Early Life and Background

Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929, in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. She came from a family of noble background and was raised with a cosmopolitan upbringing. Her mother, Baroness Ella van Heemstra, was of Dutch descent, while her father, Joseph Victor Anthony Hepburn-Ruston, had English and Austrian ancestry. Although some early biographies suggest he was born in Bohemia, reliable sources indicate he was born in Austria-Hungary, but of British heritage.

After her parents separated, Audrey moved with her mother to London, where she attended a private girls’ school. Later, when her mother returned to the Netherlands, Audrey continued her education at private institutions. During this time, they lived in Arnhem, Netherlands. The region fell under Nazi occupation during World War II, and Audrey endured severe hardships. She suffered from food scarcity and malnutrition and witnessed traumatic events, all of which left a lasting impact on her life.

Film Career and International Breakthrough

Audrey began her screen career with minor roles. One of her early speaking parts was in the 1951 British film Young Wives' Tale, where she played the character Eve Lester. Although the role was not major, it marked her growing presence in acting. Following this, she moved to the United States to pursue more prominent opportunities in Hollywood. Her breakthrough came with the 1953 romantic comedy Roman Holiday, where she starred opposite Gregory Peck.

Roman Holiday was a critical and commercial success, earning Hepburn the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film established her as a leading lady in American cinema and opened the door to a celebrated career that would span multiple decades, characterized by elegance, charm, and memorable performances.