Julie Andrews' acclaimed singing career was significantly impacted in 1997, the year she underwent vocal cord surgery that resulted in permanent damage to her voice.
The Vocal Injury of 1997
In 1997, Julie Andrews faced a pivotal moment in her career when she underwent vocal cord surgery. The procedure was performed to remove non-cancerous nodules from her vocal cords. Unfortunately, the outcome was not as hoped.
Impact on Her Singing Voice
The surgery led to permanent vocal damage, which profoundly affected her singing voice. This damage resulted in:
- Loss of vocal range: She could no longer reach the high notes or command the extensive range for which she was famous.
- Loss of vocal strength: The power and resonance that characterized her iconic performances were diminished.
Consequently, her ability to perform professionally as a singer, particularly in the manner that defined her prolific career in musicals and films, was severely curtailed. While she continued to act and engage in other creative endeavors, the specific quality and capacity of her singing voice were irreversibly altered after 1997.