Practically Perfect

THANKS

The career triumphs of Dame Julie Andrews (October 1, 1934) are so staggering, they completely obliterate any missteps she may have taken. The Tamarind Seed (1974) and Little Miss Marker (1980) are easily forgotten in the shadows of Mary Poppins (1964) and The Sound of Music (1965), the latter being the most successful film of all time.

Andrews is, of course, also a Broadway legend; she was the original Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, for which she was nominated for the 1956 Tony Award. Famously, Andrews was passed over for the 1964 film adaptation in favor of the more bankable Audrey Hepburn; ironically, Andrews made her film debut that same year in Mary Poppins, and took home the Best Actress Oscar in direct competition with Hepburn.

Even the small screen received the full Andrews treatment; a specially-mounted production of Cinderella (1957) by Rodgers amd Hammerstein (with Andrews in the title role, naturally) became the most-watched television special to date. Another special, Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall (1962), teamed Andrews up with her close friend, Carol Burnett, and was another smashing success. Andrews' own variety program, The Julie Andrews Hour, only lasted for the 1972-73 season, but is much beloved by her fans, and earned an impressive 7 Emmy Awards.

In 1995, Andrews made a long-anticipated return to the Broadway stage in Victor/Victoria, based on her highly successful 1982 movie musical. The production, although wildly successful, was fraught with problems: Andrews famously declined her Tony nomination for the show, angered by the fact that the rest of her cast and crew had been snubbed by the nominating committee. Then, two years into the run, Andrews was forced to leave the show due to vocal problems. She had non-cancerous nodules removed from her throat; despite being assured by doctors that there would be no permanent damage to her voice, she was left unable to sing. In 1999, Andrews filed a lawsuit against the hospital and doctor who performed the operation.

In recent years, Dame Julie has slowly been regaining her singing voice after a long, arduous decade. Although it would be unfair and wrong to overlook all of her remarkable achievements in favor of a handful of highlights, there's no question that, had she only made The Sound of Music, or only ever appeared on stage once, in My Fair Lady, Julie Andrews' legend would still be assured. As it happens, we're lucky that she's graced us in so many mediums for so many years, appearing practically perfect in every way. Happy Birthday, Dame Julie Andrews! We adore you.