Julie Andrews originated the musical version of Doolittle on stage in '' My Fair Lady '' , with Rex Harrison as Higgins . Sally Ann Howes took the role of Eliza Doolittle in 1958 when Julie Andrews left . Harrison went on to reprise his role in the 1964 film alongside Audrey Hepburn as Doolittle . At the 37th Academy Awards , the award for Best Actress went to Andrews for her performance as Mary Poppins . Hepburn was not nominated . Despite this , many critics greatly applauded Hepburn 's " exquisite " performance . " The happiest thing about '' My Fair Lady '' " , wrote Bosley Crowther , " is that Audrey Hepburn superbly justifies the decision of Jack Warner to get her to play the title role . " Her co-star Rex Harrison , also called Hepburn his favourite leading lady and Gene Ringgold of '' Soundstage '' also commented that " Audrey Hepburn is magnificent . She is Eliza for the ages , " while adding , " Everyone agreed that if Julie Andrews was not to be in the film , Audrey Hepburn was the perfect choice . " Martine McCutcheon played the role in the 2001 London revival of '' My Fair Lady '' . Despite missing many performances ( citing health problems ) , having to have various understudies perform the role and withdrawing nearly five months early from the production 's transfer to the Theatre Royal , Drury Lane , she won the award for best actress in a musical at the 2002 Laurence Olivier Awards . One of the understudies was then-unknown " First Lady of the West End " Kerry Ellis
37th Academy Awards
37th Academy Awards
Eliza Doolittle