‘The Sound Of Music’ Kids Are All Grown Up And Still Singing Beside Julie Andrews

Jun 17, 2022 by apost team

"The Sound of Music" is one of the most iconic movies of Hollywood's Golden Age. Alongside the seven von Trapp children, its two lead stars, Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews went on to have successful careers, but it's often for this film that they're remembered. At one point the highest-grossing film in the world, it sat at the top spot for five years before being overtaken. The film won numerous accolades, including five Academy Awards and two Golden Globes. Although met with mixed reviews from critics, it was an immediate hit with audiences and has remained as such to this day.

That makes sense; after all, it really has something for everyone — whether you're an adult and are interested in the historical setting of the film, in Georg von Trapp and Maria's love story or just a child that sees yourself in one of the children, "The Sound of Music" is a pure joy to watch and is a testament to Hollywood. Following its immense success, the two lead actors took their careers in different directions, with Plummer returning to the theater and Andrews continuing on in films as both an actor and singer.

Although Plummer is no longer with us, his legacy and the memory of “The Sound of Music” has continued to live on, as Andrews is still very notable in the entertainment industry. However, many people have wondered what happened to the actors and actresses who portrayed the young von Trapp children in the film. Although we have lost some of these bright stars in the past years, others are still showing that they have what it takes to make a long-lasting impression.

“The Sound of Music” is truly a film that spans all generations. While most people are familiar with the story of Plummer and the fruitful career of Andrews, not as many know about the legacies that the actors and actresses who portrayed the von Trapps have gone on to lead.

Charmian Carr portrayed the eldest daughter in the film, Liesl, while Heather Menzies portrayed the second eldest daughter, Louisa. Carr delighted audiences with “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” while Menzies’ talent shone through with “So Long, Farewell” and “The Lonely Goatherd.”

Unfortunately, both stars are no longer with us today, as Carr died in 2016 from complications related to dementia, and Menzies died in 2017 just three weeks after her 68th birthday and after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

In May 2022, Rosmarie Trapp, the daughter of the real-life Georg and Maria, passed away. Though she was not in the film “her kindness, generosity, and colorful spirit were legendary” and inspired much of the happenings in “The Sound of Music,” according to PEOPLE. However, Parade reported that there were many creative liberties in the film compared to the real lives of the von Trapp family.

Other stars in the film included Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), Debbie Turner (Marta) and Kym Karath (Gretl).

Following “The Sound of Music,” Hammond went on to be a brilliant star in the 1970s and 1980s, appearing in shows such as “The Brady Bunch,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “The Love Boat,” "Magnum, P.I.,” “Murder, She Wrote” and “Dallas.” He even played Peter Parker and Spider-Man in the 1970s TV show “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Hammond has continued to work in the film industry ever since, showing other skills such as writing and directing. He currently lives in Sydney, Australia.

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Chase also had a career following the memorable film, but switched careers after high school, opting for a quieter life that revolved around nature. He has a degree in geology and currently lives in Washington, working in wildlife and forestry.

Turner also did not stay in the limelight for very long, instead choosing to return to school after her turn as Marta. While she gave up show business for a quieter life, Turner still met with her "Sound of Music" co-stars and family and even appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in honor of the film's 45th anniversary.

Cartwright was already a thriving actress when she was cast as Brigitta in “The Sound of Music” despite only being 13 years old at the time. Afterward, she went on to continue acting and was even in a 2019 episode of “Lost in Space.” However, more of her focus is now on photography and publishing books on her photography techniques.

Gretl, portrayed by Karath, stole audiences’ hearts with her adorableness at the tender age of 5. After having a great career throughout the 1960s, Karath went on to leave the entertainment industry and has since devoted her life to helping people with disabilities – including her son Eric – with the Aurelia Foundation.

If you’re wondering what the stars who portrayed the von Trapp kids are up to today, you might be surprised to see that they’re still singing some of our favorite songs from “The Sound of Music.” In fact, Hammond, Chase, Cartwright, Turner and Karath reunited in June 2022 for a surprise performance of “Do-Re-Mi” at the AFI Life Achievement Gala and honored Andrews with the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. Scott Feinberg shared the “beautiful moment” on Twitter, and gave fans a look at the heartwarming moment.

Do you recognize the von Trapp child stars today? What is your favorite song from “The Sound of Music”? Let us know, and be sure to pass this along to your loved ones.