Audrey Hepburn, an actress with unparalleled talent and a symbol of Hollywood’s golden era, captivated audiences in numerous iconic films such as “Roman Holiday,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “My Fair Lady,” “How to Steal a Million,” and “War and Peace.” Audrey Hepburn’s name is synonymous with sophistication and a kind heart, but how well do we know the woman behind the screen?

Born on May 4, 1929, to a British banker and a Dutch baroness, Audrey grew up in Nazi-occupied Europe. She was bilingual in English and Dutch and also fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian, contributing to her distinctive accent. Standing 70 Inches tall, Audrey’s weight never exceeded 100 Ibs due to a disrupted metabolism caused by wartime malnutrition. During World War II, she survived on tulip bulbs, chicory leaves, and bread made from grass.

 

Her harrowing wartime experiences fueled her dedication to humanitarian work, and in the 1950s, Audrey began collaborating with UNICEF, eventually becoming a goodwill ambassador. Audrey’s breakthrough role came as Princess Anne in “Roman Holiday” in 1953, earning her an Oscar for Best Actress. Just six weeks later, she won a Tony for her performance in “Ondine,” solidifying her status in the film industry.

Her career flourished with roles alongside leading actors like Gary Cooper and Maurice Chevalier in “Love in the Afternoon,” Rex Harrison in “My Fair Lady,” Peter O’Toole in “How to Steal a Million,” and Sean Connery in “Robin and Marian.” Audrey’s presence commanded respect, and no one dared use foul language around her.

After dedicating 15 years to cinema, Audrey shifted her focus to her family. She married twice—first to actor Mel Ferrer and then to Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti, with whom she had a son each. Both marriages ended in divorce. In 1980, Audrey found lasting companionship with Dutch actor Robert Wolders, who remained by her side until her death.

Audrey’s favorite fashion designer, Hubert de Givenchy, considered her a muse and close friend, creating exclusive jewelry, perfumes, and outfits for her. She once said, “I am as dependent on Givenchy as Americans are on their psychoanalysts.” Audrey’s commitment to UNICEF took a toll on her health, especially during her final charity mission to Somalia in September 1992. Witnessing the extreme suffering and devastation, she described the trip as “apocalyptic.”

Despite experiencing severe stomach pain during the trip, Audrey kept it to herself to avoid disrupting the mission. Upon her return, she underwent surgery for a tumor in her colon, but it was too late. Audrey passed away four months later at the age of 63. Elizabeth Taylor famously remarked on the day of Audrey’s passing, “God has another angel.”

Audrey Hepburn is still revered as one of the world’s most beautiful women. Her secret lay in her refinement and elegance, with glossy dark hair and subtle makeup. She avoided vulgarity and bright colors, preferring simple makeup with black eyeliner, matte lips, and long eyelashes.

Audrey’s approach to nutrition was equally meticulous—she rarely indulged in sweets (her favorite being raspberry truffles), abstained from alcohol, and ate plenty of vegetables.