When Audrey Hepburn is mentioned, she is often associated with beauty, style, and grace. Many people remember her for playing cute and flirty characters in movies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina. However, Audrey was more than just a famous actress or fashion icon. She was a compassionate and selfless woman who epitomized true beauty. Even before celebrities like Oprah, Madonna, and Angelina and Brad got involved, Audrey dedicated her time to helping children in Africa and Latin-America.
Audrey Hepburn, a beloved icon, found success in multiple fields such as acting, dancing, singing, and speaking. She is best known as UNICEF’s most famous Ambassador. Hepburn’s life was driven by the philosophy of serving others. In her own words, she said, “Remember; if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm, as you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others” (Bourgoin). Hepburn devoted herself to assisting those in need and lived an extraordinary life as a genuine humanitarian, serving as an inspiration to people worldwide.
Hepburn’s upbringing had a profound effect on her future, molding her outlook and impacting her decisions as an adult. Despite enduring difficulties, letdowns, and obstacles during her formative years, she cultivated resilience and a firm sense of direction. When Hepburn was still young, her father departed from the family, prompting her mother to enroll her in an English boarding school specializing in ballet. This period proved especially challenging for the girl as she grappled with feelings of isolation and confronted numerous hurdles.
The discipline of dance and her rigorous studies posed a great challenge for Audrey, as it required her to live away from her family. Eventually, in 1937, her parents officially divorced, prompting Audrey to return home to her mother. This relocation occurred just before the outbreak of World War II. In an attempt to seek safety, Audrey and her mother relocated to Holland. However, their hopes were shattered when the Nazi invasion commenced, subjecting them to inhospitable living conditions. Audrey experienced deprivation of food and adequate shelter, leading to malnutrition and various severe health problems.
As an adult, Hepburn reflected on the experience of deprivation and fear during bombings. However, she also saw it as a valuable learning opportunity and gained appreciation for safety and liberty through the hardships she endured. Hepburn stated that these bad experiences have become positive in her life.The fields of music, dancing, and acting brought her immense fame and success, providing solace.
She was praised for her works and received several accolades, such as an Academy Award and Golden Globe for Roman Holiday, a Tony Award for her performance in Ondine, and a Theater World Award for her work on Broadway in the play Gigi. These achievements made her an idol among many young girls and women who admired her unique and stylish persona. The public truly adored her talent, beauty, and glamour. While Audrey took pride in all of these accomplishments, she also felt a yearning to contribute more to her life.
