Audrey Hepburn was a renowned actress, fashion icon, and humanitarian whose legacy continues to inspire generations. Born on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium, she captivated audiences with her elegance, talent, and compassion.
Early Life and Background
Audrey Kathleen Ruston was the daughter of Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Ella van Heemstra, a Dutch baroness. Her father later added the surname Hepburn, believing he was descended from James Hepburn, the 4th Earl of Bothwell. Audrey spent her early years between Belgium, England, and the Netherlands. During World War II, she lived in the Netherlands, experiencing the hardships of Nazi occupation, which profoundly influenced her later humanitarian work.
Rise to Stardom
After the war, Audrey pursued ballet in Amsterdam and London. Transitioning to acting, she gained attention with her role in the Broadway play “Gigi” in 1951. Her breakthrough film role came in “Roman Holiday” (1953), where she starred opposite Gregory Peck, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Iconic Roles and Films
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Hepburn starred in numerous classics:
- “Sabrina” (1954): Portrayed the titular character in a romantic comedy alongside Humphrey Bogart and William Holden.
- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961): Brought to life the unforgettable Holly Golightly, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
- “My Fair Lady” (1964): Played Eliza Doolittle in this musical adaptation, showcasing her versatility.
Humanitarian Efforts
In the late 1980s, Audrey became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Drawing from her wartime experiences, she dedicated herself to humanitarian missions, visiting countries in Africa, South America, and Asia to advocate for children’s rights and welfare.
Family
Audrey’s family background was rooted in aristocracy and privilege, but her early family life was tumultuous. Her father abandoned the family when she was just six years old, an event that caused her significant emotional distress. This separation deeply affected Audrey, leading to a lifelong search for paternal affection and stability.
Her mother, Ella van Heemstra, played a significant role in her upbringing, especially during the war years in the Netherlands. Despite the challenges they faced, Ella instilled in Audrey a sense of duty, discipline, and resilience.
As a mother, Audrey was deeply devoted to her sons, Sean and Luca. She often prioritized her family over her career, taking extended breaks from acting to focus on raising her children. Her commitment to providing them with a stable and loving environment was evident in her choices and actions throughout her life.
Personal Life
Audrey married twice: first to actor Mel Ferrer in 1954, with whom she had a son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer. After their divorce, she married Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti in 1969, and they had a son, Luca Dotti. Both marriages ended in divorce.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Audrey Kathleen Ruston |
| Date of Birth | May 4, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Brussels, Belgium |
| Parents | Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Ella van Heemstra |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100 million (at the time of her death in 1993) |
Career
Audrey Hepburn’s career is a testament to her versatility and enduring appeal. She began her journey in the performing arts as a chorus girl in West End musical theater productions in London. Her talent and charisma soon caught the attention of filmmakers, leading to minor roles in several films.
Her big break came when French novelist Colette spotted her in Monte Carlo and insisted she play the lead role in the Broadway adaptation of her novel “Gigi.” Despite her inexperience, Audrey’s performance received rave reviews, establishing her as a rising star.
In 1953, Audrey starred opposite Gregory Peck in “Roman Holiday,” portraying a young princess exploring Rome incognito. Her enchanting performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first actress to win an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award for a single performance.
Following this success, Audrey delivered a series of iconic performances:
- “Sabrina” (1954): She played the titular character, a chauffeur’s daughter entangled in a love triangle with two wealthy brothers, portrayed by Humphrey Bogart and William Holden.
- “Funny Face” (1957): A musical where she starred alongside Fred Astaire, showcasing her singing and dancing abilities.
- “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961): Perhaps her most iconic role, Audrey embodied Holly Golightly, a New York socialite with a mysterious past.
- “My Fair Lady” (1964): She portrayed Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl transformed into a refined lady, in this beloved musical adaptation.
In the late 1960s, Audrey chose to step back from acting to focus on her family. She made occasional returns to the screen, most notably in “Robin and Marian” (1976) opposite Sean Connery and “Wait Until Dark” (1967), where she played a blind woman terrorized by criminals.
Beyond her film career, Audrey was deeply committed to humanitarian work. In 1989, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Drawing from her own experiences during World War II, she dedicated herself to advocating for children in need, traveling extensively to raise awareness and support for humanitarian causes.
Latest News
As of January 25, 2025, there are no new developments or news regarding Audrey Hepburn. She passed away on January 20, 1993, and has since been remembered for her enduring legacy in film and humanitarian work.
However, her influence continues to be celebrated. Recently, Ivanka Trump paid tribute to Hepburn by wearing a recreation of Hepburn’s iconic gown from the 1954 film “Sabrina” at the presidential inaugural ball. This homage sparked discussions about Hepburn’s lasting impact on fashion and culture.
Social Media Accounts
While Audrey Hepburn passed away before the advent of social media, her legacy is maintained through official accounts managed by her estate:
| Platform | Account |
|---|---|
| @audreyhepburn | |
| @AudreyHepburn | |
| Audrey Hepburn |
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Audrey Hepburn was known for her slender frame, graceful posture, and distinctive features, including expressive eyes and a captivating smile. Her elegance and style made her a timeless fashion icon.
Net Worth as of 2025
At the time of her passing in 1993, Audrey Hepburn’s estate was estimated to be worth around $100 million. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately $180 million in 2025. Her enduring legacy continues to generate revenue through film royalties, merchandise, and the ongoing influence of her iconic image.
FAQS
Who is Audrey Hepburn?
Audrey Hepburn was a Belgian-born British actress and humanitarian, celebrated for her roles in classic films such as Roman Holiday (1953), Sabrina (1954), and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Beyond her acting career, she was renowned for her elegance and dedication to humanitarian work, particularly with UNICEF.
What are some of Audrey Hepburn’s most famous films?
Audrey Hepburn starred in several iconic films, including:
- Roman Holiday (1953)
- Sabrina (1954)
- Funny Face (1957)
- The Nun’s Story (1959)
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
- My Fair Lady (1964)
These films have solidified her status as a timeless film icon.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s role in UNICEF?
In her later years, Audrey Hepburn served as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, dedicating herself to humanitarian efforts and advocating for children in need worldwide. Her commitment to UNICEF was recognized when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s legacy?
Audrey Hepburn’s legacy is characterized by her elegance, humanitarian work, and enduring influence on fashion and film. She remains a symbol of grace and compassion, inspiring generations through her work and dedication to helping others.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s net worth?
Audrey Hepburn’s net worth at the time of her passing in 1993 was estimated to be around $100 million. Her estate continues to generate income through various channels, including film royalties and merchandise, contributing to her lasting financial legacy.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s height?
Audrey Hepburn stood at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. Her slender frame and graceful demeanor contributed to her iconic presence both on and off the screen.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s date of birth?
Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929, in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. Her early life was marked by the challenges of World War II, which influenced her later humanitarian efforts.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s early life like?
Audrey Hepburn’s early life was marked by the challenges of World War II. Born in Belgium, she moved to the Netherlands with her mother during the war. She experienced the hardships of the Nazi occupation, including malnutrition and the loss of family members. Despite these challenges, she pursued ballet and acting, laying the foundation for her future career.
Who were Audrey Hepburn’s parents?
Audrey Hepburn’s parents were Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Ella van Heemstra. Her father was an English banker, and her mother was a Dutch baroness. Her parents’ separation during her early childhood had a significant impact on her upbringing.
Who was Audrey Hepburn married to?
Audrey Hepburn was married twice:
- Mel Ferrer (1954–1968): An American actor and director. They had one son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer.
- Andrea Dotti (1969–1982): An Italian psychiatrist. They had one son, Luca Dotti.
She also had a long-term companion, Dutch actor Robert Wolders, from 1980 until her passing in 1993.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s most famous role?
Audrey Hepburn’s most famous role is that of Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Her portrayal of the free-spirited New York socialite became iconic, and the film remains a classic in cinema history.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s favorite food?
Audrey Hepburn’s favorite comfort food was penne with ketchup. This simple dish, which also includes olive oil, butter, and grated cheese, reflects her practical and frugal nature, shaped by her experiences during World War II.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s legacy in fashion?
Audrey Hepburn’s legacy in fashion is marked by her timeless elegance and classic style. Her roles in films like Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany’s showcased her impeccable taste, influencing fashion trends and solidifying her status as a style icon.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s connection to UNICEF?
Audrey Hepburn’s connection to UNICEF was as a Goodwill Ambassador, a role she began in 1989. She dedicated her later years to humanitarian work, advocating for children in need worldwide, and was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 for her efforts.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s legacy in film?
Audrey Hepburn’s legacy in film is characterized by her graceful performances and the enduring popularity of her movies. Her films continue to be celebrated for their charm and elegance, and she remains a beloved figure in cinematic history.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s role in World War II?
During World War II, Audrey Hepburn lived in the Netherlands, which was occupied by Nazi forces. She experienced the hardships of the war, including malnutrition and the loss of family members. These experiences influenced her later humanitarian work and dedication to helping children in need.
What is Audrey Hepburn’s connection to the Netherlands?
Audrey Hepburn’s connection to the Netherlands is through her mother, Ella van
