Audrey Hepburn

Her mother was Ella baroness van Heemstra .

Her mother was Ella baroness van Heemstra (1900-1984).

She auditioned for, and did a costume test for, the role of Lygia in Quo Vadis (1951), but Warner Bros. turned her down because she was too unknown at the time and went with Deborah Kerr.

Nearly married James (later Lord) Hanson, a businessman, after filming Roman Holiday . An ivory satin wedding gown was designed by the Fontana sisters, but Hepburn called off the wedding at the last minute.

She was presented with her 1953 Best Actress Oscar for "Roman Holiday" by actor and humanitarian Jean Hersholt. Forty years later she would posthumously receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her work with UNICEF.

In Italy she was almost exclusively dubbed by Maria Pia Di Meo, except in her first two films (Roman Holiday (Vacanze Romane) and Sabrina ) and in Green Mansions (Verdi dimore), where she was dubbed by Fiorella Betti.

Followed winning the Academy Award for Roman Holiday with winning Broadway's 1954 Tony Award as Best Actress (Dramatic) for "Ondine."

In 1954, she was presented with her Best Actress Oscar for Roman Holiday by Jean Hersholt. In 1993, she was posthumously awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

She won the 1953 Best Actress Academy Award for Roman Holiday . On March 25th, 1954, she accepted the award from the much revered Academy president Jean Hersholt. After accepting the award, Audrey kissed him smack on the mouth, instead of the cheek, in her excitement. Minutes after accepting her 1953 Oscar, Audrey realized that she'd misplaced it. Turning quickly on the steps of the Center Theater in New York, she raced back to the ladies' room, retrieved the award, and was ready to pose for photographs.

In 1993 she became the thirteenth performer to win the Triple Crown of Acting. Oscar - Best Actress for Roman Holiday , Tony for Best Actress in a Play for "Ondine" and Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement - Informational Programming for "Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn" .

Measurements: 34A-20-34 (as recorded in 1953), (Source: Celebrity Sleuth magazine)

She won the 1953 Best Actress Academy Award for Roman Holiday (1953). On March 25th, 1954, she accepted the award from the much revered Academy president Jean Hersholt. After accepting the award, Audrey kissed him smack on the mouth, instead of the cheek, in her excitement. Minutes after accepting her 1953 Oscar, Audrey realized that she'd misplaced it. Turning quickly on the steps of the Center Theater in New York, she raced back to the ladies' room, retrieved the award, and was ready to pose for photographs.

In 1954, she was presented with her Best Actress Oscar for Roman Holiday (1953) by Jean Hersholt. In 1993, she was posthumously awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

In 1993 she became the thirteenth performer to win the Triple Crown of Acting. Oscar - Best Actress for Roman Holiday (1953), Tony for Best Actress in a Play for "Ondine" (1954) and Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement - Informational Programming for "Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn" (1993).

Followed winning the Academy Award for Roman Holiday (1953) with winning Broadway's 1954 Tony Award as Best Actress (Dramatic) for "Ondine."

In Italy she was almost exclusively dubbed by Maria Pia Di Meo, except in her first two films (Roman Holiday (1953) (Vacanze Romane) and Sabrina (1954)) and in Green Mansions (1959) (Verdi dimore), where she was dubbed by Fiorella Betti.

Nearly married James (later Lord) Hanson, a businessman, after filming Roman Holiday (1953). An ivory satin wedding gown was designed by the Fontana sisters, but Hepburn called off the wedding at the last minute.

She was presented with her 1953 Best Actress Oscar for "Roman Holiday" by actor and humanitarian Jean Hersholt. Forty years later she would posthumously receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her work with UNICEF.

Was fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy's muse, who dressed her for the films Sabrina , Funny Face , Love in the Afternoon , Breakfast at Tiffany's , Paris - When It Sizzles , How to Steal a Million , Charade and Love Among Thieves (TV).

Was fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy's muse, who dressed her for the films Sabrina (1954), Funny Face (1957), Love in the Afternoon (1957), Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), Paris - When It Sizzles (1964), How to Steal a Million (1966), Charade (1963) and Love Among Thieves (1987) (TV).

In addition to her son Sean H. Ferrer, Hepburn became pregnant another four times by her husband Mel Ferrer (in 1954, 1958, 1965 and 1967). However she suffered miscarriages on all of those occasions.

Presented the Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards four times (in 1955, 1960, 1966, and 1975) more than any other actress.

Her character in Funny Face was inspired by Suzy Parker, who made a fashionable cameo appearance in the film (her first film) in the "Think Pink" sequence.

Hepburn was offered the role of a Japanese bride opposite Marlon Brando in Sayonara but turned it down. She later explained that she "couldn't possibly play an Oriental. No one would believe me; they'd laugh. It's a lovely script, however, I know what I can and can't do. And if you did persuade me, you would regret it, because I would be terrible".

Hepburn was offered the role of a Japanese bride opposite Marlon Brando in Sayonara (1957) but turned it down. She later explained that she "couldn't possibly play an Oriental. No one would believe me; they'd laugh. It's a lovely script, however, I know what I can and can't do. And if you did persuade me, you would regret it, because I would be terrible".

Her character in Funny Face (1957) was inspired by Suzy Parker, who made a fashionable cameo appearance in the film (her first film) in the "Think Pink" sequence.

Turned down the title role in Gigi to make Funny Face . Ironically, her agent initially rejected the film, but Hepburn overrode the decision after reading the script. Her mother, Baroness Ella Van Heemstra, makes a cameo appearance as a sidewalk café patron, and her Yorkshire terrier "Mr. Famous" appears as the dog in the basket during the "Anna Karenina" train shot. Hepburn did not want to be separated from husband Mel Ferrer, so filming of the Paris scenes was timed to coincide with Ferrer's filming of Paris Does Strange Things . Paris' unseasonably rainy weather had to be worked into the script, particularly during the balloons photo shoot scene. During filming of the Paris scenes, much of the crew and cast were on edge because of riots and political violence that were gripping the city. The soggy weather played havoc with the shooting of the wedding dress dance scene. Both Fred Astaire and Hepburn were continually slipping in the muddy and slippery grass. In "Funny Face" she was lucky enough to sing several songs. Her next full musical, My Fair Lady , had her singing voice dubbed by Marni Nixon, much to Hepburn's disappointment. The face portrait unveiled in the darkroom scene was photographed by Richard Avedon. The film was shot back-to-back with Love in the Afternoon .

Turned down the film Gigi after creating the character in the Broadway non musical play.

Turned down the film Gigi (1958) after creating the character in the Broadway non musical play.

Turned down the title role in Gigi (1958) to make Funny Face (1957). Ironically, her agent initially rejected the film, but Hepburn overrode the decision after reading the script. Her mother, Baroness Ella Van Heemstra, makes a cameo appearance as a sidewalk café patron, and her Yorkshire terrier "Mr. Famous" appears as the dog in the basket during the "Anna Karenina" train shot. Hepburn did not want to be separated from husband Mel Ferrer, so filming of the Paris scenes was timed to coincide with Ferrer's filming of Elena et les hommes (1956). Paris' unseasonably rainy weather had to be worked into the script, particularly during the balloons photo shoot scene. During filming of the Paris scenes, much of the crew and cast were on edge because of riots and political violence that were gripping the city. The soggy weather played havoc with the shooting of the wedding dress dance scene. Both Fred Astaire and Hepburn were continually slipping in the muddy and slippery grass. In "Funny Face" she was lucky enough to sing several songs. Her next full musical, My Fair Lady (1964), had her singing voice dubbed by Marni Nixon, much to Hepburn's disappointment. The face portrait unveiled in the darkroom scene was photographed by Richard Avedon. The film was shot back-to-back with Love in the Afternoon (1957).

Turned down a role in the film The Diary of Anne Frank because, as a young girl in Holland during the war, she had witnessed Nazi soldiers publicly executing people in the streets and herding Jews onto railroad cars to be sent to the death camps. She said that participating in the film would bring back too many painful memories for her.

Turned down a role in the film The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) because, as a young girl in Holland during the war, she had witnessed Nazi soldiers publicly executing people in the streets and herding Jews onto railroad cars to be sent to the death camps. She said that participating in the film would bring back too many painful memories for her.

Broke her back during filming of a horse-riding scene in The Unforgiven .

Broke her back during filming of a horse-riding scene in _Unforgiven, The _

Broke her back during filming of a horse-riding scene in The Unforgiven (1960).

Returned to work nine months after giving birth to her son Sean H. Ferrer in order to begin filming Breakfast at Tiffany's .

Her performance as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's is ranked #32 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time .

Audrey felt that she was miscast as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's although it was one of her most popular roles.

Died on January 20, 1993, the 67th birthday of Patricia Neal. They starred together in Breakfast at Tiffany's .

Was first choice for the lead in A Taste of Honey .

Her famous "little black dress" from Breakfast at Tiffany's , designed by Hubert de Givenchy, was sold at a Christie's auction for approximately $920,000 (5 December 2006).

Was first choice for the lead in A Taste of Honey (1961).

Audrey felt that she was miscast as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) although it was one of her most popular roles.

Died on January 20, 1993, the 67th birthday of Patricia Neal. They starred together in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961).

Her performance as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) is ranked #32 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).

Her famous "little black dress" from Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), designed by Hubert de Givenchy, was sold at a Christie's auction for approximately $920,000 (5 December 2006).

Returned to work nine months after giving birth to her son Sean H. Ferrer in order to begin filming Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961).

Everyone remembers when Marilyn Monroe serenaded President John F. Kennedy on his birthday in 1962. What is often forgotten is that Audrey Hepburn sang "Happy Birthday Mr. President" to JFK for his final birthday in 1963.

Was briefly considered for the main role in Cleopatra but the part went to Elizabeth Taylor

Was briefly considered for the main role in Cleopatra (1963) but the part went to Elizabeth Taylor

Once admitted that she would not have accepted the role of Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady if she had known that producer Jack L. Warner planned to have all of her singing dubbed.

When she failed to receive an Academy Award nomination for her role as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady , Katharine Hepburn wired her with a message of encouragement: "Don't worry about it. You'll get it one day for a part that doesn't rate it." Ironically, when Audrey's next (and last) nomination came for Wait Until Dark in 1967, Hepburn beat her in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner - in a part that arguably didn't rate it.

When she failed to receive an Academy Award nomination for her role as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (1964), Katharine Hepburn wired her with a message of encouragement: "Don't worry about it. You'll get it one day for a part that doesn't rate it." Ironically, when Audrey's next (and last) nomination came for Wait Until Dark (1967) in 1967, Hepburn beat her in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) - in a part that arguably didn't rate it.

Once admitted that she would not have accepted the role of Eliza Dolittle in My Fair Lady (1964) if she had known that producer Jack L. Warner planned to have all of her singing dubbed.

Was considered for the part of Tony Gromeko in Doctor Zhivago , but Geraldine Chaplin was cast instead.

Was considered for the part of Tony Gromeko in Doctor Zhivago (1965), but Geraldine Chaplin was cast instead.

During World War II, 16-year-old Audrey was a volunteer nurse in a Dutch hospital. During the battle of Arnhem, Hepburn's hospital received many wounded Allied soldiers. One of the injured soldiers young Audrey helped nurse back to health was a young British paratrooper - and future director - named Terence Young. More than 20 years later, Young directed Hepburn in Wait Until Dark .

After Wait Until Dark was offered the leads in 40 Carats , Nicholas and Alexandra and The Turning Point but decided to stay in retirement and raise her sons.

After Wait Until Dark (1967) was offered the leads in Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969), 40 Carats (1973), Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), The Exorcist (1973), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975), A Bridge Too Far (1977) and The Turning Point (1977) but decided to stay in retirement and raise her sons.

During World War II, 16-year-old Audrey was a volunteer nurse in a Dutch hospital. During the battle of Arnhem, Hepburn's hospital received many wounded Allied soldiers. One of the injured soldiers young Audrey helped nurse back to health was a young British paratrooper - and future director - named Terence Young. More than 20 years later, Young directed Hepburn in Wait Until Dark (1967).

Suffered from hydrophobia, a condition that severely hampered some of her scenes in Two for the Road (1967). When a shot called for co-star Albert Finney to throw Hepburn into a swimming pool, divers were placed on standby (off-camera) just to placate the actress after it was learned that she had a morbid fear of water.

Won a 1968 Special Tony Award (New York City).

Son, Luca Dotti (b. 8 February 1970), with second husband, Dr. Andrea Dotti.

According to director William Friedkin, Audrey was Warner Bros. first choice for the role of Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist after her box-office successes with the studio's The Nun's Story , My Fair Lady and Wait Until Dark . She would only agree to star if the film were made in Rome. Both Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty rejected the proposal.

According to director William Friedkin, Audrey was Warner Bros. first choice for the role of Chris MacNeil in The Exorcist (1973) after her box-office successes with the studio's The Nun's Story (1959), My Fair Lady (1964) and Wait Until Dark (1967). She would only agree to star if the film were made in Rome. Both Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty rejected the proposal.

Asked for the part of Emma Jacklin in The Turning Point but Anne Bancroft had already been cast in the role.

Her biggest film regret was not getting the Anne Bancroft role in The Turning Point . "That was the one film", she later admitted, "that got away from me."

Her biggest film regret was not getting the Anne Bancroft role in The Turning Point (1977). "That was the one film", she later admitted, "that got away from me."

Asked for the part of Emma Jacklin in The Turning Point (1977) but Anne Bancroft had already been cast in the role.

She donated all the salaries she earned for her final projects to UNICEF (Love Among Thieves (1987) (TV), Always (1989), and "Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn" (1993)).

Had a breed of tulip named after her in 1990.

Chosen by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world.

Although not diagnosed with appendicular cancer until 1 November 1992, her son Sean H. Ferrer believes it had probably been developing over the course of the previous five years.

Hepburn was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in 1992 (not colon cancer, as it is often mistakenly called). The cancer spread into the lining of her small intestine. She had one foot of intestine removed in surgery and went through chemotherapy, but in a second surgery it was decided that the cancer had spread too far and could not be treated.

Her last humanitarian mission for UNICEF was to Somalia in the summer of 1992. She was reported to have begun feeling stomach pains towards the end of the trip, which sadly turned out to be cancer.

In 1992 President George Bush presented her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her work for UNICEF.

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#8).

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the 100 Sexiest Stars in film history (#8). [1995]

In 1996 the British magazine Harpers & Queen conducted a poll to find the most fascinating women of our time. She was in the #1 spot.

In 1996 the British magazine Harpers & Queen conducted a poll to find the most fascinating women of our time. She was in the #1 spot.

Ranked #50 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list.

Ranked #50 in Empire (UK) magazine's "The Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time" list. [October 1997]

Is portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt in The Audrey Hepburn Story (TV)

Is portrayed by Jennifer Love Hewitt in The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000) (TV)

Like Humphrey Bogart, Hepburn also starred in five of the movies listed by American Film Institute in its Top 100 U.S. love stories . They are Roman Holiday , ranked #4 on the list, Sabrina ranked #54, which co-starred Bogart, My Fair Lady ranked #12, Two for the Road at #57 and Breakfast at Tiffany's #61.

Like Humphrey Bogart, Hepburn also starred in five of the movies listed by American Film Institute in its Top 100 U.S. love stories (2002). They are Roman Holiday (1953), ranked #4 on the list, Sabrina (1954) ranked #54, which co-starred Bogart, My Fair Lady (1964) ranked #12, Two for the Road (1967) at #57 and Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) #61.

The US Postal Service issued a 37 cent commemorative stamp honoring her as a Hollywood legend and humanitarian .

The US Postal Service issued a 37 cent commemorative stamp honoring her as a Hollywood legend and humanitarian (2003).

As of 2005, she is one of only nine performers to win an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy and a Grammy Award.

Was voted "most beautiful woman of all time" by the readers of "New Woman" magazine .

Was voted "most beautiful woman of all time" by the readers of "New Woman" magazine (2006).

As of 2007, she and Katharine Hepburn are the only "Best Actress" Oscar-winners to share a last name. Of course, they are not related.

As of 2007, she and Katharine Hepburn are the only "Best Actress" Oscar-winners to share a last name. Of course, they are not related.

Ranked #82 in Men's Health 100 Hottest Women of All Time (2011).