Born on Oct. 1, 1935 in Surrey, England, Julie Andrews began performing from a young age with her mother and stepfather, who were both Vaudeville performers.
The rest, as they say, is history. In the years since, she's played beloved characters in endless films and Broadway shows, picking up a host of awards along the way.
Here, on her 88th birthday, celebrate the life and career of Julie Andrews with some of her most glamorous throwback photos.
Julie Andrews' Early Years
In 1948, when she was just 13 years old, Andrews became the youngest solo performer to appear on stage at the Royal Variety Show, where she sang for King George VI.
Julie Andrews as Cinderella
Andrews, 18, rehearsing to play the lead role in Cinderella at the London Palladium pantomime.
Julie Andrews on Broadway
By 19, she was making her Broadway debut in The Boy Friend ... but not without plenty of practice! Here, she works on her ballet outside in April 1954.
Julie Andrews in 'My Fair Lady'
In 1956, Andrews returned to Broadway to play Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady.
Julie Andrews as Cinderella
Andrews gave a royally good reading of the Cinderella script in front of famed composers Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein at the CBS Television presentation of their musical in 1957.
Julie Andrews as Cinderella
Andrews had a regal look about her long before we knew her as the Queen of Genovia. Here, she pouts in a tulle ballgown while playing the part of Cinderella.
Julie Andrews and Tony Walton
In May 1959, Andrews married her first husband, Tony Walton, in Weybridge, England, and looked every bit the fairytale princess she always seems to portray. The couple divorced in 1968.
Julie Andrews on Broadway
The actress touched up backstage in this shot from 1960.
Julie Andrews in 'Camelot'
In 1960, Andrews starred in the Broadway production of Camelot, as Guinevere, earning herself a Tony Award nomination for best lead actress in a musical.
Julie Andrews and Carol Burnett
Andrews and her longtime best friend, famed comedian Carol Burnett, performed together on a number of occasions, including for their 1962 CBS comedy special, Julie and Carol at Carnegie Hall.
Julie Andrews in 'The Sound of Music'
Andrews showed off her dramatic range in 1965 when she was cast alongside the late Christopher Plummer as Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music, a departure from her earlier lighthearted musical roles. Her portrayal earned her a Golden Globe for best actress.
Julie Andrews Wins an Oscar
In 1965, Andrews won an Oscar for her role in Mary Poppins. The year before, she had been passed up for the lead role in the movie adaptation of My Fair Lady, which went to Audrey Hepburn, pictured.
Andrews also took home a Golden Globe for her performance, as well. In fact, Andrews even thanked Jack Warner for not casting her in My Fair Lady in her acceptance speech.
Julie Andrews' Oscar Nominations
Andrews would go on to be nominated for two more Oscars, both for Best Actress, in 1966 and 1983. In 1966, she was nominated for her performance in The Sound of Music and in 1983, she was nominated for Victor/Victoria.
Julie Andrews in 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'
Elegant as ever, Andrews portrayed the funny and feisty flapper Millie Dillmount in 1967's Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards
Here with second husband Blake Edwards, whom she wed in 1969 and remained married to until his death in 2010.
Julie Andrews at Walt Disney World
Of course Mary Poppins herself was there for the opening of Walt Disney World in 1971!
Julie Andrews in a Portrait
We think she deserves an Oscar for best outfits.
'The Julie Andrews Hour'
In between filming movies, Andrews held court on The Julie Andrews Hour, which ran from 1972 to 1973 and earned her an Emmy for outstanding variety show.
'The Julie Andrews Hour'
Everything about this outfit is a delight — much like the actress herself. Here, she's seen performing on her variety show, which featured a number of famous guests and her own musical medleys.
'The Julie Andrews Hour'
The only downside of The Julie Andrews Hour was, of course, that it lasted but an hour.
Julie Andrews Meets Queen Elizabeth II
When our queen met The Queen! Andrews was introduced to Queen Elizabeth II at the 1977 Silver Jubilee Royal Variety Gala, where she performed.
Julie Andrews Wins an Emmy
Andrews has been nominated for 10 Emmys — including two nods for her voiceover performance in Bridgerton — and has taken home two.
Julie Andrews Gets a Star on the Walk of Fame
Andrews' star status was cemented — literally — at the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1979.