If you’re one of the millions of people who have grown up watching The Sound of Music, you might have lost track of the original kids over the years. Back in 2013, I had the opportunity to chat with each of them for my special Parade.com Sound of Music series and my Whine At 9 podcast. You can check out their individual features here, but if you’re looking for a quick group update, read on… Charmian Carr portrayed the eldest von Trapp child, Liesl. Twenty-one at the time of filming, the “16 going on 17” actress and mother of two daughters died in 2016 at age 73 after battling a rare form of dementia. Nicholas Hammond, who portrayed Friedrich Von Trapp, is an actor, writer, and director. Perhaps best known as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the television series The Amazing Spider-Man, he now resides in Australia. Heather Menzies portrayed Louisa von Trapp. An actress and advocate for cancer patients and families, she was married to the late actor Robert Uhrich. The mother of three and founder of The Uhrich Foundation died of brain cancer in 2017. She was 68 years old. Duane Chase, who portrayed Kurt von Trapp, is a geologist and computer software analyst/designer for a geophysical and geological software design company. He is married and lives in Seattle. Angela Cartwright portrayed Brigitta von Trapp. The actress, who went on to star in the popular series Lost in Space, is also an author, artist, and photographer. She and her husband are the parents of two grown children. In 2021, she co-authored the memoir Lost (and Found) in Space 2 with her Lost in Space co-star Bill Mumy, who played Will Robinson. Debbie Turner who portrayed Marta von Trapp, is a floral and event designer and artist. She designs Santa Claus dolls. She and her husband reside in Minnesota and are the parents of four grown daughters. Kym Karathportrayed Gretl von Trapp. She is an actress, writer, and advocate for young adults with special needs. The mother of an adult son with special needs, Karath co-founded The Aurelia Foundation. Take Parade’s Sound of Music Quiz. Nancy Berk, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, author, comic and entertainment analyst. The host of the showbiz podcast Whine At 9, Nancy digs a little deeper as she chats with fascinating celebrities and industry insiders. Her book College Bound and Gagged: How to Help Your Kid Get into a Great College Without Losing Your Savings, Your Relationship, or Your Mind can be seen in the feature film Admission starring Tina Fey and Paul Rudd.
