The Amazing Life of Audrey Hepburn | , Roles, & Ballet

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were looking at the story of the style and screen icon, Audrey Hepburn.

Early Life

Born on May 4th, 1929 in Belgium, Audrey Kathleen Hepburn was welcomed into the world by her parents, Ella Van Heemstra and Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston. Heemstra was a Dutch aristocrat and Ruston worked under many titles, including working for trade and loan companies. At one time, he wrongly believed he was a descendant of James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, even going as far as to adopt his surname. Throughout her childhood, the future starlet moved across Europe from Belgium to England to the Netherlands. During this time, both of her parents became involved with the British Union of Fascists, with Ruston leaving the family after an incident in Brussels.

World War II

Audrey was only ten years old when the second World War broke out. During this time, she attended the Arnhem Conservatory, a boarding school in the Netherlands, where she started studying ballet, becoming a top student. In 1940, the Netherlands was invaded by Germany. Although her mother, Ella, was a Nazi sympathizer, Audrey did not share her opinions. Instead, she used her dance training to participate in performances to raise money for the Dutch Resistance. She also volunteered in hospitals, and helped deliver supplies to allied forces. Tragically, her uncle, Otto van Limburg Stirum was executed by the Nazis. This was a turning point for her family, especially her mother, who changed her fascist views.

Ballet Career

After World War II ended in 1945, Hepburn continued her ballet training. Eventually, she made her way to London on a dance scholarship where she attended Ballet Rambert. However, her career path changed when she was told that her weak physical state, a result of malnutrition during the war, would be the end of her career. Therefore, Hepburn pivoted to acting. She supported her ambitions working several jobs as a West End chorus girl, a model and nightclub dancer. Her hard work paid off when she started to earn small roles in both film and television projects. While filming Monte Carlo Baby, she met French novelist Colette, who cast her in the Broadway play Gigi.

Roman Holiday

In 1951, after a successful screen test, Audrey Hepburn was cast by William Wyler in the romantic comedy, Roman Holiday. Appearing alongside Gregory Peck, Hepburn played Princess Ann, a sheltered royal who falls for a reporter after a whirlwind adventure in Rome. The film was a box office hit and transformed Hepburn into a star. She would go on to win the affection of both the public and critics and an Academy Award for Best Actress. Following the success of Holiday, she appeared in other notable films such as Sabrina, Funny Face and War and Peace.

Breakfast at Tiffanys

Already a major name in Hollywood and on Broadway, Audrey Hepburns star power continued to burn bright in the 1960s. An early role of that decade would, arguably, become her most renowned. Based on Truman Capote's novella, Breakfast at Tiffanys was adapted for the silver screen by George Axelrod and directed by Blake Edwards. Despite Capotes desire to cast Marilyn Monroe, Hepburn earned the part of Holly Golightly, a Manhattan socialite whose life takes a turn when she becomes neighbors with a young writer named Paul. From turning Hollys little black dress into an iconic classic to making Moon River into a standard, Audreys performance sparkled and continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Retirement

Throughout the 60s, Audrey Hepburn worked on project after project. Post-Tiffanys, she appeared in titles such as The Childrens Hour, Charade, My Fair Lady and Wait Until Dark. The decade saw her cement her status as a celebrated actress but also saw her take on the role of a mother. Towards the end of the 60s, Hepburn transitioned into a semi-retirement in an effort to focus on family. After nearly ten years away from the screen, she returned to acting, appearing as Maid Marian in Robin and Marian alongside Sean Connery. From then on, she only appeared in a handful of movies, with her final film role being that of an angel in Steven Spielbergs 1989 film Always.

Activism

A true humanitarian, Audrey Hepburn used her platform and voice to help bring attention to human rights issues across the world. In 1989, UNICEF named her as a Goodwill Ambassador. Growing up under the German occupation during World War II, Hepburns empathy took her on missions to countries such as Ethiopia, Vietnam and Somalia. She helped with efforts to combat famine and improve water conditions. Spectators noted her tenderness towards children, with many often gravitating towards her. Even months before her death, Hepburn was still travelling and working as an ambassador.

Love Life

In 1954, Audrey Hepburn tied the knot with fellow actor, Mel Ferrer. Not only were the two husband and wife, they also worked together on the film, War and Peace and the play, Ondine. Years later, they welcomed a son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer. However, after 14 years together, the two divorced. In 1968, Hepburn would meet her next husband, Andrea Dotti, a physiatrist from Italy. Married in 1969, she gave birth to their son, Luca Andrea Dotti in 1970. Unfortunately, things didn't work out between them, with infidelity playing a major part on both sides. Although they never married, Hepburns final romance was a 13 year long relationship with actor Robert Wolders, lasting until her death in 1993.

Death

After a goodwill trip to Somalia, Audrey Hepburn experienced abdominal discomfort which was shortly thereafter discovered to be a symptom of cancer. Hepburn underwent treatment including surgery and chemotherapy before returning to her home in Switzerland. At the age of 63, she passed away peacefully in her sleep on the night of January 20th, 1993. Days later, her funeral took place in Tolochenaz, Vaud. Attendees included her former spouses, Mel Ferrer and Andrea Dotti, and actor Roger Moore. Her friend and co-star Gregory Peck read Rabindranath Tagores poem "Unending Love" to memorialize her.

Legacy

The definition of class, poise, and heart, Audrey Hepburn shared not only her talents but her compassion with the world. She has been ranked among the top movie stars by American Film

Institute and publications like Time Magazine. In 2020, her son Sean and granddaughter Emma Ferrer produced a documentary, entitled Audrey. A fashion icon, her signature style has been emulated on red carpets and catwalks. Her image has been immortalized on the big screen and her stage performances linger in the memories of those lucky enough to have seen her perform live. Most importantly, her legacy thrives in her humanitarian efforts, proving that using your voice for good is always in style.

Which Audrey Hepburn film is your favorite? Be sure to let us know in the comments!