Audrey Hepburn Biography

Short Summary

Audrey Hepburn was a renowned British actress and humanitarian known for her iconic roles in classic films and her dedication to charitable causes. She rose to fame as a leading lady in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a fashion and cultural icon. Hepburn's work with UNICEF later in life further solidified her legacy as a compassionate and dedicated humanitarian.

Early Life & Education

Born on May 4, 1929, in Ixelles, Brussels, Audrey Hepburn was the daughter of a Dutch baroness and a British banker. Her early childhood was marked by privilege but also upheaval due to her parents' divorce and the onset of World War II. During the war, Hepburn lived in the Netherlands, where she experienced hardships including malnutrition. Despite these challenges, she pursued ballet in Amsterdam and later in London, where she studied at the Ballet Rambert. Her early exposure to dance and theater greatly influenced her career path.

Career Highlights

Audrey Hepburn's acting career took off with her role in the Broadway production of "Gigi" in 1951. She made a significant impact in Hollywood with her Oscar-winning performance in "Roman Holiday" (1953). Her subsequent roles in films such as "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961) and "My Fair Lady" (1964) cemented her status as a leading actress. Beyond acting, Hepburn became a fashion icon, known for her elegant style and partnership with designer Hubert de Givenchy. Her career was characterized by a blend of talent, charm, and grace.

Major Achievements

  • Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Roman Holiday" (1953).
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded in 1992 for her humanitarian work with UNICEF.
  • Recipient of the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award posthumously in 1993.
  • Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement - Informational Programming for "Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn" (1993).
  • Ranked as the third-greatest female screen legend in American cinema by the American Film Institute.

Famous Quotes

  • "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."
  • "Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!"
  • "As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

Interesting Facts

  • Audrey Hepburn was fluent in five languages: English, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Italian.
  • Her image as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is considered one of the most recognizable in film history.
  • She was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1988 and traveled extensively to raise awareness for children in need.
  • Hepburn loved gardens and was an avid gardener herself.
  • She was awarded a special place in the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame in 1961.

Legacy / Influence

Audrey Hepburn's legacy extends beyond her film career to her humanitarian efforts. Her work with UNICEF brought global attention to the plight of children in war-torn and impoverished regions. As a cultural icon, her style continues to influence fashion, and her films remain classics. Hepburn's grace, elegance, and compassion have left a lasting imprint on both the film industry and humanitarian fields.

FAQ

Q: Why is Audrey Hepburn famous?
A: She is famous for her roles in classic films and her humanitarian work with UNICEF.

Q: What was her first major film role?
A: Her first major film role was in "Roman Holiday," for which she won an Academy Award.

Q: Did she have any children?
A: Yes, she had two sons, Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti.

Q: What languages did she speak?
A: She spoke English, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Italian fluently.

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