Audrey Hepburn: More Than Just A Pretty Face | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Audrey Hepburn: More Than Just A Pretty Face

Audrey Hepburn's legacy

421
Audrey Hepburn: More Than Just A Pretty Face
Brit & Co.

Often times, people remember Audrey Hepburn for her distinct features and beauty. Her face dons posters, and her “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” look is iconic. However, she is so much more than just a pretty face.

She grew up in the midst of WWII

As a child, Audrey Hepburn was living in the terrors of WWII. She was living in the Netherlands at the time of the German invasion in 1940. Audrey and her mother were forced to ration food, and she recalls seeing Dutch Jews being taken to concentration camps. As a child, she would deliver money and papers to the Dutch Resistance, as many children did, because children were less suspicious to the Nazis and less likely to be searched. The German occupation of the Netherlands lasted for five years, and Audrey grew from an 11 year old to a 16 year old under these harsh conditions.

She was a ballet dancer

During WWII, Audrey, who was trained in ballet dance, would perform in secret recitals for the cause of the Dutch Resistance against the Nazis. After the war, she continued her ballet performance, dancing under the training of Sonia Gaskell. Audrey took on small ballet roles, but later moved towards theater, as she was cast as a chorus member in “High Button Shoes” in 1948. From that point on, Audrey landed small roles in lesser known movies, until she was cast as the lead in “Roman Holiday” (1953) at age 24. Her dance abilities are shown in some of her movies like “Funny Face” (1957).

She had class and wisdom

Audrey Hepburn is the definition of class. She was adored by so many people. When she would host parties, her guests always felt welcome, and her kindness stood out to them. "Roman Holiday" co-star Gregory Peck says that she was “one of the most loved, one of the most skillful, one of the most intelligent, one of the most sensitive, charming actresses—and friends, in my life.” Audrey simply lived her life, and did not try to impress anyone. She says “after all, I’m a human being. When I get angry, I sometimes swear.”

Audrey is also very wise. There are many beautiful quotes from her, but this one in particular always stands out to me: “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” Audrey lived up to her words.

She was a humanitarian

After her film career, Audrey dedicated her life to helping impoverished children. She became a UNICEF ambassador and started her journey by visiting an orphanage in Ethiopia in 1988. Audrey worked in many other places like Ecuador, Venezuela, Vietnam and Somalia. She brought food and clean water to many people until she was diagnosed with cancer and was forced into surgeries, rest and chemotherapy.

Throughout her life, Audrey stayed humble, generous and grateful. She says “how shall I sum up my life? I think I've been particularly lucky.”

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183564
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10114
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454489
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24497
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments