Dame Julie Andrews was born as Julia Elizabeth Ward Wells on 1 October 1935 in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey to Edward Charles Wells and Barbara Wells. Her father known as Ted Wells was a simple man who enjoyed simple life of the countryside and was a schoolteacher while her mother Barbara was a talented pianist who taught piano but longed for a career on the stage. Her siblings are Celia Wells and Christopher Stuart. Her Mother divorced Ted wells and married Ted Andrews a professional singer and both toured England entertaining war troops. Andrew was Julie’s stepfather’s name and she changed her name from wells to Andrew. Her stepfather took her along the musical pathway, became a regular presence on radio shows, and performed as solo artists with her parents. She was known for her perfect pitch and impressive vocal range. Julie Andrew was married to Tony Walton from 1959 to 1968 and had children namely Emma Walton Hamilton, Amy Edwards and Joanna Edwards. She later got married to Blake Edwards from 1969 to 2010, a husband who died after 41 years of marriage.

Julie Andrews has starred in many movies such as THE BOYFRIEND, MY FAIR LADY, HIGH TOR MARY POPPINS but the most spectacular success was THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Aside acting movies, she also hosted her own weekly variety shows on CBS TV between 1972 t0 1973. She developed vocal problems due to growth of ovules on her vocal cords. She was operated on but the surgery damaged her larynx irreparably and that ended her singing career. She received a settlement as high as $30m.

She has published many books and has many best sellers and together with her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton written more than 30 books for children and young adults.

She is also involved in international charities as served as goodwill ambassador for United Nations Development Fund for women (UNIFEM) which assists women and communities in impoverished countries.

She will be 88 on 1^st of October.

Credits: WIKIPEDIA and ACHIEVEMENT.ORG