The former child stars of “The Sound of Music,” who have maintained a friendship spanning 60 years, recently reunited in Florence, Italy.
Kym Karath, known for her role as the youngest von Trapp sibling, Gretl, shared snapshots on Instagram showcasing a joyful reunion with her on-screen siblings. Surrounded by bottles of wine, the group included Nicholas Hammond, 75, who portrayed Friedrich; Duane Chase, 74, who played Kurt; Angela Cartwright, 72, known as Brigitta; and Debbie Turner, 68, who portrayed Marta.
While the reunion was filled with joy, it was also bittersweet due to the absence of Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa) and Charmian Carr (Liesl), who passed away in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Christopher Plummer, who famously played Captain von Trapp, died in 2021.
“Celebrating together in Florence with all my film siblings was a complete delight,” Karath expressed to Fox News Digital.
The cast gathered in Florence’s historic Teatro Niccolini. Karath noted the city’s beauty and the warmth of the fans and press, exclaiming, “The press was wonderful, and the fans were overwhelmingly warm and enthusiastic.”
Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Karath shared, “I think the secret behind our friendship is the secret of all enduring friendships, although ours began at a film studio; staying close, loyal, and being there for one another.”
The lasting charm of “The Sound of Music,” which premiered on March 2, 1965, is attributed to its portrayal of a real family and their courage. The film, an Oscar winner inspired by the von Trapp family’s true story, follows a governess and her impact on the family she cares for amidst the backdrop of the Nazi regime.
“Here is a little-known fact – the film family is friends with the real family,” Karath remarked. She mentioned her friendship with Elizabeth von Trapp and the unique bond that existed between Duane Chase and Werner von Trapp.
The cast’s reunion in Italy was not just for nostalgia. “We are currently working on a documentary and filmed [it] while we were in Florence together!” Karath revealed, hinting at a project that fans can look forward to.
Karath’s career began serendipitously when she was discovered at age three while enjoying a cheeseburger in her father’s restaurant in California. However, her fame soared with “The Sound of Music,” which sparked her lifelong love for Europe and history. She fondly remembers the camaraderie among the cast in Salzburg, Austria, noting that the group truly became a family.
Julie Andrews, who played Maria, quickly formed a remarkable bond with the child actors. Now 86, Andrews’ kindness and talent left a lasting impression on Karath, who described her as “a gift.”
Karath recalled, “There is never a bad moment with Julie Andrews – never. She’s just the sweetest, most unbelievable, talented, brilliant human.” One cherished memory is when Andrews entertained the children between scenes by strumming her guitar and singing with them.
In contrast, Karath’s early impressions of Plummer were mixed. “At the time, he was kind of standoffish,” she said, reflecting on her five-year-old perspective. However, her views softened over the years.
As the cast members continue to hold onto their shared memories and strong bond, their story profoundly resonates with audiences, further solidifying the timelessness of “The Sound of Music.”