“May we all become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks,” the “Mary Poppins” actress said in a video message.

Julie Andrews surprises attendees with rare appearance at event combating ‘devastating’ Parkinson’s disease

"May we all become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks," the "Mary Poppins" actress said in a video message.

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May 26, 2026 8:44 a.m. ET

Julie Andrews makes rare appearance at World Parkinson Congress. Credit:

World Parkinson Coalition/YouTube

- *Mary Poppins* actress Julie Andrews surprised attendees at the World Parkinson Congress.

- The actress appeared in a video message that played for guests at the event.

- "May we all become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks," the 90-year-old said of the "devastating" disease.

Julie Andrews just made a rare surprise appearance that's sweeter than a spoonful of sugar.

The 90-year-old Hollywood legend and Oscar-winning *Mary Poppins* star filmed a brief video message that played for attendees at Sunday's World Parkinson Congress in Phoenix, an annual event aimed at combatting the progressive movement disorder.

"Good evening everyone. I'm Julie Andrews, and I'm pleased to welcome you to the 7th World Parkinson's Congress," Andrews said at the top of the message, which you can watch below.

**The star sat on a white chair in front of a window, while wearing a lengthy golden chain and a light blue sweater as she spoke.

"Your participation is invaluable, as we seek to find a cure to this terrible disease," Andrews continued. "I know well how devastating it can be."

She continued, "May we all become a beacon of light to stop it in its tracks. Count me in as a red thread. Thank you."

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Andrews referenced the World Parkinson Congress' Red Thread Project initiative, which aims to bond people connected to the disease.

Though Andrews rarely makes public appearances in her later career, she has continued to work, as the star has voiced Lady Whistledown across all seasons of Netflix's popular romance series *Bridgerton* since its debut in 2020.

In addition to Andrews, *Back to the Future *star Michael J. Fox regularly contributes to Parkinson's disease initiatives, as the actor was first diagnosed with the condition in 1991.

Julie Andrews in 2023.

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Fox has long been open about living with Parkinson's and founded his namesake nonprofit group, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, after his diagnosis.

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The star recently reflected on his imprint in Hollywood, when he told the *Los Angeles Times*, "I'll be dead," in response to a question about how he thinks about his own legacy in Hollywood and beyond.

Watch Andrews' surprise appearance in the video above.

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