If you've been reading my blog for sometime now, you know how much I admired the grace, beauty, and talent of Audrey Hepburn.
Yet for all the documentaries I've watched about her life, I will inevitably stumble upon one that I haven't seen. Such as it was last week, when I discovered the documentary entitled, Darcey Russell - Looking for Audrey. For as much as I already knew about Audrey Hepburn, I discovered even more details though this documentary. It seemed to peel away additional layers of her life, revealing more of what made Audrey Hepburn such a special human being.
This is the last picture taken before her death, with Sean.
For all the glamour and success that she experienced in her career, she was an extremely modest and down-to-earth person. She had an amazing way of separating her career from her personal life; knowing that they each had purpose and value, but that her personal life was the most important, particularly when it came to her children. In fact, she chose to live far away from Hollywood and would only travel there when she was doing a film. But other than that, she wanted no part of the Hollywood lifestyle. She was often described as a fashion icon, but she was much more than that.
To look at Audrey Hepburn in many of her films, you would assume she had a very charmed life growing up because she always had a regal and royal essence about her. You would also assume that because she brought so much light to the world, she never knew darkness. Yet, she had an extremely difficult life as a child. During the Second World War, she suffered under the brutal Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Her father (who she worshiped) walked out on her when she was only six years old, leaving her with a feeling of abandonment. She suffered from malnutrition from age 9 up until she turned 16, which affected her health for the rest of her life. And her mother, who encouraged her to pursue a ballet career, also made her feel that she was not good enough. In fact, later in her career after she became a star, Audrey's mother said to her, "Considering you have no talent, it's amazing how far you got."
So no, Audrey didn't have a charmed life, however, she was charming in spite of it.
With her mother, Ella van Heemstra.
With her father, Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston. Throughout her life, Audrey tried numerous times to reconnect with her father so that they could talk about what had happened in her childhood. Yet, she realized that he was an emotional invalid who did not have the ability to express his feelings. So he remained silent.
Audrey in ballet class. She used to perform to raise money for the Dutch Resistance.
Hepburn was first married to American actor Mel Ferrer, and then to an Italian doctor, Andrea Dotti.
After suffering two miscarriages, she had a son with each – Sean in 1960 by Ferrer, and Luca in 1970 by Dotti
She adored her sons, and they her.
Although they never married, Audrey met Dutch actor, Robert Wolders, and they lived together until her passing. It was said that her relationship with Wolders was the happiest and healthiest. They met in 1980 at a dinner party thorough a mutual friend and had an instant connection, feeling as if they were soulmates.
Audrey Hepburn's home was in Tolochenaz, a village near Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva. She loved Switzerland.
Audrey in her garden.
Audrey adored animals and had many pets.
Because of her love for children, later in life, Audrey focused much of her time and energy on being the Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF.
It was after returning home from one of her trips to Somalia, Audrey began experiencing severe abdominal pain. After being examined, she was diagnosed with a rare form of abdominal cancer. After chemotherapy, she went into hospice care at her home in Switzerland. On January 20, 1993, Hepburn passed away in her sleep. But before she did, she told her son, Sean, that it had been the best Christmas she ever had because she was surrounded by the love of her family in her home.
Audrey Hepburn's final film was, Always. She accepted the role because she wanted to work with Steven Spielberg.
And to me it was the perfect role because she played the character of Hap, who was an angel.
And that's exactly how I always thought of Audrey Hepburn.
I saw her as an earth angel.
She took the life that she had been given, both the dark and the light, and lived it.
And gave back love...
You will always be missed, dear lady!
Have a great rest of your week, everyone!
💗
Audrey Hepburn Links:
-My Favorite Audrey Hepburn Film: Breakfast at Tiffany's
The beauty & soul runs deep in her veins!! As you write, and as I read your poignant words of Ms. Hepburn, I can see and feel your love/admiration of her...if only the world were more like her with such goodwill and admiration of life itself. Well done Ron.
ReplyDeleteLove the last scene of cat in the rain...
http://hootin--anni.bligspot.com
Oh Ron, what a beautiful tribute to Audrey Hepburn! I got a bit teary-eyed reading this at the end when you spoke of her last movie. I've never seen that film, but I must look for it on Netflix. You're right, she was an earth angel. That's such a perfect way to describe her. She was such a bright light, considering her childhood.
ReplyDeleteBreakfast at Tiffany's is my favorite film as well. I can watch that opening scene with her in the cab coming down 5th Avenue over and over again. And to think that they almost didn't hire her for the role. Looking at that film, I can't imagine anyone else playing Holly Golightly.
Beautiful post, Ron. Thanks! x
I LOVE how you said this...
ReplyDelete"The beauty & soul runs deep in her veins!!"
You are so right! Those things just emanated from her, and that's what you saw when you watched her in any of her films.
Yes, my love, respect, and admiration for her run deep.
"..if only the world were more like her with such goodwill and admiration of life itself."
A-MEN!
And yes, that final scene of the cat in the rain is a classic. And it gets me every time!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Anni. Have a great rest of your week!
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Hey there Candice!
ReplyDeleteI got teary-eyed at the end when I wrote that too. LOL! I can't help it though because to me she was such a special lady and I miss her spirit on this earth. But the good thing is that I can watch her in her films and experience that spirit whenever I want. That is what's great about film, it immortalizes you!
"I can watch that opening scene with her in the cab coming down 5th Avenue over and over again. And to think that they almost didn't hire her for the role. Looking at that film, I can't imagine anyone else playing Holly Golightly."
OMG...YES! In fact, many years ago on one of my daytrips into NYC, I went to Tiffany's and took photographs of where Audrey Hepburn stood when she got out of the cab and in front of the windows. LOVED that opening scene! And yes, I can't imagine anyone else playing that role. It would have been a completely different film had Marilyn Monroe done it. Audrey brought a totally different essence to the character of Holly Golightly.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice. Have a great Wednesday and rest of your week!
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Truly, she had a sad life, despite her fame. I’m certain that her difficult childhood led to her future unhappiness in two marriages. It does sound like she did find happiness later in life with Wolders and I’m glad she had good relationships with her sons. I bet they brought a lot of joy to her life. Hope your week is filled with beauty, Ron.
ReplyDeleteYes! You are spot on with your perception...
ReplyDelete"I’m certain that her difficult childhood led to her future unhappiness in two marriages."
In fact, her son, Sean, said as much in the documentary. He said that she was looking to find a father-figure in her marriages. It was only when she met Wolders, did she (and he) have a healthy relationship with no expectations.
Yes, her sons did bring her a lot of joy. And you can see that in the photographs with them together. I love the ones of when they were babies and they way she is holding them. So sweet!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope your week is filled with beauty as well!
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Ron, this is such a gorgeous post! As one of your other readers said, I can see and feel your love and admiration of her. They hit my heart! And the photos too. OMG, her home in Switzerland is so beautiful. And it's exactly how I would picture it. It has a cozy and homey feel. I love the picture of her with the animals. The one with her and the donkey is so cute! Yes, you could tell that she was down to earth, just from the way she spoke in the interviews I've seen.
ReplyDeleteShe was definitely a very special soul. My two favorite movies were Breakfast at Tiffany's and Sabrina. She looked stunning in those films.
That final photo you shared of her (in all white) is so moving because you can see her soul though her eyes.
Beautiful and touching tribute, Ron. I will have to watch the documentary this weekend. XO
Oh, my goodness, Ron, what a heart-warming, lovely post!
ReplyDeleteYou provided us with beautiful photos, a wealth of information while sharing your own deep feelings about this earth angel. Great job!
Until I read your post, I honestly knew next to nothing about her troubled childhood.
Her life was painfully brief, but filled with magic, as she created such memorable characters as Holly Golightly and Eliza Doolittle.
Thank you so much for writing up this incredible post. I don't think I'll ever look at Audrey Hepburn in the same way.
Take care, buddy!
(PS She did a movie with Sean Connery called "Robin and Marian" where they portrayed Robin Hood and Maid Marian in later life. If you haven't seen it, you may want to check it out.)
What a lovely tribute, Ron! You've uncovered many details of Audrey's life that I didn't know, and for that, I thank you. I had long wondered how she stayed so thin. Being malnourished isn't the way I'd want to keep weight off -- come to think about it, I don't imagine she wanted it either.
ReplyDeleteHow sad, that her parents didn't seem to recognized the great beauty and talent -- not to mention big heart -- they had in their daughter. Perhaps that's what spurred her on??
Have a great week, my friend. Looks like y'all might be getting some rain from Fred. Stay safe! xo
Hola Denise!
ReplyDeleteI ADORED Audrey Hepburn. Even as a child watching her movies with my mother on a Saturday afternoon, I could tell she was SPECIAL.
I know right, isn't that house faaaaaaaaaaaabulous? And it's funny because Switzerland is a country I've never been, but have always been attracted to it. I would love to be there in the winter with all the SNOW!
That's my favorite animal picture, the one with she and the donkey. Isn't it so dang CUTE?
Yes, Sabrina is one of my faves as well. I love the chemistry between she and William Holden. He was so handsome!
"That final photo you shared of her (in all white) is so moving because you can see her soul though her eyes."
Yup, you sure can! She LOOKS like an angel in that photo.
I think you'll really enjoy the documentary. It's not very long either. It's about 60 mins.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have an AWESOME rest of your week!
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Hey there Rob!
ReplyDeleteAw...glad you enjoyed. The second I saw the documentary, I knew I wanted to post about it. I had so much fun picking out all the pictures and making collages. There were so many to choose from!
Yes, me neither. I knew about her time during the war in Holland, but I didn't know much about her relationships with her parents or her husbands. The documentary also had her other son (Luca), who I didn't know much about. So it was interesting to hear about him talk about his mother. And because he's Italian, he had an wonderful Italian accent!
Yes, her like was brief. She was only 63 when she died. But as you said, she sure left her mark by leaving behind some amazing characters that she played.
OMG...yes, I did that film MANY years ago and loved it! She makes the PERFECT nun, doesn't she? Thanks so much for reminding me because I have to see if I can find it the movie website I use.
Thanks for stopping by, buddy. Have an awesome rest of your week!
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Hellooooooooo there, Debbie!
ReplyDelete" I had long wondered how she stayed so thin. Being malnourished isn't the way I'd want to keep weight off -- come to think about it, I don't imagine she wanted it either."
Yes, me as well, I wondered the same thing. And apparently, she ate like a horse. The thing she loved the most was pasta. Her son, Sean, said that she could eat it non-stop and would have it several times a week. She LOVED to cook!
"How sad, that her parents didn't seem to recognized the great beauty and talent -- not to mention big heart -- they had in their daughter. Perhaps that's what spurred her on??"
Sad indeed. She worshiped her father and tried many times to reconcile their relationship, but he was horrible at communication. In the documentary, Robert Wolders said that right before her father died he asked to see him. And what he said to him was that he had always been very proud of Audrey and he wanted him to tell her after he died. And he said that when he told her it did give her a sense of peace (and closure). It's sad that he couldn't said it to her face, though, you know? And her mother never complimented her either. I think her mother was very envious of Audrey.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. And yes, we're supposed to get some rain (and cooler temps) later in the week, YAHOOOOOOOO!
Have a super week!
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Ron, this post was stunning! I know you and I just recently met so I didn't know about your love of Audrey Hepburn, which is ironic because I love her too! In fact, I have a wall in my apartment with photos of her and movie posters that I had framed. Without a doubt, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" will forever be my favorite. But I also loved, "Sabrina", "Roman Holiday", and "Funny Face." Did you ever see, "Wait Until Dark?" It's so good. It's a suspense thriller in which she's blind and someone breaks into her apartment. It's a cat and mouse game movie in which she outsmarts them.
ReplyDeleteI knew she had a rough childhood from the books I read and the documentaries I've seen. Did you ever see the biopic "The Audrey Hepburn Story" with Jennifer Love Hewitt? She did an amazing job portraying Audrey.
Thank you for sharing this post today, Ron. I LOVED it! And I may just read it again, and again, again. LOL!
Hello there Clair!
ReplyDeleteYou're an Audrey Hepburn fan too???? It's funny how when you mention Audrey Hepburn, you discover just how many people loved her. She was so special, wasn't she? And is wasn't just her acting and dancing, there was something magic about her. She was ethereal, like an angel!
LOVED the movies you mentioned. And yes! yes! yes! I have seen "Wait Until Dark.", many times. And you're right, she was so damn good in it. And it was rare to see her in a suspense thriller movie. I loved the ending of that movie. I was so suspenseful!
And YES! I did see that biopic with Jennifer Love Hewitt. She did an freaking AMAZING job portraying Audrey. She had the way that Audrey talk so good. You actually thought it was Audrey speaking because it was spot on!
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your love of Miss Hepburn with me. Loved your comment!
Have an awesome rest of your week!
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Ron, you one of the few people I've spoken to that saw that biopic. You're so correct, she nailed the way Audrey Hepburn spoke. And she even looked like Hepburn. It was uncanny!
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention in my last comment about the movie, "Always." I saw it years ago and loved her performance. Strange how it was only four years later that she passed away.
OMG yes, she most certain did resemble Audrey Hepburn. In fact, there were moments when I forgot that I was watching Jennifer Love Hewitt.
ReplyDelete"Strange how it was only four years later that she passed away."
I thought the SAME THING! It was almost like a premonition. X
Beautifully expressed post, Ron! My girlfriend wanted me to tell you that she loved it too because her mother was a huge fan of Audrey Hepburn and introduced her to her movies when she was a teenager. Like you, her favorite film is Breakfast at Tiffany's. We have that film in our Blu-ray collection. She hasn't seen the movie, Always, but we're going to look for it on Netflix.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are outstanding. I love the ones of her with the children as the UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and with the animals So touching. You can tell how special she was. She emanated such a beautiful energy.
Very special post, dude!
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDeleteThank you! And I'm so glad you and your girlfriend enjoyed this post. Happy to hear that your girlfriend is also an Audrey Hepburn fan and has "Breakfast at Tiffany's" on Blu-ray. I think that film is probably everyone's favorite because it's just so magical! And such a great story. What I love about it is that it's got drama AND humor in it. And the ending is so touching.
"You can tell how special she was. She emanated such a beautiful energy."
Yes, you can, can't you? That's why I always thought of her as an earth angel.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a most excellent rest of your week!
Ron, this post went straight to my heart because I have been an Audrey Hepburn fan even since I was a teenager. In fact, I wanted to BE her. LOL! I have several of her films on DVD (and even some VHS tapes) that I will never part with because I they don't make them on DVD anymore. Without a doubt, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is at the top of my list. When I was still living in New York, I went to Tiffany's on 5th Ave so that I could see where she once stood in the opening scene of the film. That opening scene is SUCH a classic, isn't it? And love the part when she sings, "Moon River" because it's so sweet and tender.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, how could I forget mentioning, "Funny Face", "Roman Holiday", and "Charade." But I also enjoyed "The Nun's Story" (being that I was brought up Catholic)!
You shared several things here I didn't know about her that I didn't know, so thank you. Damn, to have your father walk out on you and your mother make you feel that you weren't good enough, I'm surprised she wasn't incredibly bitter towards them. Yet, she had the sweetest heart. And you could see that in every film.
Thank you very much for sharing this wonderful tribute to such a special lady! I really enjoyed this. xo
P.S. I have to watch "Always" again because it's been ages.
Hellooooooooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that you enjoyed this post and that YOU TOO are a huge Audrey Hepburn fan. Wasn't she just the best? Just seeing her in a film made me smile and feel better! OMG, I too still have DVD's. However, I got rid of my VHS tapes years ago because my VHS player broke and I didn't want to buy another one. Plus, you can even FIND VHS player anymore, can you?
"When I was still living in New York, I went to Tiffany's on 5th Ave so that I could see where she once stood in the opening scene of the film."
HA! I did the same thing. I even took photos of where she stood when she got out of the cab and the windows that she stood in front of at the entrance of Tiffany's. And yes....when she sings "Moon River" it's so sweet. And to think that the director actually wanted that song removed from the film before they released in. But Audrey refused to allow him to do it. And good for her!
"But I also enjoyed "The Nun's Story" (being that I was brought up Catholic). The movie made me want to become a nun. LOL!"
Funny you mentioned that because after seeing the movie, "The Trouble With Angels", I considered going into the priesthood with a friend of mine, I did you not.
I know, I too am surprised she didn't grow up bitter, with parents like that. Can you imagine being told that by your mother?
Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your passion for Audrey. I loved reading your comment!
Have an awesome rest of your week!
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Ron, just wanted to stop back to let you know that I watched the documentary you recommended and loved it! It was so nice to see and hear her sons talk about their mother and what she was like as a mom. I'm so glad she was able to have such a good relationship with Robert. He seemed so loyal and sweet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! X
Elaine, thank you so much for stopping back and letting me know about the documentary. So happy to know that you enjoyed it. Wasn't it wonderful? And yes, I really like that it highlighted her sons. Me too, Robert and she seemed very much like soulmates.
ReplyDeleteHave an awesome Sunday!
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Ms Hepburn was indeed a lovely lady who had been through much trauma in her early years, much of which I learned about through a Netflix documentary. Thanks for this obviously heartfelt and very loving tribute, Ron. There are many of us who feel much the same about this lady. I always enjoy seeing her films and can watch them over and over again. She was a wonderfully, down to earth actress.
ReplyDeleteHey there D!
ReplyDelete"There are many of us who feel much the same about this lady. I always enjoy seeing her films and can watch them over and over again. She was a wonderfully, down to earth actress."
Yes, I think you're absolutely right, I think everyone feels much the same about Audrey. I mean, how can you not, she was such a lovely soul.
I will have to search for the documentary on Netflix to see if it's one that I haven't seen. I love investigating new documentaries because I think because each one seems to reveal more and more about her life.
Thanks so much for stopping by, D! Hope you're enjoying a FAB week!
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She was so elegant, wasn't she?
ReplyDeleteI did not know about her dancing to raise money for the Resistance. That is very cool! Yet another think admirable about her.
OMG yes....she epitomized elegance. And in such a humble way.
ReplyDelete"I did not know about her dancing to raise money for the Resistance. That is very cool! Yet another think admirable about her"
Me neither. And the more I discover about her, the more I find things to admire her for. She was such a special lady.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrrreat rest of your week!
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Wow, this is a beautiful post. Audrey didn't have a charmed life, however, she was charming in spite of it. This says it all. And, it's an inspiring example of how a person can overcome massive challenges and adverse circumstances and succeed in all areas of life. She's always been an inspiration and one of my favorite actresses. Thank you for these photos as I've never seen some of them before. Hope your weekend is wonderful. X
ReplyDeleteHey there Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE what you said here...
" ...it's an inspiring example of how a person can overcome massive challenges and adverse circumstances and succeed in all areas of life."
YES! And I think that's what you could see through not only the roles she portrayed, but whenever I've listened to her being interviewed, she always inspired me.
I really enjoyed putting this post together and researching the photographs. I also enjoyed the documentary because it revealed things about her I never knew.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope your weekend is wonderful as well!
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