The Actress
Debbie Turner
Debbie Turner was born on September 5, 1956 in Arcadia, California, USA. She is best known for her role as Marta von Trapp in the iconic movie “The Sound of Music” (1965).
Role in the movie
Turner was only eight years old when she was chosen to play the lovable and charming Marta, one of the youngest daughters of the von Trapp family. Her natural charisma and talent helped her to fit perfectly into the film family and delight audiences worldwide. Little Debbie was also known as a real ray of sunshine during the making of the movie in Salzburg.
Further career
After her success in “The Sound of Music”, she largely retired from acting and concentrated on her private life and other interests. She devoted herself to floristry and later opened her own business specializing in floral design and decoration. Her business, Debbie Turner Originals, is best known for its creative floral arrangements and seasonal decorations. Debbie also sells lovingly designed umbrellas and scarves with the pattern of the curtains that Maria used to sew dresses in the movie. The “Marta's Drapes” pieces can be purchased in Debbie's online shop.
Despite her retirement from the film industry, she has always remained closely connected to the film's legacy, regularly attending fan events and anniversary celebrations. She is remembered by fans worldwide for her charming portrayal of Marta von Trapp in the timeless classic.
Did you know?
Actress Debbie Turner was born on June 5, 1956, in Arcadia, California, USA. When filming for The Sound of Music began in March 1964, she was 7 years old. Her real age made her a perfect fit for the role of the daughter, Marta von Trapp, and she managed to portray the character authentically despite her young age.
Although Debbie Turner wasn’t a professional singer at the time of filming, she sang all her vocal parts in The Sound of Music herself. Like all the other actors, she received vocal lessons and individual coaching in advance. To achieve a fuller sound in the movie, her voice was partially enhanced with additional voices in songs such as “Do-Re-Mi” and “So Long, Farewell,” but she was not dubbed by a professional singer.