If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you might’ve seen some pretty alarming headlines popping up. It's that classic internet panic. You’re scrolling through your feed and see a black-and-white photo of a legend, and your heart just sinks. People are asking did Julie Andrews die because of a weird wave of rumors, but I can tell you right now: Dame Julie Andrews is very much alive.
Honestly, it’s kinda exhausting how these hoaxes work. As of early 2026, the woman who gave us Mary Poppins and Maria von Trapp is 90 years old and still busy. She actually just celebrated that massive 90th birthday milestone in October 2025. Instead of slowing down, she’s out here releasing new books and narrating hit shows.
It’s easy to see why people get worried, though. She doesn’t do the red carpet circuit as much as she used to, and when a star of her caliber hits her 90s, the "death hoax" industry on YouTube and Facebook starts working overtime. But let’s clear the air. She hasn't gone anywhere.
Why the Internet is Asking Did Julie Andrews Die
The rumor mill is a strange beast. Usually, these questions start because of those "Rest in Peace" videos on YouTube that use clickbait titles to get views. You know the ones—they have a somber thumbnail and a robot voice narrating a biography that sounds like an obituary.
Another reason people search for this is because we’ve lost so many of her contemporaries recently. When stars from the "Golden Age" of Hollywood pass away, fans naturally start checking in on their other favorites. Plus, Julie has been open about her own health struggles in the past, specifically the heartbreak of losing her singing voice.
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Back in 1997, a surgery to remove non-cancerous nodules on her vocal cords went sideways. It was a total disaster. She went in with a four-octave range and came out barely able to speak. She sued the doctors and settled out of court, but the damage was done. For a long time, she felt like she’d lost her identity. If you aren't a singer anymore, who are you? Well, it turns out she’s a pretty incredible author and voice actress.
What is Julie Andrews doing now?
She’s basically reinvented herself. If you’ve watched Bridgerton on Netflix, you’ve heard her. She is the voice of Lady Whistledown. It’s perfect casting—that sharp, elegant, slightly mischievous tone is all hers. Even if she can’t hit the high notes in "The Hills Are Alive" anymore, her speaking voice is still one of the most recognizable on the planet.
She’s also been incredibly productive with her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton. They’ve written over 30 children’s books together. Just this month, news broke that they’re releasing a new picture book called Shy in August 2026. It’s inspired by Julie’s own "singing" dog. It’s pretty cool to see someone at 90 still looking forward to their next project instead of just looking back.
- Age: 90 (Born October 1, 1935)
- Current Projects: Bridgerton narration, upcoming book Shy.
- Recent Milestones: 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music film in 2025.
The "Heartbreaking Diagnosis" Headlines
You might see some sketchy articles claiming she has a "heartbreaking diagnosis." Most of the time, these are just recycling old news about her vocal cord surgery from thirty years ago or her reflections on aging. In a 2024 interview with AARP, she was super candid about it. She said aging "sucked" but also mentioned she feels like she’s in her 50s in her head.
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She deals with the usual stuff—aches, pains, needing a walking stick occasionally for long distances—but there haven't been any reports of major illnesses or "end-of-life" scenarios. She’s actually remarkably sharp. She’s focused on "equilibrium" and gratitude, which is probably why she’s still going strong.
Honestly, the lady is a tank. She survived a pretty rough childhood in wartime England, the crushing loss of her primary talent, and the death of her husband, director Blake Edwards, in 2010. She’s talked about how grief hits you "in the middle of your gut" when you least expect it, but she doesn't let it stop her.
How to spot a celebrity death hoax
If you're ever unsure about a headline, look for these red flags:
- The Source: Is it a major news outlet like the BBC, AP, or People? Or is it a random YouTube channel called "Hollywood Secrets 24/7"?
- The Language: Real news won't use phrases like "You won't believe what happened" or "Final goodbye."
- The Date: Check if the article is actually from today. Often, old articles about a "near-death experience" (like when Julie almost fell while filming the umbrella scene in Mary Poppins) get recirculated as if they just happened.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you want to support Julie Andrews and keep up with what’s actually happening in her life, skip the gossip sites.
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Check out the Julie Andrews Collection website. It’s the official hub for the books she writes with her daughter. It’s the best place to see her latest creative work. You can also follow her official social media pages, which are usually managed by her team but offer genuine updates on her appearances.
Don't panic-share those "RIP" posts. Every time someone shares a fake death announcement, it just feeds the algorithm that creates them. Instead, maybe go watch The Princess Diaries or listen to a Bridgerton episode. The best way to celebrate a legend who is still here is to actually enjoy the work they’re still putting out.
The bottom line: Dame Julie Andrews is alive, well, and probably working on her next bestseller right now.