In Disney's Mary Poppins, which actress played the magical nanny Mary Poppins?

Julie Andrews played Mary Poppins in Disney's 1964 musical film Mary Poppins.

The role was Andrews's feature-film debut. She had already become famous on Broadway for originating the title role in Cinderella and, shortly before filming Mary Poppins, had played Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady on stage. Walt Disney chose Andrews after seeing her perform, even though the film's production initially considered other actresses.

Andrews's performance combined live acting with animation, singing, dancing, and comic timing. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress, making Mary Poppins the film that launched her Hollywood career. The movie also earned awards for its songs, score, visual effects, and editing.

A common mix-up is confusing Andrews's role with her later voice performance as Queen Lillian in the Shrek films. In Mary Poppins, the character is a mysterious nanny who arrives at the Banks family home on Cherry Tree Lane. The film adapts elements from P. L. Travers's Mary Poppins books.