Canadian-American model and actress Heather Menzies-Urich, best known for portraying Louisa von Trapp in the 1965 film “The Sound of Music,” died at the age of 68 on Sunday.
Menzies-Urich, the widow of Hollywood actor and producer, Robert Urich, was recently diagnosed with cancer, her son Ryan Urich told the Variety.
Ryan also said his mother died on Christmas Eve, surrounded by her children and family members.
“She was an actress, a ballerina and loved living her life to the fullest,” Ryan said.
“She was not in any pain but, nearly four weeks after her diagnosis of terminal brain cancer,” Ryan added.
Born in Toronto, Canada, Heather’s first appearance came in the TV series “The Farmer’s Daughter” in 1964. She was 15 years old when she was cast as the eldest of the seven von Trapp children in “The Sound of Music,” a box office breaker that went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and often considered as a timeless classic by film critics around the world.
Her other feature films credits include “Hawaii”, “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes”, “Piranha” and “Endangered Species.” She also starred in several television series including “Dragnet,” “Bonanza,” “Marcus Welby MD,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “Logan’s Run.”
Friday, March 21, 2025
