Marta Von Trapp Now: 5 Surprising Facts About Debbie Turner’s Life Decades After The Sound Of Music

Debbie Turner, the beloved actress who brought the cheerful, second-youngest von Trapp child, Marta, to life in the iconic 1965 film *The Sound of Music*, is living a vibrant, creative life far from the Hollywood spotlight today, in December 2025. Now in her late 60s, Turner has successfully transitioned from a child star to a highly respected professional in the world of floral and event design, a career she has passionately pursued for over three decades. Her story is a rare Hollywood tale of a child actor who chose a life of normalcy and creative entrepreneurship over continued fame, and she remains a cherished figure to fans worldwide, often participating in *The Sound of Music* cast reunions. Turner's journey, which began at the tender age of seven on one of the most famous movie sets in history, is a testament to finding success and fulfillment on one’s own terms. After the whirlwind of the film subsided, she deliberately stepped away from acting to focus on school and family, settling in Minnesota where she built a thriving business and a large family. She is not only a successful designer but also a devoted wife, mother to four daughters, and a doting grandmother, making her primary role today the matriarch of her own family.

Debbie Turner: A Complete Biography and Profile

The following is a detailed look at the life and career of Debbie Turner, the actress known globally as Marta von Trapp:

• Full Name: Deborah "Debbie" Turner (Larson)
• Date of Birth: September 5, 1956
• Age (as of December 2025): 69
• Place of Birth: Arcadia, California, USA
• Most Famous Role: Marta von Trapp in *The Sound of Music* (1965)
• Spouse: Married (Name not widely publicized, but her married name is sometimes cited as Larson)
• Children: Four daughters
• Grandchildren: Several grandchildren (She has stated her number one role now is "Grandma")
• Current Residence: Chanhassen, Minnesota, USA
• Current Profession: Owner and Lead Designer, Debbie Turner Originals (Floral and Event Design)
• Years Active (Acting): 1962–1965 (Primarily known for *The Sound of Music*)

From Trapp Family Singer to Floral Design Entrepreneur

Debbie Turner’s career trajectory is one of the most unique among the von Trapp children. Unlike some of her co-stars who continued in entertainment, Turner made a conscious decision to leave the industry shortly after the film's debut.

The Life-Changing Role of Marta von Trapp

Turner was only seven years old when she was cast as Marta, the sweet, second-youngest von Trapp daughter who famously declares, "I'm Marta, and I'm going to be seven on Tuesday, and I'd like a pink parasol!" The filming experience in Salzburg, Austria, and Los Angeles was a formative one, creating a bond among the seven child actors that has lasted for decades.

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The global phenomenon of *The Sound of Music* meant instant, overwhelming fame. However, Turner’s parents were keen on ensuring she had a normal childhood. She returned to school and, by her own account, the fame from the film actually made it difficult for her to secure other acting roles, as casting directors struggled to see her as anyone other than Marta von Trapp.

The Birth of Debbie Turner Originals

Decades later, Turner found her true creative calling in floral and event design. She established her company, Debbie Turner Originals, which has now been a successful, full-service wedding and event design company for over 30 years, based out of Chanhassen, Minnesota.

Her business is known for its upscale, custom floral arrangements and event planning, showcasing the same artistic flair she displayed in her youth. Turner has become an internationally recognized floral designer, a career that allows her to express her creativity and work with beautiful, natural materials.

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In a nod to her acting past, she has also ventured into designing scarves, an artistic endeavor that allows her to combine her love for design with her creative background.

The Enduring Legacy: Reunions and Family Life

While her professional life is focused on flowers, her personal life revolves around her large family and her enduring connection to her *Sound of Music* family.

A Mother and Grandmother First

Debbie Turner is a proud mother to four daughters and has embraced her role as a grandmother. She has often stated that being a grandmother is her "number one role," illustrating her commitment to her family life in Minnesota. This focus on family was a deliberate choice that she made after her brief but intense period of childhood fame. Her married name, sometimes cited as Larson, reflects the life she built outside of Hollywood.

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The Von Trapp Children: A Lifelong Bond

The seven actors who played the von Trapp children—Liesl (Charmian Carr, d. 2016), Friedrich (Nicholas Hammond), Louisa (Heather Menzies, d. 2017), Kurt (Duane Chase), Brigitta (Angela Cartwright), Marta (Debbie Turner), and Gretl (Kym Karath)—share a unique, lifelong bond. They have reunited numerous times over the decades for anniversaries, television appearances, and special events, keeping the spirit of the Trapp family alive for fans.

These reunions, which continue to take place, are a testament to the powerful, shared experience of making the classic film. Turner is a regular participant, sharing stories and memories with her former co-stars and fans.

Addressing Confusion: The Other Debbie Turners

Due to the commonality of the name, there is often confusion between the actress and other notable individuals. For clarity and topical authority, it is important to distinguish the actress from two other prominent women with the same name:

• Not the Interior Designer in Seattle: The actress Debbie Turner is often confused with a Seattle-based interior designer named Debbie Cahill Turner, who runs the firm Debbie Cahill Turner Design. The actress is based in Minnesota.
• Not the Cancer Care Founder: The actress is also not the founder of the Debbie Turner Cancer Care and Resource Center in Apopka, Florida. That organization was founded by a different Debbie Turner who is a cancer survivor and advocate.

The Debbie Turner known as Marta von Trapp is the successful floral and event designer who has built a beautiful, creative life in the Midwest, proving that a life after Hollywood can be just as fulfilling and successful. Her decision to trade the sound stages for floral arrangements has made her a unique and inspiring figure in the history of child actors.