From Nanny to Queen: The Roles That Show Julie Andrews’ Lasting Magic

The British actress is 90 years old and is regarded as one of the best performers of all time

At 90 years old, Dame Julie Andrews remains one of the most beloved performers in film history. From her dazzling debut in Mary Poppins to her playful voice roles in animated hits like Shrek, she continues to charm audiences across generations. As we celebrate her milestone birthday on October 1, we look back at the iconic roles that have showcased her range—and why they still matter to families today.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins is a 1964 movie that paired Julie Andrews with Dick Van Dyke. In the film, Andrews plays Mary, a not-so-ordinary woman hired to become the nanny of the Banks’ children. This film introduced the song “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” and incorporated animation.

As Mary, Julie Andrews showed the perfect balance between fun and structure, inspiring generations of parents to find that sweet spot in their own homes.

The Sound of Music

Inspired by the story of the Von Trapp family, The Sound of Music is the movie that made Julie Andrews known to the world as Maria, an independent woman sent by the nuns to be governess to the Von Trapp family. She meets the strict and dashing Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer), with whom she initially clashes over rules regarding his children.  They fall in love and later escape the Nazi regime.

With Maria, Julie Andrews showed how patience, play, and unconditional love can transform even the sternest family dynamic—a lesson that still resonates with modern parents.

The movie introduced the world to captivating songs like “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going On Seventeen,” Edelweiss,” and ‘My Favorite Things.”

Coincidentally, the movie celebrated its 60th anniversary with a limited run in selected cinemas last September.

Victor/Victoria

Victor/Victoria sees Andrews deviating from roles she used to play. In the movie, she plays Victoria, a singer who is about to be evicted from her hotel room because she is unable to pay her rent. She pairs up with Toddy, an aging gay performer, who helps her transform into Victor, an impersonator, and she becomes a hit.

The film showcased Andrews’ remarkable ability to portray both masculinity and femininity with wit, vulnerability, and strength—pushing the boundaries of what audiences expected from her.

The Princess Diaries

The film introduced Anne Hathaway as Princess Mia, but it also introduced Julie as Queen Clarisse of Genovia, Princess Mia’s grandmother. Initially worried about how Mia will immerse herself in royal duties, Queen Clarice becomes her granddaughter’s staunch defender and cheerleader, as she transforms to become a true royal. 

Shrek/Despicable Me

In Shrek 2, Julie Andrews lends her voice to Queen Lillian, Princess Fiona’s mother, who is worried for her daughter after marrying Shrek. She would voice Queen Lilian in two other Shrek movies.

In Despicable Me, Andrews lends her voice to Marlena, Gru’s prickly, no-nonsense mother—a brief role that still manages to bring bite and humor.

The Voice of Lady Whistledown

In a more recent pursuit, Julie Andrews lent her voice to the ever-popular Netflix-adapted series of Bridgerton. While many already know the true identity of Lady Whistledown, she still lends her voice that makes those stories from the ton ever so juicy.

She even won her first Emmy for this role at the age of 89.

The Timeless Legacy of Julie Andrews

Julie Andrews may have stepped back from the spotlight, but her presence remains strong in the lives of parents and children alike. Whether you’re singing along to “Do-Re-Mi” on a rainy afternoon or laughing with your kids at Queen Lillian’s antics in Shrek, her legacy endures—not just on screen, but in the hearts of families everywhere.

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