Julie Andrews on Emily Blunt: A New Era for Mary Poppins
Let’s talk about icons. Julie Andrews, the legendary movie star who was practically perfect in every way, graced our screens in 1964's Mary Poppins. She didn’t just earn an Oscar for her role; she became a cultural phenomenon. Now, the grande dame of musical movies has nothing but praise for Emily Blunt, who steps into the iconic role in the new version, titled Mary Poppins Returns, set to hit theaters in December. “I admire her enormously,” Julie exclusively told Closer Weekly at the Raise Your Voice concert honoring the star in NYC on March 5. She went on to say that Emily will undoubtedly make the role her own, bringing fresh magic to the classic character.
Julie explained that this isn’t just a remake but a brand-new film inspired by the stories Walt Disney had in his trunk, based on P.L. Travers’ beloved Poppins character. “It’s wonderful that Emily is the new Poppins,” she said, reflecting on her own journey. When she thinks back to the original film, where she starred alongside the charming Dick Van Dyke, Julie, now 82, is amazed at how time has flown. “It was 50 years ago, and that boggles my mind!” she exclaimed with a mix of nostalgia and wonder.
Julie and Dick in Mary Poppins.
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A Career That Soared with Mary Poppins
For Julie Andrews, the original Mary Poppins wasn’t just a movie; it was a launchpad for her incredible acting career. Alongside other films like The Americanization of Emily in 1964 and The Sound of Music in 1965, Julie became a household name. She described her experience with a sense of awe. “It was amazing,” she said, emphasizing the joy of doing what she loved. “Singing is very, very close to my heart. The act of sharing that sound... over the years, you realize just how powerful it is to help someone forget their troubles.” It’s not just about the music; it’s about the connection and the magic it brings to people’s lives.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding New Paths
Life, however, isn’t always a spoonful of sugar. In 1997, Julie underwent surgery to remove nodules on her vocal cords, a procedure that unfortunately resulted in the loss of her famed singing voice. “It was devastating,” she admitted, but Julie’s resilience shone through. She didn’t let this setback define her. Instead, she ventured into new creative endeavors, writing children’s books, starring in The Princess Diaries, and even directing a production of My Fair Lady in Sydney last year. “It seems [my voice is] not all that I am,” she shared with humility and grace. Now, Julie is as excited as the rest of us to see Mary Poppins Returns and hear Emily Blunt bring her unique flair to the role. “The gift of voice is not something that should be taken lightly,” Julie said, reminding us all of the profound impact a voice can have.
View this post on InstagramEmily Blunt is Mary Poppins in the upcoming sequel, #MaryPoppinsReturns. The brand new film opens in theatres December 2018. #D23Expo
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