The Canadian actress who played Louisa Von Trapp in The Sound of Music has died aged 68. Heather Menzies-Urich's death was announced by the estate of the musical's creators, Rodgers & Hammerstein, on Monday.

She was diagnosed with brain cancer four weeks ago and died on Christmas Eve, her son Ryan said.

"She was an actress, a ballerina and loved living her life to the fullest," he told TMZ.

Kym Karath, who played Gretl in the film, tweeted: "I am filled with infinite sadness tonight. My precious friend and SOM sister Heather Menzies passed away this evening. Devastated."