Audrey Hepburn was a British actress, model, dancer, and humanitarian who captivated the hearts of millions with her beauty, talent, and kindness. She was one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood’s Golden Age, known for her grace, elegance, and timeless style.
Born on May 4th, 1929 in Brussels, Belgium, Audrey Hepburn’s birth name was Audrey Kathleen Ruston. She was the only child of Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Baroness Ella van Heemstra. Her father was a British subject from England, while her mother was a Dutch aristocrat. Audrey’s parents divorced when she was just six years old, and she moved to the Netherlands with her mother and two older half-siblings. It was in the Netherlands that Audrey developed her love for dancing, taking lessons in ballet and other forms of dance.
Date of Birth and Age
Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4th, 1929, making her a Taurus according to the zodiac sign. She passed away on January 20th, 1993, at the age of 63. Her passing was a great loss to the film industry and her fans worldwide.
Residence, Birthplace & Country
Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels, Belgium, and spent her childhood in the Netherlands. She later moved to London, England, with her mother in 1948 to pursue her dream of becoming a ballet dancer and an actress. She then moved to the United States, where she spent most of her adult life. She owned homes in Switzerland, Italy, France, and the United States throughout her life.
Education & Profession
Audrey Hepburn attended boarding school in England during her teenage years. However, due to World War II, she was forced to end her education abruptly. She then studied ballet in Amsterdam and continued to take dance lessons in London. In 1948, she landed a role in the chorus of a West End musical and made her Broadway debut in 1951.
Audrey’s breakthrough role came in 1953 when she starred as Princess Ann in the classic film “Roman Holiday,” for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress. She went on to star in several successful films, including “Sabrina,” “Funny Face,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “My Fair Lady.” She also shattered gender barriers by being one of the few actresses to win a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy award. In addition to being a successful actress, Audrey was also a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and devoted herself to humanitarian work later in her life.
Brothers & Siblings
Audrey Hepburn had two older half-siblings from her mother’s previous marriage. Her half-brother Ian was born in 1920, and her half-sister’s name was Ella van Heemstra, born in 1922. Ella and Audrey shared a close bond, and Audrey often credited her sister for shaping her character and teaching her how to be elegant and poised.
Religion
Audrey Hepburn was raised as a Christian, but she was not particularly religious. Her mother was a Protestant, and her father was a Catholic, and they agreed to raise their children in the Protestant church.
Weight & Height
Audrey Hepburn was known for her petite and slim figure, standing at 5 feet 7 inches (1.7 meters) tall. She weighed approximately 110 pounds (50 kilograms) throughout her career. Her slim figure was often the topic of discussion, with many fans wanting to know her secret to staying slim. However, Audrey was naturally thin due to her small bone structure, and she followed a healthy diet and active lifestyle to maintain her figure.
Categories & Net Worth
Audrey Hepburn was undoubtedly one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses during her time, with a net worth estimated at $100 million at the time of her death. She won numerous awards throughout her career and is considered one of the most influential and stylish actresses of all time. In 2002, she was posthumously ranked as the third greatest female screen legends by the American Film Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Was Audrey Hepburn married?
A: Yes, Audrey Hepburn was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor and director Mel Ferrer, with whom she had one son named Sean Hepburn Ferrer. Her second marriage was to Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti, with whom she had one son named Luca Dotti.
Q: What charities did Audrey Hepburn support?
A: Audrey Hepburn was a devoted philanthropist, working closely with UNICEF to help children in need around the world. She also supported various charities related to animal welfare, such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Q: What is Audrey Hepburn’s legacy?
A: Audrey Hepburn’s legacy lies in her immense impact on the film industry and her humanitarian work. She remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic and beloved actresses, known for her elegance, beauty, and talent. Her dedication to helping those in need through her work with UNICEF continues to inspire people all around the world.
As we remember the life and achievements of Audrey Hepburn, we are reminded of her incredible talent, grace, and compassion. She will always be remembered as one of Hollywood’s finest and most beloved icons, leaving a lasting impression on the world through her timeless films and humanitarian efforts. Audrey Hepburn’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations to come.