Dame Julie’s crystal-clear voice made her a worldwide star and has defined her entire career. As an adult she had a remarkable four-octave range but even as child her talent soon drew attention. She made her stage debut age 12 at the London Hippodrome and then performed the following year on the Royal Variety Performance in front of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. When the actress suddenly lost her voice after a tragic mistake, it plunged her into depression.

In 1995, Dame Julie returned to the stage for the first time in 35 years. Before Hollywood beckoned, she had made her name as Eliza Doolittle on Broadway, although the film role was given to Audrey Hepburn.

Another movie role, as the cross-dressing artist in Victor/Victoria, was…