Classic
Movies Starring Audrey Hepburn
Real
estate professional Jennifer Ortman cheerfully confesses to being a classic
movie buff. Her favorite films are ones produced in the 1950s and 1960s.
Jennifer's favorite actress is the legendary screen beauty Audrey Hepburn.
Jennifer has been known to stay up late to catch "Sabrina" or
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" on her favorite TV network.
Audrey Hepburn
Growing up in Nazi-occupied Holland, young Audrey Kathleen Ruston couldn't guess she would become a film star one day. Audrey's parents were both titled aristocrats. Her father was of Belgian and British descent, and her mother was a Dutch Baroness.
Audrey spent the first years of her life living in Belgium and Britain. Her mother decided to relocate to the Netherlands at the beginning of World War II. She believed the Netherlands would remain neutral.
During the War, Audrey suffered from severe malnutrition and associated health problems such as anemia. At one point, Audrey and family were forced to grind tulip bulbs for flour. These wartime experiences are responsible for Audrey's dedication as an adult to the international relief foundation UNICEF.
Audrey's uncle was executed because he was a member of the Resistance. One of her brothers was deported to a German labor camp. Later in her life, Audrey recollected vividly the sight of Jews being taken away to concentration camps. Audrey studied ballet during this time, becoming a very talented dancer. She performed in secret recitals that raised funds for the Dutch resistance.
After the War, Audrey and her mother traveled to London so she could continue her ballet studies. Her ballet instructor told her though she was a talented dancer, she was too tall to become a prima ballerina. Audrey decided to pursue acting studies instead.
Audrey found some work in stage reviews and was cast in a few small roles in films. One day, the famous French novelist Colette visited the Monte Carlo set where Audrey was filming. Colette's most famous novel, "Gigi," was being turned into a Broadway play. Producers were having a hard time casting the title role. Colette took one look at Audrey and pronounced, "Voila! There's your Gigi."
Audrey Hepburn's role in the Broadway version of "Gigi" instantly made her a huge star. After the play closed, she embarked a film career, becoming one of the most beloved film actresses of all time.
The Films of Audrey Hepburn
During the course of her career, Audrey Hepburn appeared in 27 movies between 1953 and 1987. Twenty of those appearances were in starring roles. Many of the films in which Audrey Hepburn starred have become classics.
• Roman Holiday: Roman Holiday was Audrey Hepburn's first lead role in a film. Her performance as Princess Ann earned her an Academy Award as Best Actress. The role was originally written for Elizabeth Taylor. Originally, Audrey was not slated for star billing. Her costar Gregory Peck was so impressed by her performance, however, that he demanded her name be put above the title.
• Sabrina: During the filming of Sabrina, Audrey Hepburn fell in love with her costar William Holden. Audrey had major problems with Humphrey Bogart, however, who was her other costar in the film. The designer Hubert de Givenchy designed her costumes for the film. This was the beginning of a lifelong professional association in which Audrey frequently showcased Givenchy creations.
• Breakfast at Tiffany's: Audrey Hepburn's performance as Holly Golightly is probably her most iconic role. Audrey herself characterized it as her most challenging role. Holly Golightly was the prototypical extrovert, and Audrey Hepburn was introverted by nature. The film's signature song, "Moon River" was composed especially to disguise Audrey Hepburn's limited vocal range.
Audrey Hepburn
Growing up in Nazi-occupied Holland, young Audrey Kathleen Ruston couldn't guess she would become a film star one day. Audrey's parents were both titled aristocrats. Her father was of Belgian and British descent, and her mother was a Dutch Baroness.
Audrey spent the first years of her life living in Belgium and Britain. Her mother decided to relocate to the Netherlands at the beginning of World War II. She believed the Netherlands would remain neutral.
During the War, Audrey suffered from severe malnutrition and associated health problems such as anemia. At one point, Audrey and family were forced to grind tulip bulbs for flour. These wartime experiences are responsible for Audrey's dedication as an adult to the international relief foundation UNICEF.
Audrey's uncle was executed because he was a member of the Resistance. One of her brothers was deported to a German labor camp. Later in her life, Audrey recollected vividly the sight of Jews being taken away to concentration camps. Audrey studied ballet during this time, becoming a very talented dancer. She performed in secret recitals that raised funds for the Dutch resistance.
After the War, Audrey and her mother traveled to London so she could continue her ballet studies. Her ballet instructor told her though she was a talented dancer, she was too tall to become a prima ballerina. Audrey decided to pursue acting studies instead.
Audrey found some work in stage reviews and was cast in a few small roles in films. One day, the famous French novelist Colette visited the Monte Carlo set where Audrey was filming. Colette's most famous novel, "Gigi," was being turned into a Broadway play. Producers were having a hard time casting the title role. Colette took one look at Audrey and pronounced, "Voila! There's your Gigi."
Audrey Hepburn's role in the Broadway version of "Gigi" instantly made her a huge star. After the play closed, she embarked a film career, becoming one of the most beloved film actresses of all time.
The Films of Audrey Hepburn
During the course of her career, Audrey Hepburn appeared in 27 movies between 1953 and 1987. Twenty of those appearances were in starring roles. Many of the films in which Audrey Hepburn starred have become classics.
• Roman Holiday: Roman Holiday was Audrey Hepburn's first lead role in a film. Her performance as Princess Ann earned her an Academy Award as Best Actress. The role was originally written for Elizabeth Taylor. Originally, Audrey was not slated for star billing. Her costar Gregory Peck was so impressed by her performance, however, that he demanded her name be put above the title.
• Sabrina: During the filming of Sabrina, Audrey Hepburn fell in love with her costar William Holden. Audrey had major problems with Humphrey Bogart, however, who was her other costar in the film. The designer Hubert de Givenchy designed her costumes for the film. This was the beginning of a lifelong professional association in which Audrey frequently showcased Givenchy creations.
• Breakfast at Tiffany's: Audrey Hepburn's performance as Holly Golightly is probably her most iconic role. Audrey herself characterized it as her most challenging role. Holly Golightly was the prototypical extrovert, and Audrey Hepburn was introverted by nature. The film's signature song, "Moon River" was composed especially to disguise Audrey Hepburn's limited vocal range.
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