Life and achievements
Early life
Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929, in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium, with the full name of Audrey Kathleen Ruston. Her father, Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston, was a British subject, while her mother, Baroness Ella van Heemstra, was a Dutch noblewoman. Hepburn's early years were spent in Belgium, England, and the Netherlands, giving her a rather diverse childhood. Her childhood was filled with the luxuries and comforts of childhood, but simultaneously, she faced the turmoil of her parent's marriage.
Hepburn's family relocated to the Netherlands during the onset of World War II in an attempt to avoid the war. However, the country was soon occupied by German forces, and Hepburn had to face real life during the war. At this time, she took the name Edda van Heemstra to help conceal her English origin, as she would have been in danger had her English background been known. Nevertheless, she went on with her ballet classes, which became her only joy and her only escape from the real world.
The war changed Hepburn, and she was affected by the death of her uncle at the hands of the Nazis and the Dutch famine of 1944. These experiences made her develop a passion for supporting others, which would later be seen in her humanitarian activities. Hepburn and her mother relocated to Amsterdam after the war, and Hepburn was enrolled at the Dutch National Ballet by Sonia Gaskell.
Legacy
Even though Audrey Hepburn is mainly remembered for acting, she significantly impacted society. She is considered one of the most iconic actresses in cinema history, listed by the American Film Institute as the third greatest female star of Hollywood's golden age. Some of her famous movies are "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "Roman Holiday," "My Fair Lady," and so on; many stars and designers still imitate her fashion.
UNICEF work is one of the most critical aspects of Hepburn's activity in the later years of her life. She was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador in 1989, and in her last few years, she worked for children. She flew to Ethiopia, Turkey, South America, Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Somalia to accomplish her missions and see the suffering of many people and their relief. For her work, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
Hepburn was a graceful, elegant, and compassionate woman who is still admired today. She has been the subject of many biographies, documentaries, and exhibitions, and her image has been used in advertising campaigns and fashion. The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund, which her family created, is still operational and is involved in different projects that aim to help children in other parts of the world.
Milestone moments
Sep 4, 1951
Screen Test for "Roman Holiday"
The screen test of Audrey Hepburn for "Roman Holiday" was a turning point in her acting career.
William Wyler, the film's director, was greatly influenced by her beauty and acting skills and offered her the role of Princess Ann.
This role would make her famous and get her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Nov 24, 1951
First Time on Broadway in the Play "Gigi"
Hepburn joined Broadway in the play "Gigi," where she acted as the title character and was applauded by the critics.
This role earned her a Theatre World Award, and she was recognized as a rising star.
Due to the success of "Gigi," she was given more significant roles on the stage and in movies.
Sep 7, 1953
"Roman Holiday" comes to the theatres
The movie Ro "an Holiday, re "eased in 1953, was Hepburn's bHepburn'sin Hollywood.
Her role as Princess Ann was well appreciated, and she got the award for the best actress.
This movie became a hit, and she became famous and one of the most popular actresses in the world.
Sep 25, 1954
Marriage to Mel Ferrer
Hepburn married her first husband, actor Mel Ferrer, in Switzerland, which changed her personal life.
The two worked together in films like "War and Pe" ce."
Their marriage was from 1954 to 1968, and they had one son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer.