Audrey Hepburn

Who was Audrey Hepburn?

Audrey Hepburn was one of the most graceful actresses of the film industry. She has been an eye-witness to World War II, and faced numerous struggles through it. This talented actress had an affinity to dance and did all it took to get trained in ballet dancing. Her first significant role was as a ballerina where she choreographed her own moves which were highly praised. She lived with her mother and did modelling to earn a livelihood. This actress was engaged with the theatre and this got her noticed as an actress which eventually ushered her into the film industry. Her debut film was a huge success and she even received the ‘Academy Award for Best Actress’ for that particular film. Hepburn herself did not know that she could act but she did work hard and rehearsed passionately to prepare herself for the roles she played. This arduous practice helped her rise into fame and became one of the best known actresses of Hollywood. This skilful actress has been through several upheavals throughout her life like divorces and miscarriages but she faced them all very bravely and overcame her grief. She had a philanthropic side and was engaged in many humanitarian works were recognized by many organizations even posthumously

Career

In 1948, she appeared as a chorus girl in the musical named ‘High Button Shoes’ which was her first stage performance. This was followed by many more stage performances.

In 1949, she again joined in a chorus in ‘Sauce Tartare’ and the following year; she worked in the musical ‘Sauce Piquante’. She also had minor roles in movies like ‘Laughter in Paradise’, ‘One Wild Oat’, ‘The Lavender Hill Mob’ and ‘Young Wives’ Tale’.

During the period 1951-53, she performed the lead role in the play ‘Gigi’ which became a success and Hepburn’s potential in acting was recognized.

Her first elaborate role was as a supporting actress in the film ‘The Secret People’ in the year 1952, where she was portrayed as a ballet dancer. The same year, she also worked in the movie named ‘Nous Irons a Monte Carlo’ (We Will Go To Monte Carlo).

She then, got her major breakthrough in the year 1953, when she was cast in the lead role of Princess Anne in the film ‘Roman Holiday’ along with actor Gregory peck. This was followed by her film ‘Sabrina’ which too was a success as a ‘Roman Holiday’.

Her acquaintance Mel Ferrer asked her to perform in Broadway along with him in ‘Ondine’. This acquaintance later, became Hepburn’s husband and in 1956, the couple, worked together in the film ‘War and Peace’ based on Leo Tolstoy’s novel by the same name.

During the period 1957-60, she worked in a few films such as ‘Love in the Afternoon’, ‘Funny Face’, ‘Mayerling’, ‘Green Mansions’, ‘The Nun’s Story’,’ The Unforgiven’.

Hepburn’s career got a kick start and she worked with numerous industry stalwarts which contributed to her successful career.

In 1960, she started working on the screen adaptation of Truman Capote’s novel ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ which was released the next year. She then worked in the movie ‘The Children’s Hour’.

This actress took some time off from her career and devoted her time to her son Sean and family. After she resumed work, she again starred in many movies during the period 1963-67, such as ‘Charade’, ‘Paris When It Sizzles’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘How to Steal a Million’, ‘Two For the Road’, ‘Wait Until Dark’.

She again took a second break from acting for about nine years, and was back with the movie ‘Robin and Marian’ in 1976. This was followed by a few more movies such as ‘Bloodline’, ‘They All Laughed’ and ‘Always’, after which she could not continue her career due to illness.