It’s been sixty years since The Sound Of Music was released, yet it remains one of the most beloved movies of all time. Earlier this month, the surviving former child stars who portrayed the von Trapp children in this classic musical reunited in Florence, Italy.
Now, Kym Karath, who played the youngest von Trapp sibling Gretl in the 1965 film, is speaking out to reveal the “secret” to how these “film siblings” have remained so close for decades.
Five Surviving Sound Of Music Siblings Reunite
Karath, 66, took to Instagram on July 14 to post a photo of herself in Italy with the four other surviving actors who played her siblings in The Sound Of Music.
“The Sound of Music in Florence – the five of us!” Karath wrote in the caption alongside a photo of the five former child stars enjoying a sunset and some bottles of wine.
The photo shows Karath with Nicholas Hammond, 75, who played the eldest von Trapp son, Friedrich; Duane Chase, 74, who played Kurt; Angela Cartwright, 72, who played Brigitta; and Debbie Turner, 68, who played Marta.
Sadly, missing from the image was Charmian Carr, who played the eldest sibling Liesl, and Heather Menzies-Urich, who played Louisa. Carr died in 2016 at the age of 73 due to complications related to frontotemporal dementia. Menzies-Urich passed away one year later in December of 2017 just one month after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
Though they missed Carr and Menzies-Urich dearly, the five surviving von Trapp sibling actors still had a blast reuniting with one another. Indeed, it’s clear that they’re still as close as ever 60 years later.
Related: The Von Trapp Children Reunite To Surprise Julie Andrews
‘Secret’ Behind Sound Of Music Child Stars Staying Close
“Celebrating together in Florence with all my film siblings was a complete delight,” Karath told Fox News. “Being together, the five of us, in one of the most beautiful cities, Florence, and appearing in the breathtaking historic theater Teatro Niccolini, built in 1648, was absolutely magical. The press was wonderful, and the fans were overwhelmingly warm and enthusiastic.”
Karath went on to reveal the “secret” behind this cast remaining close for so many years.
“I think the secret behind our friendship is the secret of all enduring friendships, although ours started at a film studio; staying close, loyal, and being there for one another,” she explained. “As for the film’s enduring appeal, beyond the soaring melodies and beautiful locations, it is the story of a real family who loved one another and were truly courageous.”
There’s also another reason that these former child stars enjoyed this Florence getaway. Indeed, it will certainly have fans of The Sound of Music feeling very excited!
“We are currently working on a documentary and filmed [it] while we were in Florence together!” Karath teased.
Karath’s Experience Filming The Sound Of Music
Karath was discovered at the age of 3 while she was eating a cheeseburger in her father’s restaurant. She was only 5 years-old when she was cast in The Sound of Music. Though she didn’t continue pursuing acting as an adult, filming The Sound of Music is an experience that she’s never forgotten.
“One of the best things about that movie for me was becoming a family,” Karath explained. “And we did become one in real life. And being in Salzburg, Austria, I think, started my profound love of Europe and history. [But] it was not a fun thing missing my father and brother. But my sister and mother were with me. And our group really became a family, which was wonderful.”
Karath Gushes Over Julie Andrews
Karath particularly bonded with Julie Andrews, who famously played Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Andrews, now 89, won a Golden Globe and was nominated for an Oscar for her work in the film.
“I loved her from the minute I met her,” Karath gushed of Andrews. “There is never a bad moment with Julie Andrews – never. She’s just the sweetest, most unbelievable, talented, brilliant human.”
“I think we all have the same favorite memory to some extent,” she concluded. “That was when she took out her guitar and she just sang to us. And she would have us sing with her in between the scenes to amuse us, to entertain us, to make the time pass. She was a pure delight.”
In 2022, the five surviving von Trapp children actors reunited to surprise Andrews as she received the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. At the ceremony, they performed a touching live rendition of their iconic song “Do-Re-Mi.” Andrews was visibly touched by the performance.
Check that out in the video below.
Related: Julie Andrews Opens Up About Reunion With Kids From ‘Sound Of Music’
The Sound of Music is one of the few movies that truly does stand the test of time. We’re glad that after so many years, the former child stars who portrayed the von Trapp siblings are still as close as ever. We can’t wait to see their new documentary when it finally comes out!
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