Widely recognized as one of the greatest female screen legends of all time, the gifted and equally stunningAudrey Hepburnis both a fashion and film icon. Born in Belgium to an aristocratic family, the actress got her start in ballet and performed as a chorus girl before rising to Hollywood super stardom in 1953’sRoman Holiday, opposite Gregory Peck.From that picture forward, Hepburn became an unstoppable force in Tinsel Town, starring in a slew of successful films while captivating and intriguing audiences across the world. Though known for her many hit romantic comedies, the starlet embraced all genres, such as the romantic thrillerCharade, thedramaticThe Nun’s Story,and the iconic musicalMy Fair Lady.She is one of only16 performers to have won the EGOT: the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards.
Outside the cinema, Hepburn devoted much of her time and efforts toaiding UNICEF, working in some of the poorest countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Shortly before her death, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Hepburn’s legacy has proven to be everlasting, as she is highly regarded as a style and cinema icon.A biopic of the starletis in the works, with actressRooney Maraslated to don the famous little black dress and portray the silver screen queen in a film directed by Luca Guadagnino, the director ofCall Me By Your Name. With renewed interest in her work as a result of thisanticipated biographical film, let’s take a look at some ofAudrey Hepburn’s best movies.
Directed by the brilliant Billy Wilder, 1954’sSabrinastars the always lovely Audrey Hepburn as Sabrina Fairchild, the daughter of the Larrabee’s chauffeur who catches the eye of the family’s two dashing sons. Co-starringHollywood greats Humphrey Bogartand William Holden,Sabrinafinds the title character pining for playboy David (Holden) despite the serious yet kind Linus (Bogart) falling for her. During production of the film, Hepburn and Holden had a brief yet passionate highly-publicized affair which added to the success and allure of the picture upon its release. For her performance,The New York Timespraised Hepburn,saying that she was “a young lady of extraordinary range of sensitive and moving expressions within such a frail and slender frame.” The star received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and famed costume designer Edith Head won for Best Costume Design.
1963’s romantic comedy mysteryCharadefeatures the dynamic talent of Audrey Hepburn and “one of America’s finest actors” Cary Grant as a globetrotting couple pursued by three money-hungry criminals. When Reggie Lambert’s husband is murdered, she becomes the target of her his vindictive cronies and seeks help from the dashing yet mysterious Peter. Hepburn and Grant sizzle on-screen, with the latter bringing his usual smooth charm and Hepburn as elegant as ever. The esteemed actor was initially worried about the 25-year age difference between the two, with filmmakers satisfying his concerns by pointing out the age gap and making Hepburn the pursuer. Oftendescribed as “the best Hitchcock movie [that] Hitchcock never made”,Charadeis a thrilling and romantic caper that garnered universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
6Funny Face
The dazzling rom-com musicalFunny Facehas Audrey Hepburn teaming up with the greatest dancer in film history, Fred Astaire. Hepburn portrays shy bookstore employee Jo, who is discovered by the New York City-based fashion photographer Dick Avery and is transformed into fashion’s next big thing. This was the first musical for the actress, and she beautifully sang the solo song “How Long Has This Been Going On?” and “‘S Wonderful”, a duet with Astaire. For the picture, Hepburn famously wore a gorgeous red evening gown, modeling the garment in front of the Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre. These images would become some of her most iconic, capturing her chic essence. Hepburn’s range as a gifted performer is front and center inFunny Face,with the starlet showing off her dancing skills, vocals and acting chops in one fell swoop.
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5The Nun’s Story
Based on the Kathryn Hulme novel of the same name, 1959’sThe Nun’s Storydepicts the life of Sister Luke (Hepburn), a young woman who decides to enter a convent and ends up struggling with her devotion to her vows. Inspired by the life of Belgian nun Marie Louise Habets, the film takes place during World War II and highlights Sister Luke’s inner battle with her faith after her father is killed by the Nazis. Hepburn spent a yearresearching and preparing for the portrayal, having once said,“I gave more time, energy, and thought to this role than to any of my previous screen performances.”The Nun’s Storywas a financial success and earned 8 Academy Award nominations, and Hepburn won Best British Actress at the British Academy Film Awards. The picture was oftencited by the actress herself as her favoritefilm.
4My Fair Lady
Starring as the poor Cockney flower-seller Eliza Doolittle, Audrey Hepburn once again took on the musical genre with 1964’s beloved classicMy Fair Lady.The snobbish and arrogant phonetics professor Henry Higgins accepts a wager from Doolittle that he can teach her “proper” English and make her presentable to High Society. Despite feeling vocally prepared for the role, Hepburn was told her singing was inadequate and was later dubbed by Marni Nixon; this upset the starlet immensely, but she remained dignified about the situation. Co-starring Rex Harrison as the snooty Higgins,My Fair Ladyhad a production budget of $17 million and was the most expensive film shot in the United States up till that point. The investment paid off greatly, with the musical earning over $72 million and winning a whopping 8 Academy Awards.Time magazine said Hepburn’s portrayalwas a “graceful, glamorous performance” and was “the best of her career.”
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3Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Considered one of the most well-known characters in cinema history,Hepburn’s star-defining performanceas Holly Golightly in 1961’sBreakfast at Tiffany’sis undeniably her most beloved role on her impressive resume. The romantic comedy focuses on the New York socialite as she falls head over heels for a struggling writer, portrayed by the charming George Peppard. Based on the Truman Capote novella, the author initially wanted Marilyn Monroe as Golightly and wasn’t pleased with Hepburn’s casting; his tune changed when he saw the finished product,stating that she “did a terrific job.”The little black dress Hepburn wore at the beginning of the film is widely considered one of the most iconic items of clothing in history.Breakfast at Tiffany’swon two Academy Awards and cemented Hepburn’s status as a leading lady; the character is widely regarded as her most memorable role, betweenher iconic kissingscene andfantastic song"Moon River."
2Wait Until Dark
Terence Young’s 1967 psychological thrillerWait Until Darkis based on the Frederick Knott play and follows a recently blinded woman as she’s terrorized by a group of thugs in a life-threatening game of cat-and-mouse. Featuring Hollywood greats Audrey Hepburn, Alan Arkin and Richard Crenna, the picture was a major shake-up from the actress’ usual romantic comedies. She accepted the role in a desire to play against type and in the process delivers a powerful and vulnerable portrayal. The tense and edgyWait Until Darkis propelled by the brilliant performances of its leads, namely Hepburn and Arkin, and its pulse-pounding pace and ever-growing tension keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. This is probablythe best home-invasion movie of all time.
1Roman Holiday
For her debut starring role Audrey Hepburn portrayed European Princess Ann inRoman Holiday, who escapes her guardians on a trip to Rome and falls in love with an American reporter. Tinsel Town legend Gregory Peck stars as newsman Joe Bradley, who despite earning star-billing suggested to director William Wyler toelevate Hepburn to equal billing. This was unheard of in Hollywood, especially for a newcomer, but Wyler ultimately obliged. The romantic comedy showcases Hepburn’s superb acting talents and comedic timing, and she shines alongside the renowned and delightful Peck. The starlet won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as the princess, as well as a Golden Globe.Roman Holidaygarnered praise upon its release, withThe New York Timescalling it“a natural, tender and amusing yarn” with “laughs that leave the spirits soaring.” The picture has since gone on to become a cherished cinema classic and has Hepburn at her most beautiful, charming, and captivating.
