Julie Andrews, 90, Makes Rare Appearance at World Parkinson's Congress

Julie Andrews is back - and she came with a message worth hearing.

The legendary actress best known for The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins made a rare video appearance on May 24 to open the 7th World Parkinson's Congress in Phoenix, Arizona. The 2026 Congress - held May 24-27 at the Phoenix Convention Center - marks the first time in a decade the event has been hosted in North America, drawing approximately 4,000 attendees from around the world including researchers, healthcare professionals, people living with Parkinson's, and care partners. 

In a video message shared by the World Parkinson Coalition on YouTube, Andrews addressed the global gathering with quiet conviction. "Your participation is invaluable as we seek to find a cure to this terrible disease. I know well how devastating it can be," she said. She closed with a call to action: "May we all become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks. Count me in as a red thread."

It was Andrews' first appearance in two years - her last public outing was for Carol Burnett's 90th birthday special in 2023. To be clear: Andrews does not have Parkinson's disease. She has not publicly named who in her life has been affected, but her words made plain this cause is deeply personal.

Andrews continues to work quietly - narrating Lady Whistledown in Netflix's Bridgerton and lending her voice to other projects - though public appearances have become increasingly rare.

At 90, choosing to spend one of those rare moments shining a light on others speaks louder than any headline. It is a reminder that compassion, offered faithfully at any age, is never a small thing.

Watch Andrews' full message on the World Parkinson Coalition's official YouTube channel.