting where the film was shot. These events allow the actors to share their memories, visit iconic filming locations like the Mirabell Gardens and the gazebo, and connect with the dedicated fanbase. The continued bond between these former child stars, who essentially grew up together on the set, is a heartwarming narrative that fans follow closely.

New North American Tour Cast for 2025/2026

In a major update for theatre lovers, a new North American tour of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic is set to begin in late 2025 and run into 2026. This new production, directed by Jack O’Brien, features fresh talent taking on the iconic roles. The principal casting for the new tour includes:

• Cayleigh Capaldi as Maria Rainer: Capaldi is set to lead the production, bringing her own interpretation to the role made famous by Julie Andrews.
• Kevin Earley as Captain Georg von Trapp: Broadway veteran Kevin Earley will take on the role of the stern but loving Captain.
• Christiane Noll as the Mother Abbess: Tony Award nominee Christiane Noll will deliver the powerful vocals for the Mother Abbess.

This new touring cast ensures that the beloved musical continues to be experienced by new audiences across the continent, keeping the material current and vibrant.

The Legacy of a Lifelong Friendship: Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer

One of the most compelling narratives to emerge from the set of *The Sound of Music* was the unexpected, yet enduring, friendship between its two leading stars, Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. While their on-screen chemistry as Maria and Captain von Trapp was undeniable, their off-screen relationship was initially characterized by playful banter and good-natured friction, which eventually blossomed into a deep, lifelong bond.

From "The Governess" to Great Friends

Plummer famously referred to the film as "The Sound of Mucus" early on, a reflection of his own struggle with the saccharine nature of the role. However, his professional relationship with Andrews quickly became one of mutual respect and affection. Andrews consistently spoke of Plummer as her "partner in crime," and the two remained close friends until his death in 2021. Andrews has opened up about her deep connection with the late actor, describing their bond as one of the closest in her life. Their friendship was a source of comfort and shared history, a rare kind of longevity in the often-fleeting world of Hollywood. Plummer himself once joked that he "should've ended up with" Andrews, highlighting the genuine affection he held for his co-star. This deep friendship between the film’s two leads is a key part of the movie’s enduring legacy, adding a layer of poignant, real-life connection to the fictional romance.

Post-Film Careers and Continued Influence

The actors who played the Von Trapp children largely moved on to different career paths after their brief but intense experience on the film set. While some, like Nicholas Hammond and Angela Cartwright, continued acting, others pursued more private lives. Duane Chase became a geologist, and Debbie Turner a floral designer. This variety in their post-film careers makes their occasional reunions all the more special, highlighting how a single film brought together a group of young people whose lives then diverged dramatically. Their willingness to come back together for milestones like the 60th anniversary in Salzburg underscores the profound, shared experience that *The Sound of Music* gave them. The film’s influence is truly timeless, reaching across generations and ensuring that the story of the Von Trapp family remains a cultural touchstone worldwide.