Iconic historical figure check: Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn: actress, fashion icon, philanthropist. But who was this legendary figure really?

How it all began

Little to most people know, she actually took dancing lessons as a child and wanted to pursue a career as a ballet dancer. However, those plans were crushed, when Audrey was told, that she could never be as good as her peers, due to the after effects of the malnourishment she had to endure during the second world war. She then started modeling as a way to earn money, but quickly drew the attention of many film and musical directors, who were fascinated by her elegance and beauty. Audrey discovered her talent for acting and was cast as the main actress in many famous movies. She even won the Oscar for best actress for her performance in “Roman Holiday” in 1954.

Special fashion sense

The fashion world loved Audrey’s unique sense of style. Soon, people all around the world started to wear long skirts, big sunglasses and the little black dresses. Even today, her influence on the fashion world lasts on.

Help for children in need

However, Audrey Hepburn was not only beautiful on the outside. In 1988, she became a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and traveled the world raising awareness about children in need. As someone who had lived through the days of the German Occupation, she knew very well, what it felt like to go hungry and wanted to change that for as many children as possible.

In 1993 she lost her battle with colon cancer and passed away in her home in Tolochenaz. Even after her death, the legacy of her work as an actress, ambassador and so much more will always live on.

Bild: Hans Gerber/CC-BY-SA 4.0