‘The Sound of Music’ Stars Reunite in Florence to Celebrate 60 Years of Friendship

The hills are still alive with the echoes of a heartwarming reunion. The child stars of the iconic "The Sound of Music" recently gathered in the enchanting city of Florence, Italy, proving that 60 years of friendship is a melody that never fades. Kym Karath, who charmed audiences as the youngest von Trapp sibling, Gretl, shared delightful snapshots of the group sipping wine and reminiscing in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Joined by Nicholas Hammond (Friedrich), Duane Chase (Kurt), Angela Cartwright (Brigitta), and Debbie Turner (Marta), the reunion was a bittersweet celebration of a bond forged on set in 1965. Though the group felt the absence of Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa) and Charmian Carr (Liesl), who passed in 2017 and 2016 respectively, as well as Christopher Plummer (Captain von Trapp), who left us in 2021, their shared memories brought warmth to the occasion.

Karath described the gathering as "magical," set against the backdrop of Florence’s historic Teatro Niccolini, a theater dating back to 1648. She spoke of the overwhelming enthusiasm from fans and the joy of being surrounded by her film siblings in such a breathtaking setting. But what’s the secret to their enduring camaraderie? Karath insists it’s the same as any lasting friendship—loyalty, closeness, and unwavering support, even if theirs began under the bright lights of a film studio.

The 1965 Oscar-winning classic, inspired by the real von Trapp family’s courageous escape from Nazi Austria, continues to captivate audiences with its soaring music and timeless story of love and resilience. Karath also revealed a charming tidbit: the film family maintains a friendship with the actual von Trapp descendants, who now run a lodge in Vermont. It’s a connection that adds yet another layer of authenticity to the beloved tale.

Adding to the excitement, the cast hinted at a new documentary project filmed during their Italian getaway—a treat for fans eager to see more of this extraordinary bond. Reflecting on her time on set in Salzburg as a young child, Karath recalled the "spellbinding" experience and the family-like atmosphere created by co-star Julie Andrews, whose warmth and talent left an indelible mark on the young actors. While Christopher Plummer initially seemed distant to the then-five-year-old Karath, she later discovered his charm and humor at a poignant reunion years later.

From cheeseburgers in California to the Austrian Alps and now Florence, Karath and her fellow von Trapp siblings continue to sing a tune of friendship that resonates across decades. It’s a reminder that some stories—and some bonds—are truly timeless.