Audrey Hepburn's Sons Share Glimpse Inside Her Final Days

Summary

Audrey Hepburn, a Hollywood icon and humanitarian, rose to fame with her Oscar-winning debut in 'Roman Holiday.' Known for her elegance and roles like Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's,' she later became a UNICEF ambassador. Despite battling appendix cancer, Hepburn remained hopeful and spent her final days with family in Switzerland, embodying grace until her peaceful passing in 1993.

Takeaways

• 🏆 Audrey Hepburn won an Oscar for Best Actress for her first feature-length film, 'Roman Holiday'.
• 🎬 Her role as Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany’s' became iconic, defining fashion and femininity for decades.
• 🌟 She was known for her innocence and was an accomplished humanitarian, serving as a UNICEF ambassador.
• 🔔 Hepburn experienced intense stomach pain during a humanitarian trip to Somalia, which was later diagnosed as cancer of the appendix.
• 🌍 Despite her health, she was determined to spend her last days at her orchard in Switzerland, showing her light-hearted charm until the end.
• 👶 Born in Belgium to a Dutch Baroness and a British trader, Audrey's early life was privileged but marked by her father's abrupt departure.
• 🩰 She discovered ballet and became a 'star pupil', but her career was hindered by health issues caused by malnutrition during the German occupation of the Netherlands.
• 🎭 Audrey transitioned from ballet to acting, receiving critical acclaim and eventually starring in 'Roman Holiday'.
• 👰 She married her 'Ondine' co-star Mel Ferrer and later had two sons, Sean and Luca, from her marriages.
• 🌈 After stepping away from the spotlight, Audrey devoted herself to family and humanitarian work, becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1989.
• 🎁 In her final days, Hepburn focused on giving hope and gifts to her loved ones, embodying a life of grace and compassion.

Q & A

What was Audrey Hepburn's first feature-length film and how did it impact her career?

Audrey Hepburn's first feature-length film was 'Roman Holiday' in 1953. It had a significant impact on her career as she won an Oscar for Best Actress, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA, marking her as a rising star in Hollywood.

How did Audrey Hepburn redefine the image of a Hollywood starlet?

Audrey Hepburn redefined the image of a Hollywood starlet with her innocence, elegance, and humanitarian work, becoming a UNICEF ambassador and demonstrating a depth of character beyond her on-screen roles.

What significant event in Audrey Hepburn's childhood had a lasting impact on her life?

The most traumatic event in Audrey Hepburn's childhood was her father's abrupt departure in 1935, which had a profound impact on her life and shaped her personality.

How did Audrey Hepburn's experience during the German occupation of the Netherlands influence her later life?

Audrey Hepburn's experience during the German occupation of the Netherlands, including the famine and malnutrition, led to various health issues and influenced her later humanitarian work, particularly her dedication to UNICEF.

What was the turning point for Audrey Hepburn's career when she transitioned from ballet to acting?

The turning point for Audrey Hepburn's career was when she was told she would never make it as a professional dancer due to health conditions developed during the war, leading her to focus on acting instead.

What role did Audrey Hepburn play in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and how did it define her image in the public eye?

Audrey Hepburn played the iconic role of Holly Golightly in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', which defined fashion and femininity for decades and solidified her image as a style icon.

How did Audrey Hepburn's personal life influence her decision to step away from the spotlight after 1967?

Audrey Hepburn's personal life, including her divorce from Mel Ferrer and her focus on family, influenced her decision to step away from the spotlight to devote herself to her family and humanitarian efforts.

What was Audrey Hepburn's role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and how did it reflect her gratitude for the aid she received during the war?

As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Audrey Hepburn traveled the world on humanitarian missions, reflecting her gratitude for the international aid she received during the war and her desire to give back to those in need.

What was the diagnosis that Audrey Hepburn received during her humanitarian trip to Somalia, and how did she react to it?

Audrey Hepburn was diagnosed with cancer of the appendix during her trip to Somalia. She reacted stoically, admitting she was afraid of the pain but not of death, and focused on spending her remaining time with loved ones.

How did Audrey Hepburn's final Christmas reflect her character and values?

Audrey Hepburn's final Christmas was spent in her home in Switzerland, surrounded by friends and family, and involved giving gifts to her loved ones, reflecting her character of generosity, love, and the importance of family and friends.

What was the final journey Audrey Hepburn took to return home for her final Christmas, and how was it facilitated?

Audrey Hepburn's final journey to return home for her final Christmas was facilitated by a private jet organized by friends Hubert de Givenchy and Bunny Mellon, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip despite her fragile health.