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Charmian Carr
1942 - 2016
Charmian Carr
1942 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1942
DIED
2016
Charmian Carr Obituary
Carr's spokesman Harlan Boll said she died of complications from a rare form of dementia in Los Angeles.
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Carr was born Charmian Farnon Dec. 27, 1942, in Chicago. She won the role of Liesl Von Trapp in the 1965 movie version of “The Sound of Music” over other well-known actresses including Patty Duke and Mia Farrow. The director of the film, Robert Wise, thought that her last name was too long. He gave her a list of shorter names and she chose Carr.
Carr appeared in a musical written by Stephen Sondheim in 1966 that aired on ABC. The musical titled “Evening Primrose” was shown on the “ABC Stage 67” series and also starred Anthony Perkins.
After Carr retired from acting, she started a design company called Charmian Carr Design whose clients included Michael Jackson.
Carr wrote two books related to her experience playing Liesl. “Forever Liesl” chronicled her experience filming “Sound of Music,” and “Letters to Liesl” was based on a large amount of fan mail she received over the years.
She is survived by her two daughters and four grandchildren.
175 Entries
Jennifer Baribault
July 6, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Goodbye Liesl Charmaine Carr. You will be missed.
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
So long Farewell Liesl
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
How you can show support
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Julie Andrews, Charmaine car
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Charmaine reunited with herCast-mates of The Sound of Music.
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
Charmaine Carr, Christopher Plummer
Jennifer Baribault
July 5, 2025
We celebrated the life of talented beautiful lady as we all remember Charmaine Carr. "She had never had a singing lesson and had tried to act"before she was signed to be in The Sound of Music.
The Sound of Music
Carr was studying speech therapy and philosophy at San Fernando Valley State College when a friend arranged for her to audition for a role in The Sound of Music. In a newspaper article published November 9, 1964, Carr related the story behind the tryout as follows:
I was going to college and get an extra spending money by modeling in fashion shows in one of the stores. One of the girls who modeled with me knew that Robert Wise, producer-director of The Sound of Music had been conducting a four-month search for someone to play the part of 16-years old Liesl. My friend without my knowing it, sent in my picture and explained in a note that I sang and danced. I received a call from Mr. Wise to come for a tryout. It took me completely by surprise.
Director Robert Wise thought that Farnon was too long a surname paired with Charmian. He gave her a list of single syllable surnames and she chose Carr. She won the role of Liesl over Geraldine Chaplin, Kim Darby, Patty Duke, Shelly Fabares; Teri Garr, Mia Farrow and Leslie Ann Warren. The film was on the whole a very happy experience. For her. However, during the filming of her dance scene with. Rolf in the gazebo, the costumer had forgotten to put on no-slip pads on her shoes. She slid through a window of the gazebo. and she "had to complete the scene in agony."
Later life
In 1965, Carr worked with Van Johnson a pilot for the television program Take Her, She´s Mine. She then appeared in Evening Primrose, a one-hour musical by Stephen Sondheim which aired on ABC Stage 67 in 1966. During the same year, she accepted the Golden Globe award for best picture, musical, or comedy on behalf of Robert Wise. The following year, the following year, she married dentist Jay Brent, and left show business, the divorce in 1991. They had two daughters.
Carr owned the interior design from Charmain Carr Designs in The Encino, California, yeah, she wrote Forever Liesl and Letters to Liesl. She reunited with many of her co-stars from The Sound of Music on style free consultation and start your shower from the sound of music on The Oprah Winfrey Show in October 2010 to celebrate the film´s 45th anniversary. In 2014, Carr recorded "Edelweiss" with the great-grandchildren of the von Trapps on the album Dream a Little Dream by the von Trapps and Pink Martini. Charmaine appeared in movies The Sound of Music aka Liesl, Take Her, She´s Mine TV series pilot & Evening Primrose aka Ella Harkins TV series episode, I watched The Sound of Music so many times, I I have the DVD. Thanks for the memories that you have given to us, May your legacy still on. Also, I like the song that she sing Sixteen Going On Seventeen!!! May Carr´s Soul still lives on eternity as a body departs eternity back to Heaven earth. My thoughts and prayers are with you.!
Violet Malcolm
June 19, 2025
Charmian brought so much love and joy into this world. My deepest condolences to her family. Rest in peace Charmian
David Asher Lukacher
June 9, 2025
She was great actress in the sound of music
David Asher Lukacher
May 15, 2025
She was a great actress in the sound of music
Linda
April 27, 2025
Beautiful singer and actress
David Asher Lukacher
January 26, 2025
She was a great actress in the sound of music
AKRAM Wadie GORGI
October 16, 2024
Rest in Peace with Lord forever 16, you are loved!
Spencer
July 14, 2024
Remembering Charmian Carr and Christopher Plummer
Spencer
July 14, 2024
You in heaven with your dad captain on the sound of music
Linda Johnson
March 4, 2021
Just loved her acting. Death didn't end it all. She will awaken from sleep to live on a paradise Earth soon to come. She is safe in Jehovah God's memory.
Jeffrey Hicks
February 14, 2021
I am sorry here of your passing away May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Spencer
Luff Spencer
February 21, 2020
Nice lady on the sound of music
Jenni Whitney
December 19, 2019
After reading Charmy's autobiography, she is now one of my favorite members of the cast. Between reading her book endlessly and watching "The Sound of Music" more times than I can count, I've come to the conclusion that Charmian was sweet, loving, sensitive, and funny. In other words, the perfect friend!! I'd like to send my most sincere condolences to her friends and family-including her celluloid family!!
Jenni Whitney
December 19, 2019
Out of all of the stars from the movie, Charmy was one of my most favorite. I bought her autobiography and I couldn't stop reading it!! After reading it so many times and watching the movie forever, it's like we were old friends, even though we'd never met. I could tell she was sweet, sensitive, caring, and funny-all the best rolled into one beautiful angel!! To all her family and friends, I send my most heartfelt condolences.
MICHAEL GIACOMAZZA
December 16, 2019
what beautiful woman she was. My aunt took me to see the sound of music when I was 11 years old. I loved it then and I love it now at the age of 65.She was a important part of the story as was the rest of the cast members. I thank her and her cast members for such warm memories.
Luff Spencer
August 19, 2019
Nice lady on the sound of music
Jenni Whitney
April 14, 2019
I have the fondest memories of Charmian after reading "Forever Leisl". It made me appreciate her incredible talent more when I read she'd had so little experience singing. It made her magical voice even more so. I'm so sorry to think about the friends and family left behind-please know she's still with you in spirit.
Johannes van Hoek
December 16, 2018
A beautiful spirited woman
November 17, 2018
What a beautiful lady. Now in God"s
care,,
Louise Eade
July 1, 2018
Our father who out in heaven hallow be thy nam. Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as in heaven. As we forgive those who trespass against us. Forgive us for our sins and deliver us from evil.
James Shailer
March 4, 2018
I met this lovely lady when she came to England , she has stayed with me since I first saw the film at the cinema,, said her name all the way home,,met her when she did an interview with Karen Keaton, sent flowers to thank her , and she rang my house and spoke to my wife , thought that was so kind ,,miss you Forever Liesl, x James Shailer
Night God Bless Charmian
Anne-Marie Skellern
January 26, 2018
RIP Charmian. God Bless you. You will always be remembered as Liesel. Lots of Love always. xxxx
faith/rory tobin/dockett
December 26, 2017
Dear CHARMIAN CARR Rory and I wish to extend our condolences's to the Carr Family.luv,faith/rory
I'm Wearing A Leopard jacket
RACHEL Fishbein
December 23, 2017
It's Very Interesting that she was 21 years old when she played Liesl Von Trapp people who always watch The Sound OF Music Would know this about her, other may think she was Actually 16 going on 17, She was always my Favorite Von Trapp in The Sound Of Music,I enjoy reading Trivia about movies Sometimes before I see Them or Afterwards at home I read about this during The movie,
July 26, 2017
Love Sound Of Music, specially you as Liesl! Sad to see you gone so soon1 R.I.P. Charmain !!
Kate-PDX
Vivian Cruit
July 16, 2017
Im a huge fan of the movie,love the character of liesl, the beautiful sweet 16. Looking forward for the casts reunion.
Rest in peace Charmian. You portrayed Liesl van trapp very well. Every 16 yr old girl wants to be like liesl.
Cora Oliva
July 14, 2017
I'm a huge fan of the sound of music since I was born also in 1965 , I first saw the movie when I was 5 yrs old , and it's really sad that miss charmian (liesl) have joined our creator. Me and my friends are avid fans of the movie and most specially miss charmian, we liked her beautiful face , smile , her blue eyes and sweet voice, and I think she was a perfect choice for liesl. For us she will always be the sweet sixteen liesl, may you Rest In Peace .
Steven Weiss
June 22, 2017
You were a delight to watch in Sound of Music. Your book Forever Liesl was a joy to read. It is a shame you were taken from us so soon. Your legacy will endure in your family, friends and admirers for years to come. Rest easy. My condolence to your daughters, grandchildren, sisters and movie family on their immense loss. May your name and memory be for a blessing
Judy
April 9, 2017
You were wonderful,may you rest in peace and rise in glory Amen
April 5, 2017
I always say, I'am happy that all members of the film's Von Trapp family are still alive. Suddenly, I came across this sad news late, that Charmian Carr was dead 6 months ago. So sad, rest in peace, Ms. Carr. To me, you are always the young Liesl Von Trapp. Thanks for everything.
Ernesto
Al Khobar, KSA
5 April 2017
Bridget Bushue
December 23, 2016
My condolences to the entire Carr family and the Sound of Music Family. Charmian will always be "Sixteen going on Seventeen". No one else could have played Liesl like she did. Her smile, her voice and her charm will be forever preserved in the "Sound of Music" To her daughters, may you always have wonderful memories of your mother. We have lost a beautiful, talented spirit. Rest in heavenly peace Charmian. We will miss you.
PA Galla
December 21, 2016
Sad, sad, sad. Such a huge loss.
Robert helgeson
December 20, 2016
IM so very sorry about charmian she was so beautiful and talented i miss her so much IM ahuge fan sound of music i have both of her books foreverliel and letters to Lisel i cherich them both she like a sister to me god bless charmian rest in pease
December 19, 2016
This lady's pretty eyes were very much displayed in "The Sound of Music," and indeed, should have been! Thanks for the sweet memories during some of my high school days, Miss Charmian!
B Massey
December 19, 2016
May you Rest In Peace, Ms. Carr.
Joseph Garcia
December 6, 2016
I am writing this a little late because I do not recall hearing this on the news. I can't believe that she has gone. I grew up seeing this iconic movies multiple times as it was not only my family favorite but that of my wife's as well. To find out she passed is like loosing a close close friend. For her surviving daughters my heart goes out to you.
She will be always remembered as Liesl. God bless and give you strength through your grief.
John Free
December 6, 2016
Thank you for helping to create one of the most timeless and enduring films ever. You really knew how to convey the "magic" (as well as the sorrow) that accompanies falling in love for the first time. Thank you for the beauty and grace you imparted us all with. May you rest in peace, Ms. Carr.
D E
November 28, 2016
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
M A
October 31, 2016
How I have loved and enjoy your work.
To the family,
I send my condolences. May God give you peace as you cope with your loss.
I send my deepest regards. May you throw your anxiety on God that he may sustain your hearts during this time.-Psalms 55:22
Steve Schwartz
October 27, 2016
Rest in peace, Charmy. We love you and we'll miss you.
Mark Davis
October 17, 2016
Charmain charmed a fourteen year old into seeing the Sound of Music 4 times in the space of 2 months. That little young teen is me. Her smile, acting ability and wit cannot be replaced by current actresses. In my mind she should have received an Academy Award. She will be missed by millions including but not limited to myself. Mark Davis, MD
Liz W
October 13, 2016
You were a woman of joy, happiness, kindness, a loving mother, grandma, and sibling. You will be missed by all those close to you and your fans from the famous "Sound of Music!" The reunions of this famous movie family in the future can never be the same! God bless your friends and family during the months ahead - Many many will miss your presence in their lives! Thank you for coming into all our lives who have been life-long fans of The Sound of Music!!!
Maria F
October 5, 2016
God bless & keep you, Charmy
Maria F
October 5, 2016
Dearest Charmian, your beautiful smile and voice greeted me every time I watched "The Sound of Music" and gave me so many happy memories as a young lady who was so much looking forward to being 16 going on 17. Thank you for your wonderful work. You will be missed , and always loved. May you rest and enjoy eternity in complete joy, love and happiness! When I get there one day, I hope you save me spot in the Soprano section of the choir! May the Lord cover you with His Divine Mercy now and always. God bless you.
Margaret Katona
October 2, 2016
Pure grace.
Lovely.
Rest in Peace
September 28, 2016
What a beautiful person your mother and grandmother was. The Sound of Music is one of my all time favorite movies. Roman 12:12 is another of my all time favorites. "Rejoice in the hope.Endure under tribulation. Preserver in prayer. " Take good care dear family of Ms. Carr.
Warm regards,
Renee Buchanan
Atlanta
Nancy Sanders
September 26, 2016
To All of the Family of Ms.Carr,please accept my prayers for your mother,grandmother,
Ms.Carr was So Very Good in the movie!!!
Sincerely.
Dennis Duffin
September 25, 2016
Blessings to Charmy's family from one of her fellow Ultrasons of San Fernando High School.
September 25, 2016
So sorry for your loss.
May God comfort you.
~Psalms 71:21
September 23, 2016
Rest in peace, Ms. Carr. You are forever"Sixteen Going on Seventeen" in our hearts!
Mary Rittershaus
September 23, 2016
Rest in peace
Mary Cay Rittershaus
September 23, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. She was a beautiful woman both inside and out. The Sound of Music will forever be an iconic movie. It's my favorite movie. Rest in peace Charmian
Emilee miller
September 23, 2016
im so sorry of the lost your love one I was a fan of her to I will be parying for you ALL
RDR
September 23, 2016
She had a beautiful voice. My deepest sympathies to the Carr family.
May the God of tender mercies give you strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time
Richard Ang
September 23, 2016
September 23, 2016
My sincerest condolences to the family of Charmian Carr as well as to her screen siblings in The Sound of Music. Very sad to know that she passed away. However what is consoling is that in our collective memory, she will always be our Liezl, young, naive, innocent, beautiful, waiting to taste her first champagne.
My prayers and may you rest in peace.
Cindy Adair
September 22, 2016
My deepest sympathies to the Carr family. Charmian will always be in our hearts for the joy she brought to all of us who cherish her in her portrayal of Liesel. A light has gone out but she will always be in our hearts and memories. As a devout fan who saw the movie when it debuted and continues to watch it every time it airs, Charmian will truly be missed.
Nora Whipple Whipple
September 22, 2016
Not fair. Dementia has no right to have claimed such a lovely person. May the Carr family remain strong despite what time and nature has done to Charmain. GOD must have wanted her to come live with GODSELF... what a selfish entity... I hope Charmain did not suffer long.
DA
September 22, 2016
My condolences to the Carr family. May God give you the strength to face the challenging days ahead. As you recall the fond memories of the wonderful times you shared with her, may they and God's promise of your loved one returning to you under more peaceful conditions help you through your loss. Philippians 4:13
john small
September 22, 2016
lovely lady
christopher schultz
September 22, 2016
I would like to offer my condolence to mrs. Carrs family.
Louise
September 21, 2016
May I offer my deepest sympathy to the family of Charmian Carr. She will always be remembered. May the peace of God that excels all thought bring you comfort during your time of grief. ~Philippians 4:7
John Van Den Heever
September 21, 2016
I wrote her a letter from South Africa in 1965. I said she was the "most beautiful girl in the world". She replied with a signed picture and said my letter would be treasured as "one of her most valuable possessions". I still have that letter and my heart bleeds......
Michelle L
September 21, 2016
I am so sad to hear about Charmian's passing. I loved watching her in the "Sound of Music"! And like so many fans, one of my favorite song-and-dance numbers has always been "I Am Sixteen Going On Seventeen"!
My deepest sympathy and condolences go out to Charmian's family. May the warm and loving memories you have of her give all of you strength during this very difficult time.
MI
September 21, 2016
May the peace and love God gives surround the family with comfort.
(Isaiah 51:3)
Heidi Bank
September 21, 2016
The Sound of Music was the first video I ever got. I loved Liesl; I looked up to her. Ms. Carr did such an excellent job portraying her.
September 21, 2016
Heartbroken! You made the Sound of Music so real to me as a youngster. You are so beautiful. I named one of my cats Liesl after your character. She's beautiful, spunky and stubborn, just like your character. Rest in Love.
September 20, 2016
She brought joy to millions with her Leisl role, and the entire world fell in love with her. God Bless,
September 20, 2016
Hello Care family sorry to hear about the death in your family. Read act 24:15 in your Bible for comfort.
Lyn Piszczek
September 20, 2016
You are sixteen going on seventeen. You are a beautiful
light in heaven. God Bless your soul and all the dearly departed. Thank you for your
beautiful life here with us.
Lyn Piszczek
September 20, 2016
Thank you for being a beautiful warm person. God bless your family and God
bless you soul. May your family find comfort in this difficult time. God Bless you Liesl, God Bless you Charmian.
September 20, 2016
Charmian Carr as Liesl shines. I always enjoy when she is on the screen when I watch "The Sound of Music." So beautiful and charming. Thank you for being part of my all-time favorite film.
-Keith Mason (New Providence, NJ)
T S
September 20, 2016
Offering my condolence to the family, Chairmian, will always be that beautiful 16 going on 17, may the girls find comfort from the love of her fans.
Lorie M.
September 20, 2016
You will always be remembered and much loved.Rest in the peace of Almighty God. May your family find comfort in the Lord Jesus Christ .
Lucy Reynhout
September 20, 2016
CHARMIAN CARR will be missed by the sound of music cast. and she will be missed by her family and the people that have worked with her over the years and may god bless her family and friend's through this though time's
Rev. 21:4
September 20, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
September 20, 2016
Charmian Carr will forever be Liesl, the beautiful, talented actress who turned out to be a wonderful mother and creative business person. No one can ever duplicate how great her singing and acting were while singing "I am 16 going on 17" she owns that performance forever. I'm sure her family has always been proud of her and millions of us feel the pain of her loss also. God Bless Her and her family. Ceil (IL)
Sally Cote
September 20, 2016
Forever Liesl--you will be missed and always loved. The Sound of Music and the entire Von Trapp family will never age, and will continue to captivate audiences (young and old alike) for generations to come.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Charmian's family and loved ones.
Mary Drescher
September 20, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ruth
September 20, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you grieve the loss of a very special person. I loved the Sound of Music,and she was one of my favorites! I will always think of her as "I am 16 going on 17". May the Lord give you the peace that only He can give.
September 20, 2016
The only thing that is helpful is your relationship with God, family and friends. Find out what you can do to help others this will help you also. Make room for time to grieve it helps so much. My sincere condolence.
September 20, 2016
I loved the Sound of Music. Charmian was so good. I am sorry for her family's loss. I hope that it will be easier to live with as time goes on. Know that she will be missed by all.
Elaine Paulsen (OR)
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