Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Kathleen Hepburn-Ruston was born on May 4th, 1929 in Belgium. She was of Dutch and English ancestry. Her mother was the Baroness Ella Van Heemstra, but her father, Josef Ruston, held no titles, and it's unclear what work he did. Audrey spent her childhood in England but relocated to the Netherlands on the outbreak of the second world war, as her mother erroneously believed the country would remain neutral. Instead, it would be devastated by the German army, with Adriaantje (family nickname meaning little Audrey) witnessing the terror of the Nazis firsthand.

Audrey and her family suffered much during the war. The war shaped who Audrey was, and had a profound impact on her physically and emotionally.

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Originally hoping to become a ballerina, Audrey studied dance and was often praised for her ability. However, her height (5'7) and the lack of nutrition during the war affected her physique, and therefore ended her dancing ambitions. She was spotted by the French novelist Colette in Paris, which led to her winning the title role in the author's play, Gigi, which opened in 1951. Up to that point, she had appeared in a few minor roles.

Stardom would eventually come calling. Audrey's career in postwar Hollywood began with her starring role in Roman Holiday (1953). Her performance netted her an Oscar (her first and only). She captivated audiences immediately.

filmography:

Dutch in Seven Lessons (1948)
One Wild Oat (1951)
Young Wives' Tale (1951)
Laughter in Paradise (1951)
The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)
Secret People (1952)
Monte Carlo Baby (1952)
Roman Holiday (1953)
Sabrina (1954)
War and Peace (1956)
Love in the Afternoon (1957)
Funny Face (1957)
Green Mansions (1959)
The Nun's Story (1959)
The Unforgiven (1960)
Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
The Children's Hour (1961)
Charade (1963)
Paris When It Sizzles (1964)
My Fair Lady (1964)
How to Steal a Million (1966)
Two for the Road (1967)
Wait Until Dark (1967)
Robin and Marian (1976)
Bloodline (1979)
They All Laughed (1981)
Always (1989)

Audrey doesn't have an extensive filmography, but a lot of the films she appeared in are critically acclaimed and iconic. She much preferred a quiet family life to the glitz of Hollywood. She went into semi retirement in the late 60s, returning nine years later in 1976 for Robin and Marian. She was a much more skilled actress than she is given credit for, the latter film perfectly displaying her subtle strengths. She had natural comic timing and was quite adept in her dramatic roles. The Nun's Story was one of her most demanding roles, and her personal favorite.

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Audrey retreated from Hollywood in order to devote herself fully to her two sons, Sean and Luca. She lived out her remaining years in Switzerland with her partner, Robert Wolders. She was in love with solitude and the countryside, along with gardening and animals.

Audrey also became a UNICEF ambassador. The organization had rescued her following WWII, and she felt a kinship to the children who suffered the same way she had, so many years later. She gave all of her heart and soul to those children and the mission. There's no way to overstate her dedication to UNICEF, the zeal she had for justice and peace.

"For children, I would go to the moon."

Audrey died on January 20th, 1993, but she lives on in her films and the memories of those who knew and loved her. She is one of the world's most enduring icons.

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Audrey wasn't Catholic, but she had the makings of a saint. It wasn't only during her UNICEF years that she had exemplary character, but all throughout her career. She was kind, thoughtful, humble, resilient and a person who truly understood what it meant to put others first. She forgave those who inflicted wounds. She treasured life after the war almost took it from her.

Audrey truly is family at this point, I look to her for inspiration and just feel such a connection to her. It sounds cheesy but too bad! We do have lots in common: our sensitivity, love of flowers and children, desire for love & motherhood over career, crooked teeth, and steadfast belief in the power of prayer. I do think she was meant for me.

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