The Sound Of Music Cast: 7 Von Trapp Children’s Surprising Careers And Julie Andrews’ Latest 2025 Projects

The Sound of Music, the 1965 cinematic masterpiece that captured the hearts of the world, is celebrating its 60th anniversary, bringing renewed attention to its beloved cast. As of December 2025, fans are eager to know what the original stars, especially the seven Von Trapp children, are doing now, decades after the film’s release.

The latest updates for 2025 reveal that the hills are truly still alive with the sound of music, featuring new career paths, sold-out reunion tours, and the enduring legacy of the film's leading lady, Dame Julie Andrews, who continues to shape the world of arts through directing and writing.

Full Biography and Career Milestones of the Leading Stars

The enduring power of *The Sound of Music* rests heavily on the shoulders of its two iconic leads, whose careers were already established but were cemented in history by their roles as Maria and Captain Von Trapp.

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Julie Andrews (Maria von Trapp) - A 2025 Directing and Literary Focus

• Full Name: Julia Elizabeth Wells (Dame Julie Andrews)
• Born: October 1, 1935 (Age 90 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England
• Key Awards: Oscar (for *Mary Poppins*), BAFTA, five Golden Globes, three Grammys, two Emmys, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild.
• Post-1965 Milestones: Starred in *Thoroughly Modern Millie* (1967), *Victor/Victoria* (1982), and later introduced to a new generation as the Queen of Genovia in *The Princess Diaries* franchise (2001, 2004). She also voiced Gru's mother in the *Despicable Me* films and Lady Whistledown in the Netflix series *Bridgerton*.
• Latest 2025 Projects: Andrews is continuing her work as a director, staging a revival of her musical adaptation of the children's book *The Great American Mousical* in 2025. She also released a new children's book, *Waiting in the Wings*, about a troupe of theatrical ducks, further cementing her status as a celebrated author. There is also ongoing talk about the development of *The Princess Diaries 3*.

Christopher Plummer (Captain Georg von Trapp) - The Late, Great Legend

• Full Name: Arthur Christopher Orme Plummer (Companion of the Order of Canada)
• Born: December 13, 1929
• Died: February 5, 2021 (Age 91)
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Key Awards: Oscar (for *Beginners* at age 82, making him the oldest person to win a competitive acting Oscar at the time), two Tonys, and two Emmys, achieving the "Triple Crown of Acting."
• Post-1965 Milestones: Plummer intentionally sought out varied roles to distance himself from the Captain Von Trapp image, starring in films like *The Man Who Would Be King* (1975) and *Malcolm X* (1992). He had a career resurgence late in life.
• Final Projects: His final film appearances included *Knives Out* (2019) and the television series *Departure* (2019–2021). His career spanned seven decades, establishing him as one of the finest classical stage and screen actors of his generation.

The Von Trapp Children: Where Are They Now in 2025?

The seven actors who played the Von Trapp children—Liesl, Friedrich, Louisa, Kurt, Brigitta, Marta, and Gretl—have taken some of the most diverse and surprising career paths in Hollywood history. Very few remained in acting, with most pivoting into highly successful careers in business, science, and design. As of 2025, the remaining cast members are actively participating in the film's 60th-anniversary celebrations.

1. Charmian Carr (Liesl, the eldest)

   Charmian Carr passed away in 2016 at the age of 73. After leaving acting, she became a highly successful interior designer in California, owning the firm Charmian Carr Designs. She wrote two books about her experience: *Forever Liesl* and *Letters to Liesl*.

2. Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich, the second eldest)

   Nicholas Hammond, now an American-Australian citizen, is one of the most active in the entertainment industry. He is best known for starring as Peter Parker in the 1970s TV series *The Amazing Spider-Man*. In 2025, he has a new movie release, *The Travellers*, directed by Bruce Beresford, and is currently working on writing his memoir, keeping his career firmly rooted in the arts.

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3. Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa)

   Heather Menzies-Urich passed away in 2017 at age 68. She continued to act and model after the film, appearing in projects like *Sssssss* (1973) and *Logan's Run* (1977). Later in life, she became an advocate for cancer patients and their families through the "Robert Urich Foundation," named after her late husband.

4. Duane Chase (Kurt)

   Duane Chase, who played the mischievous Kurt, took the most dramatic turn away from Hollywood. He left acting to pursue a career in geology, forestry, and environmental science. He now lives in the Pacific Northwest, having devoted most of his life to environmental studies, making him a unique success story outside of show business.

5. Angela Cartwright (Brigitta)

   Angela Cartwright has had one of the most vibrant post-film careers. She is a highly accomplished photographer and visual artist. Her latest updates for 2025 are exceptionally current: she is launching a new podcast called "Pasticcio" in September 2025, and her special *Sound of Music* tour scheduled for October 2025 is already sold out, demonstrating her enduring connection with fans.

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6. Debbie Turner (Marta)

   Debbie Turner, who played Marta, also left acting after the film. She found her passion in design, and today she is a successful entrepreneur who owns and operates a floral and wedding design business, Debbie Turner Originals, which specializes in high-end floral arrangements and wedding planning.

7. Kym Karath (Gretl, the youngest)

   Kym Karath, who played the adorable Gretl, briefly returned to acting later in life but has remained a dedicated participant in *Sound of Music* events. She is actively involved in the 60th-anniversary celebrations and is often featured in interviews discussing the making of the film.

The Legacy Continues: New Casts and 60th Anniversary Celebrations

The enduring popularity of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical ensures that new productions continue to emerge, introducing the story to a new generation of theatergoers. This ensures the topical authority of the franchise remains high.

The 2025 North American Tour Cast

A new, acclaimed North American tour of *The Sound of Music* is scheduled to run into 2025, with performances confirmed for late 2025 and early 2026. This production features a fresh cast that upholds the film's theatrical tradition:

• Maria Rainer: Cayleigh Capaldi, a rising star, takes on the iconic role originated by Julie Andrews.
• Captain Georg von Trapp: Broadway veteran Kevin Earley is cast as the stern but loving Captain.
• Mother Abbess: Tony Award nominee Christiane Noll brings her celebrated voice to the role of the Mother Abbess.

This new tour cast highlights the musical's ability to reinvent itself while staying true to the beloved original material, offering a modern interpretation of the classic story.

Enduring Bonds and Reunions

Despite the passing of some key members, the original cast maintains a strong bond, often reuniting for anniversaries. The 60th anniversary, celebrated throughout 2025, has been a major focus. Several of the original Von Trapp children, including Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, and Kym Karath, have participated in special gatherings and documentaries in Salzburg and other locations, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and reflecting on the film’s massive cultural impact. These reunions are a testament to the family-like atmosphere fostered during the original filming and are highly anticipated by fans globally.

The Sound of Music's Unbreakable Cultural Impact

The film, which was a massive box office success and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, continues to be broadcast annually, often around the holiday season. Its themes of family, courage, and the power of music resonate across generations, making it a timeless piece of cinema. The film's musical numbers, such as "Do-Re-Mi," "My Favorite Things," and "Edelweiss," are part of the global musical lexicon.

The current activities of the cast—from Julie Andrews' directorial work to the Von Trapp children's surprising careers in geology, photography, and design—demonstrate that the "Sound of Music" created a springboard for diverse and successful lives. Their enduring presence in the public eye, especially during the 2025 anniversary year, proves that the magic of the Von Trapp family is truly everlasting.