Introduction
Audrey Hepburn is one of the world’s most respected classic film actresses. She was born in Belgium in 1929, and throughout her life, she developed a reputation for her elegance, beautiful looks, and talented acting skills. For many, Audrey Hepburn remains a style icon and an inspiration. But contrary to popular belief, there are some surprising facts about her life that are often overlooked. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into Audrey Hepburn’s life, exploring ten facts that you might not know.
Audrey Hepburn’s Childhood and Family Life
1. Audrey Hepburn’s mother supported the Nazis. During World War II, Audrey’s mother, Ella, worked as a volunteer for the Nazi party while living in Brussels. However, Audrey herself had no involvement in this.
2. Audrey’s father was a Nazi sympathizer. Joseph Hepburn-Ruston, her father, was a British Citizen and was living in Brussels, Belgium during the Nazi occupation. He provided support to the regime, which landed him in prison briefly after the war.
3. Audrey Hepburn lived through the Dutch famine. During World War II, the Nazis imposed a blockade on the Netherlands, and this led to a severe famine. Audrey and her family survived on tulip bulbs and water for six months before being liberated by Allied forces.
Audrey Hepburn’s Acting Career
4. Audrey Hepburn was fluent in five languages. Besides English, Audrey Hepburn was fluent in French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish. Her mastery of languages made her an asset in acting and modeling.
5. Audrey Hepburn was a trained ballerina. Before her acting career took off, Audrey trained extensively as a ballerina and participated in several performances. Her background in dance contributed immensely to her graceful movement in her roles as an actress.
6. Audrey Hepburn’s famous haircut was a mistake. Hepburn’s iconic short hairstyle, known as the “pixie” cut, was a result of an accidental trimming that happened while preparing for her character’s wig during the filming of Roman Holiday.
Audrey Hepburn’s Humanitarian Work
7. Audrey Hepburn was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. In 1988, Audrey was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). She spent the last years of her life traveling to different countries to help children living in poverty, conflict-affected areas and those affected by natural disasters.
8. Audrey Hepburn started a charity to help children in need. In 1992, she founded Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund to support vulnerable children’s rights worldwide, including providing safe drinking water, education, and healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was Audrey Hepburn’s real name?
Ans: Audrey Hepburn’s real name was Audrey Kathleen Ruston.
2. What was Audrey Hepburn’s first movie role?
Ans: Audrey’s first role was in the British film “The Lavender Hill Mob” in 1951.
3. Was Audrey Hepburn married?
Ans: Yes, she was married twice: to actor Mel Ferrer and later to an Italian psychiatrist, Andrea Dotti.
4. How many children did Audrey Hepburn have?
Ans: Audrey had two sons, Sean Ferrer and Luca Dotti.
5. What was Audrey Hepburn’s favorite food?
Ans: Audrey loved Italian food, and her favorite dish was Spaghetti alla Carbonara.
6. How did Audrey Hepburn die?
Ans: Audrey Hepburn died of appendiceal cancer in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, on January 20th, 1993 at the age of 63.
7. What awards did Audrey Hepburn receive during her career?
Ans: Audrey Hepburn won several awards throughout her career, including Best Actress for her role in “Roman Holiday” at the 26th Academy Awards.
Conclusion
Audrey Hepburn was a fascinating and inspiring woman whose achievements went well beyond her acting career. Her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador highlights her passion for helping others and making the world a better place. It’s easy to see why her fans still adore her today and why she remains a timeless icon of elegance and style.