The Children
According to Hirsch's book, in casting the children, Wise
had concerns beyond how the scenes were played and lines were delivered. He
wanted to see how the children handled themselves, how "real" they came across,
and whether or not they radiated "screen magic."
Charmian Carr (Liesl)
The Sound Of Music marks the start of
Carr's acting career. In fact, Charmian Farnon (Wise changed her real name
because it was always mispronounced) was not initially interested in becoming an
actress. She was modeling part time to save up for a trip to Europe when a
friend sent her picture to producer-director Wise. He discovered that she could
sing and dance when he called her in for an interview; a screen test confirmed
his instincts. Charmian now runs her own interior design business in Encino,
California, with a client list that includes Michael Jackson-who hired her in
part because of his love for Liesl.
Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich)
One of the three children among the seven
in The Sound Of Music with previous professional experience, Hannond had
appeared on television, on Broadway, and in the movie, Lord of the Flies.
Hammond went to audition for the role a few days after being in a skiing
accident-and in he walked with his two front teeth missing and his arm in a
sling. He didn't think he had a chance because he couldn't sing, but despite all
these handicaps, he landed the role. Hammond now lives in Australia, where he
still makes his living as a stage actor.
Angela Cartwright (Brigitta)
Another pro amongst the child actors who
auditioned, Cartwright spent seven years as Danny Thomas's TV daughter on
Make Room for Daddy, as well as acting in commercials and modeling.
Cartwright was thrilled to land the role of Brigitta, even though she had to
miss the final episode of Daddy to begin Sound of Music
rehearsals. After the movie wrapped, Cartwright joined the cast of the TV series
Lost In Space and continued to act in films. She and her husband, Steve
Gullion, started a gift shop, Rubber Boots, that she still runs in Toluca Lake,
California.
Heather Menzies (Louisa)
A ballet student who had appeared on a local
amateur TV show, Menzies had no acting experience when she auditioned for the
role of Louisa, but somehow managed to get cast right away. After The Sound
Of Music, she starred in the Logan's Run television series as well as
other movies. She then gave up acting to become a full time mother to her two
children with her husband, actor Robert Urich.
Duane Chase (Kurt)
Chase began his acting career in commercials at the
age of 11, a way of helping to fund his college career. At his second audition
for The Sound of Music Wise walked up to him and invited him personally
to join the cast in Salzburg. Duane lives in Washington State and today tests
computer software for oil and mining companies.
Debbie Turner (Marta)
Turner had done some commercial modeling before
being signed to The Sound of Music. She now lives in a small town in
Minnesota with her husband and four children.
Kym Karath (Gretl)
Coming from a family of performers, Karath appeared
in three movies before making The Sound Of Music. At her audition for the
role of Gretl, she appeared so confident and talkative that Wise knew he might
not find another 5-year-old with such charisma and signed her for the part on
the spot. Karath was a regular on All My Children before taking time off
to have a baby.