In the 1960s, Walt Disney, who fell in love with Julie Andrews‘ talent, did everything to convince her to play Mary Poppins. To the point of offering her an arrangement that she couldn’t refuse!
In the 1950s, Julie Andrews played multiple roles on Broadway in various successful musicals . But the actress and singer could never have predicted that her role as Guinevere, in Camelot , would change her life, in the most surprising of ways. In 1961, a certain Walt Disney went to New York to discover this musical and see Julie Andrews on stage. It was love at first sight professionally. The American producer only had eyes for Julie Andrews, sparkling on stage. Perfect timing since Walt Disney was then looking for his Mary Poppins, for the big screen.
The day after the performance, the actress received the offer of her life, the leading role in the film. However, against all odds, Julie Andrews preferred to pass her turn. The reason? The young actress, then aged 26, was pregnant with her very first child, the fruit of her love affair with decorator Tony Walton.
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Walt Disney did everything to convince Julie Andrews to accept the role of Mary Poppins
In addition, Julie Andrews was considered to play the lead role in My Fair Lady , a role that Audrey Hepburn ultimately obtained . Convinced that the character of Mary Poppins would be played to perfection by Julie Andrews, Walt Disney made her an incredible proposition: to postpone the filming dates for the film, to give her time to give birth . The American producer also suggested that the actress hire her husband as a costume consultant for the film. In November 1962, the actress gave birth to her daughter, Emma. A few months later, she slipped into the role that definitively changed her career , and for which she won an Oscar and a Golden Globe. A story worthy of the greatest Hollywood films!
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