Julie Andrews and the Roles She Didn't Play: My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins

In the world of classic musicals, two roles stand out in particular: Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Mary Poppins. Both were iconic productions, but Julie Andrews missed out on playing these iconic characters. Let's explore the fascinating stories behind these missed opportunities.

My Fair Lady: The Role That Passed Her By

Julia Andrews did not star as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. The role was famously played by Audrey Hepburn in the 1964 film adaptation. Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Eliza Doolittle was a groundbreaking performance, captivating audiences and earning her a Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. However, the original stage production of My Fair Lady, which premiered in 1956, featured a different actress in the lead role.

Julie Andrews was born in 1935, and at the age of 21 in 1956, she was making her foray into the world of Broadway. She auditioned for the role of Eliza Doolittle, but unfortunately, she didn't land it. Instead, the role went to American actress Clare Sandars, who went on to deliver a memorable performance.

Furthermore, Julie Andrews didn't even voice the singing part of Eliza Doolittle in the 1964 film adaptation. The singing for Hepburn's character was actually dubbed by Marni Nixon, a renowned character actress known for her singing in Hollywood.

Why did Julie Andrews Miss the Role?

Jack L. Warner, the producer of the film adaptation, passed over Andrews for the role of Eliza Doolittle due to concerns about her recognition in the movie industry. Andrews, at that time, was a rising star due to her Broadway success, but she was not yet well-known in Hollywood. Thus, he opted for the more recognizable Audrey Hepburn for the film version of My Fair Lady.

Andrews' lack of nomination for the role of Eliza Doolittle in the film adaptation likely contributed to her being overlooked by Jack L. Warner. This choice was a significant oversight, as Julie Andrews went on to achieve her own Oscar victory for her performance as the Governess Maria in The Sound of Music.

Julie Andrews in Mary Poppins

Judging from the success of her subsequent roles, the role of Mary Poppins was well-suited for Julie Andrews. She played the titular character in the 1964 film adaptation and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance.

Interestingly, Julie Andrews was making her feature film acting debut in Mary Poppins after a successful stage career. She was initially passed over for the role of Eliza Doolittle, but subsequent to her successful Broadway performance in the stage production of My Fair Lady, she was offered and excelled in the role of Mary Poppins. Director Robert Stevenson's decision to cast Andrews in the role of Mary Poppins was a wise one, as it ultimately led to her breakthrough as an acclaimed actress in Hollywood.

Further Career Success

After her triumphant role in Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews further solidified her place in film history with her performance as the titular character in The Sound of Music. In 1965, she earned an impressive salary of $225,000 for her role as the governess Maria in the film.

Andrews' performance as Maria was critically acclaimed and earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film became a cultural phenomenon, cementing Andrews' status as a legend in the entertainment industry.

In conclusion, while Julie Andrews did not play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady or Mary Poppins, her missed opportunities only served to highlight the immense talent she possessed. Andrews' eventual stardom in other roles, such as the Governess Maria in The Sound of Music, demonstrates why she remains an iconic figure in the world of film and theatre.