The Actress
Charmian Carr
Charmian Carr was born on December 27, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and grew up in a family with a strong artistic background. From a young age, she showed a passion for performing arts, particularly acting and singing. Her talents would eventually lead her to become an icon of the silver screen.
Role in the movie
Carr's big break came when she was cast as Liesl von Trapp, the eldest daughter, in the beloved 1965 movie "The Sound of Music." Her portrayal of Liesl captivated audiences around the world, earning her a permanent place in cinematic history. The film's enduring popularity ensured that Carr would forever be associated with the timeless classic.
A particularly popular scene is the one in which Liesl and Rolfe, played by Daniel Truhitte, sing the song “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” together in the Gazebo. Liesl sings along while he brags about his relative experience and maturity. During filming in the Gazebo, Charmian Carr (Liesl) slipped through the glass windows of the gazebo and sprains his ankle. The bandage was still visible in earlier versions of the movie.
Further career
Following her success in "The Sound of Music," Carr continued to pursue acting and appeared in a few other films and television shows. However, she eventually shifted her focus to other endeavors, including interior design and writing.
In her later years, Carr authored two books: "Forever Liesl," a memoir detailing her experiences filming "The Sound of Music" and her life thereafter, and "Letters to Liesl," a compilation of letters from fans sharing their personal stories and connections to the film.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight, Charmian Carr remained a cherished figure in the hearts of fans worldwide. Her contribution to cinema, particularly through her unforgettable performance in "The Sound of Music," solidified her legacy as one of the most beloved actresses of her generation.
Charmian Carr passed away on September 17, 2016, at the age of 73, leaving behind a rich legacy of talent, inspiration, and joy. Though she may be gone, her spirit lives on through her timeless performances and the enduring impact of "The Sound of Music" on generations of audiences.
Did you know?
Yes – although Charmian Carr had no professional training in acting or singing at the time of filming, she performed all of her singing parts herself in the movie. In her book, she later emphasized that, contrary to popular belief, all of the children in the movie did their own singing, with additional voices used only for support.
Charmian Carr was born on December 27, 1942. At the start of filming in March 1964, she was 21 years old. Despite the five-year age difference, she was able to portray the 16-year-old Liesl von Trapp authentically with her charming and youthful nature and won over both audiences and critics with her performance in the movie.
After her role in the movie, Charmian Carr appeared in a few more acting projects before embarking on a successful career as an interior designer and author. An an author she wrote two books about her time on The Sound of Music, sharing personal memories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the production. On September 17, 2016, she passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 73.
No – the character of Liesl von Trapp is a fictional role in The Sound of Music. Although she was loosely based on Agathe von Trapp, the eldest daughter of Georg von Trapp, many personality traits and details were changed for the screenplay. Instead of portraying the shy and reserved Agathe, the screenwriters chose to create a new character for the movie, the confident and strong-willed Liesl von Trapp.