Sound of Music actor Heather Menzies-Urich, who became famous after playing Louisa von Trapp, has died aged 68.

The Canadian-born actor’s death was announced by the estate of the musical’s creators, Rodgers and Hammerstein.

She was diagnosed with brain cancer a month ago and died on Christmas Eve surrounded by her family, her son Ryan confirmed.

Menzies-Urich was just 14 years old and had no acting experience when she landed the role of the third-oldest von Trapp child in 1964 in the movie starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer.

The movie is based on the story of the singing von Trapp family who fled Nazi rule.

“She was an actor, a ballerina and loved living her life to the fullest,” Ryan told TMZ.

Rodgers and Hammerstein president, Ted Chapin, paid tribute to her: “Heather was part of the family. There is really no other way to describe the members of the cast of the movie of The Sound Of Music.

Heather Menzies-Urich and Robert Urich at a film screening in 1976, Photograph: Ron Galella/Getty Images

“Heather was a cheerful and positive member of the group, always hoping for the next gathering. We are all lucky to have known her, and she will happily live on in that beautiful movie. We will miss her.”

Her character Louisa was mischievous and put a spider on the governess who preceded the former nun played by Andrews.

The film went on to win five Oscars, including best picture, and became a perennial favourite on Christmas day television schedules.

The songs Menzies-Urich performed in the film include So Long Farewell and the Lonely Goatherd.

After her debut in The Sound of Music she appeared in many television films and programmes, including the TV series of Logan’s Run, TJ Hooker and The Bob Newhart Show.

She married actor Robert Urich in 1975 and the couple had three children. He died in 2002.

Her death comes a little over a year after that of Charmian Carr – who played the eldest von Trapp daughter Liesl.