60 Years Later: Von Trapp Siblings Reunite in Florence!

The Sound of Music's Child Stars Still Sizzling After Sixty Years!

It's been six decades since the world fell in love with Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music, but it seems like just yesterday we were belting out "Do-Re-Mi" and swooning over the adorable von Trapp kids. Well, guess what? Those pint-sized performers are still going strong! Five of the seven original child stars recently reunited for a girls' trip in Florence, Italy, proving that their friendship is as strong as ever.

Kym Karath, who played the youngest von Trapp sibling Gretl, shared a sizzling snap of the group on social media, captioning it "The Sound of Music in Florence - the five of us! #thesoundofmusicinflorence." Joining Kym were Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), and Debbie Turner (Marta). Missing from the reunion were Heather Menzies-Urich, who played Louisa, and Charmian Carr, who sadly passed away in 2016.

But let's get back to those fabulous child stars. As it turns out, their experiences on set had a lasting impact on their lives. Kym Karath revealed that she and her fellow von Trapp kids are "beyond friends" - they're like second family! The group has remained close over the years, often getting together for support and camaraderie.

So, what have these talented youngsters been up to since The Sound of Music took the world by storm? Well, let's start with Angela Cartwright. This British-born beauty began her career at just three years old, starring alongside Paul Newman in Somebody Up There Likes Me. After The Sound of Music, she went on to star in Lost in Space and Make Room for Daddy, before switching gears to become a photographer. Her work is displayed at her studio in Studio City, Los Angeles.

Duane Chase, who played Kurt von Trapp, also continued acting until his teens, including an appearance alongside Kurt Russell in Follow Me, Boys! But after college, he traded in his acting shoes for a career in geology and software engineering. Today, he's back to his roots, working in wildlife and forestry.

Nicholas Hammond, the eldest von Trapp son Friedrich, took his talents to television, starring in The Amazing Spider-Man and guesting on shows like The Love Boat and Magnum, P.I. He even made his directing debut with Lying Cheating Bastard, a play he co-wrote with magician James Galea.

Gretl's Kym Karath also pursued an acting career, albeit briefly. She appeared in Lost In Space and The Brady Bunch before focusing on parenting after her son Eric was born with disabilities. Kym has since resumed her entertainment career as an actress and writer, even establishing the Aurelia Foundation to provide services for special-needs individuals.

Heather Menzies-Urich, who played Louisa von Trapp, enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in films like Logan's Run and TV shows like The Love Boat. She married actor Robert Urich and adopted three children before stepping away from the limelight after his passing in 2002. Heather dedicated her later years to the non-profit organisation she founded, providing funding for cancer research and supporting families with loved ones receiving treatment.

And then there's Debbie Turner, who played Marta von Trapp. This sports-loving starlet opted for a career in interior design and floral design after The Sound of Music. Today, she owns her own floral-design business in Minnesota and has even been called upon to provide flowers for weddings at the very palace that inspired the sets of The Sound of Music.

The Scholarly Note:

As we celebrate the enduring friendship of these child stars, let's take a trip down memory lane. Did you know that Robert Wise, the director of The Sound of Music, was initially hesitant about casting Julie Andrews as Maria von Trapp? He watched footage of her in Mary Poppins and convinced himself to "sign this girl before somebody else grabs her!"

Meanwhile, Christopher Plummer, who played Captain von Trapp, turned down the role multiple times before accepting on the condition that he could work with Ernest Lehman to change certain character traits.

The child stars underwent a rigorous audition process, with over 200 young actors vying for roles as Maria's charges. Even Mia Farrow and Kurt Russell were among those who tried out!

And did you know that Heather Menzies-Urich was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in November 2017? She sadly passed away just 21 days before her 68th birthday.

In conclusion, these Sound of Music child stars have lived lives as vibrant and colorful as the film itself. Their friendship is a testament to the power of love, laughter, and good old-fashioned show business magic.