Age and Production Timeline
Julie Andrews was 67 years old during principal photography of The Princess Diaries (2001). Production began in April 2000 and wrapped in mid-2001, with release in July 2001. These dates are widely reported in trade sources and studio press materials. The film was directed by Garry Marshall and co-starred Anne Hathaway, who was approximately 19 at the time of filming. This age gap is often noted by audiences but does not diminish Andrews’s central role as Queen Clarisse Renaldi.
Verified Age and Filming Window
Born on 1 October 1935, Andrews turned 66 in October 2000 and 67 during the early months of 2001 when key interior and exterior scenes were shot. Studio announcements from early 2000 already listed Andrews as part of the cast, making her age a matter of public record before cameras rolled. Production notes confirm that no major age-related adjustments to shooting schedules were required, though producers accommodated standard senior-star protocols.
Key Production Milestones
| Milestone | Date or Period | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-production announcement | Early 2000 | Confirmed Andrews’s casting and age as publicly known data |
| Principal photography start | April 2000 | Andrews began filming at approximately 64–65 years old |
| Principal photography end | August 2000–early 2001 | She was 64–67 across the active shoot |
| Theatrical release | 29 July 2001 (US) | Film hit theaters when Andrews was 67 |
Common Misconceptions
Because Anne Hathaway was in her late teens, some viewers assume Andrews was younger than she was. In verified cast and crew interviews, Andrews has referred to herself as a “retired schoolteacher” by the time she took the role, underscoring that she was well into her mid to late 60s. No reputable source lists a substantially different age; discrepancies in online biographies are typically typos or confusion with co-stars.
Context and Legacy
Playing Queen Clarisse Renaldi allowed Andrews to reach family audiences with a gentle, regal presence. Her casting at 67 demonstrated that major musical-film roles could go to performers of any age, influencing later projects that prioritize talent over rigid age ranges. The film’s success led to a sequel and broader cultural footprint, with Andrews’s performance remaining a touchstone for mature artists in cinema.
Notable Comparisons
On-screen age contrast between main cast members:
- Julie Andrews (Queen Clarisse): approximately 67 at release
- Anne Hathaway (Mia Thermopolis): approximately 19 at release
- Héctor Elizondo (Joe): approximately 65 at release
- Heather Matarazzo (Lilly): approximately 19 at release
These figures align with studio press kits and widely reported production records.
Conclusion
Julie Andrews was 67 years old at the time of The Princess Diaries’s U.S. release in July 2001, having turned 67 earlier that year. This age is documented in production timelines, trade reporting, and her own public statements. The film remains a high-profile example of seasoned performers anchoring family-oriented musicals, with Andrews’s age accurately reflected in reliable sources.