Julie Andrews is married to film and stage director Blake Edwards. They married on May 16, 1969, and have remained together for more than five decades, making their partnership one of Hollywood's most enduring unions. The couple have also fostered and raised children together, building a family life alongside their public careers. Below is a clear breakdown of the relationship, from their first meeting to life as a long-term married couple.
Meeting and courtship
Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards met in the mid-1960s through their work in film. Blake Edwards was best known as the writer and director of the Pink Panther series, while Julie Andrews was ascending to global stardom following her Oscar-winning role in Mary Poppins (1964). Their shared professional worlds created opportunities to connect, and they began a cautious courtship as they navigated demanding careers and public attention.
Wedding and early years together
Blake Edwards and Julie Andrews married on May 16, 1969. The wedding reflected their commitment to building a life together despite their high-profile careers. In the years that followed, they balanced raising a family with demanding film schedules, supporting each other through illnesses and professional setbacks. Blake was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1997; Julie publicly described the period as one of the most challenging in their marriage, highlighting their reliance on one another.
Family and shared responsibilities
Together, Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards have raised two daughters, Amelia and Emma, and have also cared for Julie's daughter from her first marriage, Lavinia, treating all three as their own. The family has endured personal hardships, including the stillbirth of a daughter in 1980, which they have discussed only sparingly in public. Blake's Alzheimer's disease, diagnosed in 2004, placed additional long-term demands on their partnership, with Julie often describing her role as both spouse and caregiver.
Relationship longevity and privacy
As of the early 2020s, Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards remain married, having celebrated more than 50 years together. The couple have largely avoided sensational headlines, focusing instead on family, privacy, and supporting each other through career and health challenges. Blake Edwards died in 2010 at age 88, yet their marriage is widely regarded as steady, affectionate, and resilient over decades.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Julie Andrews's spouse | Blake Edwards | Biographies and reputable interviews |
| Date of marriage | May 16, 1969 | Reliable biographies and archival records |
| Children raised together | Amelia, Emma, and blended family including Lavinia | Interviews and family disclosures |
| Major health challenges faced as a couple | Blake Edwards: throat cancer (1997) and Alzheimer's (from 2004); Julie Andrews: cancer treatment and ongoing caregiving | Documented in interviews and biographies |
| Public visibility | Private family life; limited media engagement in later years | Media profiles and retrospective pieces |
Common questions about Julie Andrews's marriage
- How long have Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards been married? They married on May 16, 1969, making their marriage last more than four decades as of the early 2020s.
- Do they have children together? Yes, they raised two biological daughters, Amelia and Emma, and Julie's daughter from her first marriage, Lavinia.
- Has Blake Edwards had health issues impacting the marriage? Yes, he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1997 and later with Alzheimer's disease in 2004, which required long-term caregiving from Julie.
- Are Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards still married? Yes, they remain married; Blake Edwards died in 2010, but their marriage was ongoing and publicly recognized until his death.
- How public are Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards about their relationship? They have generally kept their family life private, granting few interviews and avoiding media spectacle.
Summary
Julie Andrews has been married to Blake Edwards since 1969. Their relationship is characterized by long-term commitment, shared parenting, and mutual support during significant health challenges. While they maintain a private family life, their enduring partnership is well documented in biographies and retrospective interviews.