Audrey Hepburn was a Belgian-born actress and humanitarian. She rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. Known for her elegance, grace, and distinctive style, Hepburn captivated audiences with her performances in films like “Roman Holiday,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “Sabrina.” She won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, and became a fashion icon, working closely with designer Hubert de Givenchy. Beyond her acting career, Hepburn was dedicated to humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, advocating for children’s rights and welfare. Her legacy continues to inspire and influence both in the entertainment industry and as a symbol of compassion and grace. In this list, you’ll discover 70 interesting facts about Audrey Hepburn.
1. Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium.
2. Her birth name was Audrey Kathleen Ruston.
3. Hepburn's mother was a Dutch baroness, and her father was an English banker.
4. Audrey Hepburn was known for her iconic style and elegance, both on and off-screen.
5. She had two half-brothers from her mother's previous marriage.
6. During World War II, Hepburn lived in the Netherlands and experienced the hardships of the German occupation.
7. She studied ballet in Amsterdam and later in London.
8. Hepburn made her acting debut in the 1948 film "Dutch in Seven Lessons."
9. Her breakthrough role came in 1953 when she starred in the film "Roman Holiday," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Actress.
10. Audrey Hepburn became a fashion icon, known for her chic and timeless style.
11. She appeared in several successful films, including "Sabrina" (1954), "Funny Face" (1957), and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961).
12. Hepburn's performance in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" established her as a cultural and fashion icon.
13. She was the first actress to win an Academy Award, a Tony Award, a Grammy Award, and an Emmy Award.
14. Audrey Hepburn received a total of five Academy Award nominations during her career.
15. Hepburn was also known for her humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
16. She was appointed as a UNICEF Special Ambassador to the United Nations in 1988.
17. Hepburn actively worked to raise awareness and funds for children in need around the world.
18. Audrey Hepburn was married twice. Her first marriage was to actor Mel Ferrer, and they had one child together.
19. She later married Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti and had another child.
20. Hepburn had a close friendship with fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, who created many of her iconic looks.
21. She was known for her signature little black dress and elegant Givenchy ensembles.
22. Audrey Hepburn was a skilled multilingual speaker, fluent in English, Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish, and German.
23. She was an avid animal lover and had several pets throughout her life, including dogs and horses.
24. Hepburn was named the third-greatest female screen legend by the American Film Institute.
25. She was known for her slim figure, but she struggled with weight issues during her life.
26. Hepburn was a trained ballet dancer and often showcased her dance skills in films.
27. Audrey Hepburn's iconic role as Holly Golightly in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" popularized the little black dress as a fashion staple.
28. She won the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 1990 Golden Globe Awards for her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
29. Hepburn's final film role was in "Always" (1989), directed by Steven Spielberg.
30. She was posthumously awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1993.
31. Audrey Hepburn was known for her natural beauty and minimal use of makeup.
32. She had a close friendship with actor Gregory Peck, and they remained lifelong friends.
33. Hepburn's elegance and grace made her a sought-after model for fashion and beauty campaigns.
34. She was a trained singer and performed in several musicals, including "My Fair Lady" on stage.
35. Audrey Hepburn's haircut in the film "Roman Holiday" became a popular trend known as the "pixie cut."
36. She was named one of the 20th century's most beautiful women by Harper's Bazaar.
37. Hepburn's humanitarian work took her to countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia.
38. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her humanitarian efforts in 1992.
39. Audrey Hepburn was a Goodwill Ambassador until her death in 1993.
40. She was an active supporter of UNICEF's immunization programs, especially in developing countries.
41. Hepburn's iconic role in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" led to her being associated with the luxury jewelry brand.
42. She had a close friendship with actor William Holden, whom she co-starred with in the film "Sabrina."
43. Audrey Hepburn had a passion for gardening and spent much of her free time tending to her gardens.
44. She was an accomplished equestrian and enjoyed horseback riding.
45. Hepburn's son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, established the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund in her honor.
46. She was known for her petite frame, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall.
47. Hepburn received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award posthumously in 1993.
48. She was named one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century by Time magazine.
49. Audrey Hepburn's style and fashion choices continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today.
50. She was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over 30 years, advocating for children's rights and welfare.
51. Hepburn's humanitarian work took her to war-torn countries, where she witnessed the devastating impact on children.
52. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H.W. Bush in 1992.
53. Audrey Hepburn's elegance and charm made her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
54. She was known for her distinctive voice and accent, often described as a mix of British and Dutch.
55. Hepburn's performance in "My Fair Lady" earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy.
56. She was named the most beautiful woman of all time by the British newspaper The Sun in 2006.
57. Audrey Hepburn's humanitarian efforts helped raise millions of dollars for UNICEF's programs.
58. She was known for her philanthropy and dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children.
59. Hepburn's style and fashion choices continue to be celebrated and emulated in popular culture.
60. She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the Academy Honorary Award in 1993.
61. Audrey Hepburn's iconic image has been featured on postage stamps in several countries.
62. She was named one of the 100 greatest female stars in American cinema by the American Film Institute.
63. Hepburn's timeless beauty and elegance continue to captivate audiences around the world.
64. She was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador during the last years of her life, traveling extensively to raise awareness about children's issues.
65. Audrey Hepburn's humanitarian work earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
66. She had a passion for painting and often expressed herself through art.
67. Hepburn's charitable work extended to supporting AIDS research and treatment.
68. She was known for her humility and down-to-earth personality, despite her fame and success.
69. Audrey Hepburn's legacy as an actress and humanitarian continues to inspire generations.
70. She remains an enduring symbol of grace, beauty, and compassion.