Liesl Matthews

Playing Liesl von Trapp in The Sound of Music

Biography

Liesl Matthews (born 1950) is an American actress and model who achieved worldwide fame playing the eldest von Trapp daughter, Liesl, in the iconic 1965 film The Sound of Music. Cast at just 16 years old, Matthews brought charm and grace to the role of the spirited teenage girl caught between childhood and adulthood in Nazi-occupied Austria. Her performance, particularly in the famous 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen' number, captivated audiences and made her an international star. Though her acting career was relatively brief, appearing in only a few films after The Sound of Music, Matthews successfully transitioned into high-fashion modeling during the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a sought-after runway and print model. Her portrayal of Liesl remains one of cinema's most beloved performances, and the character has become synonymous with the name for generations of fans of the musical. Matthews later stepped away from the public eye, maintaining a private life while her legacy in The Sound of Music endures as a defining moment in classic Hollywood cinema.

The Name Liesl

Liesl gained international recognition almost entirely through this iconic film role, making the name forever associated with The Sound of Music and mid-20th century cinema nostalgia.

Quick Facts

Liesl

Germanic origin

“A streamlined Austrian and Bavarian form of Liesel, Liesl drops the final 'e' for a crisper sound while retaining all the warmth of its fuller form. The name is quintessentially Alpine and charming, suggesting mountain meadows and folk traditions without sacrificing modern appeal.”