Julie Andrews is back in the spotlight!

The Hollywood icon recently surprised fans with her virtual appearance at the World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix on Sunday, May 24.

Although she was not there in person, Julie Andrews’ virtual appearance marked a rare sighting for fans since her withdrawal from the spotlight. The actress is a staunch supporter of medical initiatives for neurological and hereditary illnesses.

Julie Andrews Welcomes Attendees To The 2026 World Parkinson Congress

Andrews recorded a video for the annual event aimed at combating Parkinson’s disease, which was played at the start of the congress to welcome attendees. She was filmed seated on a white chair next to a window, looking radiant for a woman in her nineties.

The actress donned a light blue sweater with a long gold chain hanging from her neck. Her clear signature voice, famously known as the voice of Lady Whistledown in Netflix’s “Bridgerton” series, warmly thanked guests for their participation in the event.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m Julie Andrews, and I’m pleased to welcome you to the 7th World Parkinson’s Congress,” Andrews began, as seen in the YouTube video. “Your participation is invaluable, as we seek to find a cure to this terrible disease,” she added.

The Hollywood Legend Is A Staunch Supporter Of Medical Initiatives For Neurological Diseases

Andrews seemingly implied that she knew first-hand how Parkinson’s disease impacted the lives of others, saying, “I know well how devastating it can be.” However, she did not go into the specifics and encouraged attendees to “become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks.”

“Count me in as a red thread. Thank you,” Andrews concluded, referencing the World Parkinson Congress’ Red Thread Project initiative. The project reportedly aims to bond people connected to the disease. Parkinson’s disease, per Mayo Clinic, is a movement disorder of the nervous system that worsens over time.

Besides supporting the fight against Parkinson’s disease, Andrews has been a longtime supporter of efforts against Huntington’s disease. In 2007, BrainandLife reported that Andrews and her husband, late film director Blake Edwards, were members of the board of trustees of the Hereditary Disease Foundation.

The ‘Mary Poppins’ Star And Her Late Husband Felt Strongly About Huntington’s Disease

Andrews once described Huntington’s disease as “a devastating inherited condition that often waits until mid-life to strike.” At the time, she explained that she and her husband were committed to supporting the Hereditary Disease Foundation because a cure for Huntington’s disease meant finding cures for other neurological conditions.

“Blake and I were thrilled when the Wexlers asked us to serve on the board,” Andrews said, referencing the foundation’s late creator, Milton Wexler, and his daughter, Nancy S. Wexler, who became the Foundation’s President in 1983. Andrews added:

“This is a cause that both Blake and I feel strongly about, and we see how the HDF’s work has the potential to impact a variety of diseases.”

The Dame Of The British Empire Lost Her Singing Voice Due To A Medical Mishap

Andrews’ staunch support of neurological disorders and illnesses may be linked to her own medical ordeal. The British Academy Film Award honoree lost her singing voice in 1997 due to medical malpractice, cutting off one of her most revered skills.

The entertainer flaunted her powerful singing skills in many Broadway productions and beloved movies such as “The Sound of Music.” Unfortunately, her days as a professional singer were cut short when two doctors at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital made an irreversible mistake.

Andrews had sought their help when she started having discomfort while singing, and the doctors discovered noncancerous nodules on her vocal cords. Although the condition could be treated without surgery, Andrews underwent an operation and was left with permanent vocal cord damage. 

Julie Andrews Once Lost Her Cool Over Dangerous Stunts In A Movie

In 2023, The Blast reported that Andrews had opened up about her experience filming “Mary Poppins.” She revealed that some of the physically demanding stunts, including flying scenes, had taken their toll on her.

Andrews recalled that the harness she wore caused bruises and did not stop her from taking a nasty fall. She noted that she had landed hard and was quite shaken by the impact, prompting her to “let fly a stream of colorful expletives.”

Despite the struggles she faced on set, Andrews thanked Disney for accommodating her during her pregnancy. She claimed filming was postponed for her sake, joking, “I said, ‘Oh, Mr. Disney, I’d love to come. But I’m pregnant.’ He spoiled me.”

When will Julie Andrews make another surprise appearance?