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Julie Andrews & our fleeting existence

post #1 of 17
4/25/07 at 4:51pm
Thread Starter 
I was watching some early 90's performances given by Dame Julie Andrews (mostly medleys from the Tony Awards) and, as always, was blown away by her vocal abilities. I'm sure most would agree that it's safe to say Julie had one of the most crystal-clear voices in stage and screen...but of course, that's all gone now.

She had surgery to remove a nodule in her throat in 1997 (might have been '98), and since then she's been unable to sing. She claims that the bass notes are easy, and that she can soar to the occasional high note, but her entire middle register is gone. It simply no longer exists.

Just imagine: one day you wake up and find yourself devoid of what was once your greatest talent. How would you cope? Could you cope? The prospect of something this tragic happening is (at least to me) really, really frightening. It's a poignant reminder of how incredibly mortal and susceptible to life's whims we are. I'm not a religious man, but at times, I feel like we have no control and no ability to direct our lives.

Really makes ya think and be thankful for your relative good fortune.
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post #2 of 17
4/25/07 at 5:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connemara View Post
I was watching some early 90's performances given by Dame Julie Andrews (mostly medleys from the Tony Awards) and, as always, was blown away by her vocal abilities. I'm sure most would agree that it's safe to say Julie had one of the most crystal-clear voices in stage and screen...but of course, that's all gone now.

She had surgery to remove a nodule in her throat in 1997 (might have been '98), and since then she's been unable to sing. She claims that the bass notes are easy, and that she can soar to the occasional high note, but her entire middle register is gone. It simply no longer exists.

Just imagine: one day you wake up and find yourself devoid of what was once your greatest talent. How would you cope? Could you cope? The prospect of something this tragic happening is (at least to me) really, really frightening. It's a poignant reminder of how incredibly mortal and susceptible to life's whims we are. I'm not a religious man, but at times, I feel like we have no control and no ability to direct our lives.

Really makes ya think and be thankful for your relative good fortune.

Wouldn't you actually have to have some actual talent before this became a concern?
Another way of looking at it is that she's still a talented and successful actress, is apparently quite happily married, doesn't look half-bad for her age, and lives a comfortable life in Malibu.
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post #3 of 17
4/25/07 at 5:05pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lawyerdad View Post
Wouldn't you actually have to have some actual talent before this became a concern?
Another way of looking at it is that she's still a talented and successful actress, is apparently quite happily married, doesn't look half-bad for her age, and lives a comfortable life in Malibu.

Heh, good point.

Yes, she's a very talented actress and looks fantastic. But song was such an important part of her life...I can't imagine what it would be like to literally lose an integral piece of your existence overnight.
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post #4 of 17
4/25/07 at 5:05pm
Connemara, I'm old enough to go 'way back,' to when Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn became entwined in one of the biggest Hollywood controversies, ever: the abandonment of Julie for the title role in the film version of My Fair Lady. It was big news, especially since Audrey Hepburn couldn't 'sing.' Some might say the same thing about Julie Andrews, but at any rate, Miss Andrews did do her own singing onstage and in the movies. The 1964 Academy Awards were marked by Audrey Hepburn's erasure in the best actress category; Julie Andrews won the award for Mary Poppins. Rex Harrison won the Oscar for My Fair Lady; Audrey Hepburn presented the award. He thanked 'both of his fair ladies,' while Audrey shouted, 'yes!' When Jack Warner won the Oscar for best picture: My Fair Lady, Johnny Carson quipped: Jack Warner's voice, was dubbed my Marni Nixon.
(Nixon dubbed for Audrey Hepburn, in 'Lady.'
To address your question, I'd say having plenty of money, helps Julie Andrews to cope.
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post #5 of 17
4/25/07 at 5:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lawyerdad View Post
Wouldn't you actually have to have some actual talent before this became a concern?
Another way of looking at it is that she's still a talented and successful actress, is apparently quite happily married, doesn't look half-bad for her age, and lives a comfortable life in Malibu.
Yeah, I think I'd hit it.
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post #6 of 17
4/25/07 at 5:58pm
It's sad that the only concept you have of mortality and poignancy relates to an aged starlet not being able to hit a middle C. Could I cope? Yeah, I could fucking cope.
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post #7 of 17
4/25/07 at 6:00pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tiger02 View Post
It's sad that the only concept you have of mortality and poignancy relates to an aged starlet not being able to hit a middle C. Could I cope? Yeah, I could fucking cope.

As a fellow aged starlet in her twilight years, I find it very relevant.
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post #8 of 17
4/25/07 at 6:03pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connemara View Post
As a fellow aged starlet in her twilight years, I find it very relevant.
Ummmmmm, you've got some 'splaining to do Connie..........
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post #9 of 17
4/25/07 at 6:06pm
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Originally Posted by Dakota rube View Post
Ummmmmm, you've got some 'splaining to do Connie..........
Seriously, all those jokes on "What did you do last night?" are sounding pretty accurate.
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post #10 of 17
4/25/07 at 6:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connemara View Post
As a fellow aged starlet in her twilight years, I find it very relevant.
Are you one of those aging drag diva performers doing a campy rendition of Norma Desmond or Joan Crawford?
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post #11 of 17
4/25/07 at 6:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connemara View Post
I was watching some early 90's performances given by Dame Julie Andrews (mostly medleys from the Tony Awards) and, as always, was blown away by her vocal abilities.

Um, remember how posters in WDYDLN were trying to convince you that you were constantly getting stranded at first or second because the ladies think you're gay? Uh, yeah...
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post #12 of 17
4/25/07 at 6:28pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bona Drag View Post
Um, remember how posters in WDYDLN were trying to convince you that you were constantly getting stranded at first or second because the ladies think you're gay? Uh, yeah...

I think it's preposterous to base assumptions of someone's orientation on music, style, etc.

Is it the life-size Tina Turner poster that puts them off?

For the record, no, I am not gay.
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post #13 of 17
4/25/07 at 8:03pm
Dude, just f***in' with you. I think Tina's fabulous!
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post #14 of 17
4/25/07 at 8:10pm
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bona Drag View Post
Dude, just f***in' with you. I think Tina's fabulous!

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post #15 of 17
11/7/09 at 2:31am
Thread Starter 
Twelve years after her botched surgery, Julie sang again. The range is not what it used to be but my god she still sounds great. You go girl.
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