The Practically Perfect Age: How Old Was Julie Andrews In Mary Poppins?

The question of "How old was Julie Andrews in *Mary Poppins*?" is more than just a piece of trivia—it’s a key detail that underscores the monumental nature of her film debut. As of December 14, 2025, the beloved actress continues to be a living legend, but her age when she took on the role of the magical nanny reveals a young star at the absolute peak of her powers, transitioning from a Broadway sensation to a global cinematic icon in a single, practically perfect performance. The journey from the London stage to the Disney soundstages was swift and led to one of the most famous "revenge" stories in Academy Awards history.

The core answer is remarkably precise: Julie Andrews was 27 years old during the bulk of the film's production and 28 years old when the movie premiered. Filming for the Walt Disney classic began in May 1963, a few months before she turned 28. This relatively young age for a leading lady in a major studio film only highlights her pre-existing star power and the incredible vocal and acting talent she brought to the screen, a talent that had already captivated audiences on the Broadway stage in shows like *My Fair Lady* and *Camelot*.

Julie Andrews: A Biographical Snapshot

Dame Julie Andrews, born Julia Elizabeth Wells, has enjoyed one of the most celebrated and enduring careers in entertainment, spanning eight decades. Her early life as a child star with an extraordinary four-octave voice set the stage for her later cinematic triumphs. The following details provide a quick look at the life and career that led to her iconic role as the world’s favorite nanny.

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• Full Name: Julia Elizabeth Wells
• Born: October 1, 1935
• Birthplace: Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, United Kingdom
• Spouses: Tony Walton (m. 1959; div. 1968), Blake Edwards (m. 1969; d. 2010)
• Children: Emma Walton Hamilton (from her first marriage), and two adopted daughters, Amy and Joanna (with Blake Edwards)
• Early Career Highlights: Broadway debut in *The Boy Friend* (1954), originating the role of Eliza Doolittle in *My Fair Lady* (1956), and starring as Queen Guinevere in *Camelot* (1960).
• Major Film Roles: *Mary Poppins* (1964), *The Sound of Music* (1965), *Thoroughly Modern Millie* (1967), *Victor/Victoria* (1982), *The Princess Diaries* (2001).
• Awards: Academy Award, BAFTA, five Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award.

The Precise Timeline: Julie Andrews' Age During Filming and Release

To fully appreciate the youth and brilliance of Julie Andrews in *Mary Poppins*, it is helpful to look at the exact production timeline. The film was a massive undertaking for Walt Disney Productions, combining live-action with intricate animation and special effects.

The Filming Period: Age 27

Principal photography for *Mary Poppins* began in May 1963. Since Julie Andrews’ birthday is October 1, 1935, she was 27 years old when she first stepped into the role of the magical nanny and began working alongside co-star Dick Van Dyke (who played Bert).

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The Release Period: Age 28

The film had its world premiere in Los Angeles on August 27, 1964. At this time, Julie Andrews was 28 years old, just over a month shy of her 29th birthday. The critical and commercial success was immediate, launching her into a new stratosphere of fame and solidifying her status as a major Hollywood star.

Comparatively, when she filmed her other career-defining role, Maria von Trapp in *The Sound of Music*, the following year, she was 29 years old. The two roles, filmed in rapid succession, cemented her image as the wholesome, yet spirited, musical leading lady for a generation.

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The Oscar Revenge: How Mary Poppins Defied the My Fair Lady Snub

The story of how Julie Andrews landed the role of *Mary Poppins* is one of Hollywood's most legendary instances of a career-defining opportunity arising directly from a major professional disappointment. This narrative provides the freshest and most compelling context for her performance.

The *My Fair Lady* Snub

Andrews had originated the role of Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway production of *My Fair Lady* in 1956, a performance that made her an American star and a Broadway legend. However, when Warner Bros. decided to adapt the musical for film, they controversially passed over Andrews for the role, opting instead for the more established movie star, Audrey Hepburn.

Walt Disney, who had seen Andrews on Broadway, approached her immediately after the snub, famously telling her, "I know you’ve been passed over for *My Fair Lady*, and I want you to make my picture." This gesture of faith, and the promise of a custom-tailored role, led Andrews to accept *Mary Poppins*.

The Sweetest Victory at the Academy Awards

Both films—*Mary Poppins* and *My Fair Lady*—were released in 1964, putting them in direct competition at the 37th Academy Awards. The result was a stunning reversal of fortune.

• *My Fair Lady*, starring Audrey Hepburn, was nominated for 12 Oscars and won 8, including Best Picture. However, Audrey Hepburn was not nominated for Best Actress.
• *Mary Poppins* was nominated for 13 Oscars and won 5. Julie Andrews, in her very first feature film, won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

In her acceptance speech, Andrews famously offered a subtle, gracious jab at the studio that had rejected her: "And finally, my thanks to a man who made a wonderful movie and who made it possible for me to be here tonight, and that is Mr. Jack L. Warner [head of Warner Bros.]." This victory—a Best Actress Oscar in her debut, over the film that had rejected her—is a pivotal part of the *Mary Poppins* legend.

The Lasting Legacy of a 'Practically Perfect' Debut

The fact that Julie Andrews was only 27 when she began filming *Mary Poppins* is extraordinary when considering the maturity, depth, and technical precision of her performance. The film's enduring success is a testament to the confluence of a perfect cast, groundbreaking visual effects, and a truly memorable score by the Sherman Brothers, featuring classic songs like "A Spoonful of Sugar" and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

The topical authority surrounding *Mary Poppins* extends far beyond the original film. The legacy includes the original book series by author P. L. Travers, the successful stage musical adaptation, and the 2018 sequel, *Mary Poppins Returns*, starring Emily Blunt. Andrews herself gave her blessing to the sequel, though she chose not to make a cameo, believing the film was Emily Blunt’s moment.

Julie Andrews' performance as the "practically perfect in every way" nanny remains a benchmark for family entertainment. It was a role that defined her career, earned her the highest honor in film, and set the stage for an unparalleled body of work that continues to inspire new generations of actors and audiences alike. Her youth at the time of filming only adds to the magic, proving that sometimes, the most enduring cinematic perfection comes from a star on the cusp of greatness.