Julie Andrews makes rare appearance at Parkinson’s fundraiser

Legendary actress Julie Andrews, 90, made a rare on-screen appearance Sunday when a pre-recorded video message she filmed was shown to attendees at the seventh annual World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix.

The congress brings together researchers, clinicians, people with Parkinson’s and care partners from around the world, returning to North America for the first time in a decade at the Phoenix Convention Center. 

“Your participation is invaluable, as we seek to find a cure to this terrible disease. I know well how devastating it can be,” Ms. Andrews said in the video. “May we all become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks.”

She closed her message by endorsing the congress’ Red Thread Project, a community-building initiative that connects Parkinson’s patients, families and researchers. “Count me in as a red thread. Thank you,” she said.

The appearance was among Ms. Andrews’ rare recent public video appearances. She previously appeared during Carol Burnett’s 90th birthday special in 2023 and in a 2024 “CBS Sunday Morning” interview alongside her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, to promote their children’s book “Waiting in the Wings.”

Actor Steve Carell, 63, also submitted a video message for the event, saying he has a “vested interest” in Parkinson’s research because of friends and colleagues affected by the disease. “Together, I think we can make a difference,” Mr. Carell said. “Count me in as a red thread.”

Ms. Andrews does not have Parkinson’s disease herself, though she has not publicly identified who in her life has been affected by the condition. 

While the “Mary Poppins” star is rarely seen in public, she remains active in the industry. She has voiced the narrator Lady Whistledown on Netflix’s “Bridgerton” since the show’s 2020 debut. Ms. Andrews and Ms. Hamilton have also co-written nearly three dozen children’s books together; their next collaboration, “Shy,” is set for release Aug. 26.

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