Kym Karath is an American former child actress best known for playing Gretl von Trapp, the youngest daughter in the much-loved musical film The Sound of Music (1965). She began acting when she was just three years old and appeared alongside some of Hollywood’s best-known performers before taking a step back from the entertainment industry to focus on her education and family.
Although her time on screen was relatively brief compared with many actors, Karath remains closely associated with one of the most recognisable musical films in cinema history. In later years, she devoted much of her attention to raising her son and supporting people with disabilities.
Here’s a closer look at her age, height, acting career, family background, marriage and life beyond Hollywood.
Kym Karath at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Anthea Kimberly Karath |
| Known as | Kym Karath |
| Date of birth | 4 August 1958 |
| Age | 68 as of October 2026 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former actress |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 metres), according to IMDb |
| Most famous role | Gretl von Trapp in The Sound of Music |
| Education | University of Southern California |
| Children | One son, Eric |
| Net worth | Not reliably verified |
Biographical information is drawn from IMDb and sources covering Karath’s work and personal history. Her exact net worth has not been established through reliable public financial records.
How Old Is Kym Karath?
Kym Karath was born on 4 August 1958 in Los Angeles, California. She is 68 years old as of October 2026. Her acting career began early, giving her the opportunity to work in films while she was still a young child.
Starting at such a young age meant that Karath experienced the entertainment industry during her childhood. Before becoming widely recognised for The Sound of Music, she had already appeared in productions featuring established Hollywood actors.
Her early success did not lead to a lifelong commitment to acting, however. As she grew older, Karath pursued higher education and explored interests beyond film and television.
Height and Personal Background
IMDb lists Karath’s height as 5 feet 5 inches, approximately 1.65 metres. She is best recognised by audiences for her childhood appearance as Gretl, whose youthful character became part of the film’s memorable family scenes.
Karath’s family background is also part of her biography. IMDb records that both of her parents were Greek and that the family’s original surname was Karathanasis before her father shortened it to Karath. Her older sister, Frances, also pursued acting opportunities and auditioned for a role in The Sound of Music.
These details offer a glimpse into the family environment in which Karath began her career, although she has generally kept much of her private life away from the spotlight.
The Role That Made Kym Karath Famous
Karath’s best-known performance came in The Sound of Music, released in 1965. She played Gretl von Trapp, the youngest of the seven von Trapp children, alongside Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp.
Karath was only five when filming began in 1964. Her young age made the role a natural fit, and she became part of the ensemble behind the film’s much-loved family scenes and musical numbers.
Filming also brought a frightening experience. During the famous boat scene, Karath struggled in the water because she could not swim and had to be rescued by a crew member. She later spoke about the incident and how it affected her feelings about water.
The film’s enduring popularity has kept her connected to audiences decades after its release. In 2025, she joined fellow surviving child cast members to reflect on the film’s 60th anniversary and their lasting friendships.
Other Films and Television Appearances
Before The Sound of Music, Karath appeared in Spencer’s Mountain (1963), The Thrill of It All (1963) and Good Neighbor Sam (1964). She subsequently appeared in television programmes including Lost in Space, Family Affair, The Brady Bunch and The Waltons.
Her acting career continued into the early 1980s, with Midnight Offerings among her later screen credits. She eventually stepped away from regular acting to concentrate on other interests, including her education and family.
Education and Life Away from Hollywood
Karath graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in humanities. After completing her studies, she moved to Paris, where she studied art history and worked as a model.
Her life gradually took a different direction from the one she had experienced as a child actress. Rather than remaining constantly in the public eye, she focused on family responsibilities and other personal interests.
She has also been involved in efforts to support people with disabilities. Reports have linked her to the Aurelia Foundation, an organisation established to help young adults with disabilities as they move towards adulthood. Her work in this area reflects a significant part of her life beyond acting.
Kym Karath’s Husband and Family Life
Karath married Philippe L’Equibec in 1985, and they had a son, Eric, in 1991. The marriage later ended in divorce. IMDb lists Jeff Apple as her husband from May 2016, although detailed information about their private life remains limited.
Her son has special needs, and Karath has spoken about the importance of caring for him. Raising Eric became a central part of her life and influenced her involvement in disability advocacy.
What Is Kym Karath’s Net Worth?
Karath’s exact net worth is not publicly verified. Some celebrity websites publish estimates, including figures in the millions, but these claims are not supported by confirmed financial records. Her earnings from acting, modelling and other work have not been disclosed in enough detail to calculate her wealth accurately.
It is therefore best to treat online net worth figures as estimates rather than established facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Kym Karath?
She was born on 4 August 1958 and is 68 years old as of October 2026.
What is Kym Karath’s most famous role?
She played Gretl von Trapp, the youngest daughter, in The Sound of Music.
How tall is Kym Karath?
IMDb lists her height as 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 metres).
Does Kym Karath have children?
Yes, she has one son, Eric L’Equibec.
What does Kym Karath do now?
She is best known for her former acting career and her involvement in supporting people with disabilities.
Final Thoughts
Kym Karath remains closely associated with The Sound of Music, a film that continues to reach new generations of viewers. Her portrayal of Gretl made her part of cinema history, but her life has also included higher education, family responsibilities and advocacy work.
Although she stepped away from regular acting, her connection to the film and its cast has endured. Her story offers a glimpse into the life of a child performer who eventually built a different path beyond Hollywood.
