Aud
rey Hepburn, with her iconic style and unforgettable performances, remains one of the most beloved actresses of all time. Yet, beyond her glamour and talent, there are many fascinating facts and stories about her life that are lesser known. Here are some “cold” facts about Audrey Hepburn that you may not have heard before.
1. She was a trained ballerina
Before becoming an actress, Audrey Hepburn was a professional ballerina. She started taking ballet lessons when she was just five years old and continued to study dance throughout her teens. Hepburn’s long, slender frame and elegant movements would later become a defining part of her on-screen presence.
2. She was born during World War II
Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels, Belgium in 1929. Just a few years later, World War II broke out and her family found themselves living in Nazi-occupied territory. Hepburn’s experiences during the war would shape her life and perspective, and she would later become an outspoken advocate for humanitarian causes.
3. She was a trained nurse
After the war, Hepburn moved to London to pursue her passion for acting. However, she also trained as a nurse and volunteered at a hospital during the 1950s. Her nursing skills would come in handy later in life when she became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and traveled to war-torn and impoverished countries to assist in relief efforts.
4. She was a fashion icon
Hepburn’s timeless style is still emulated today, and she remains one of the most influential fashion icons of all time. From her classic black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to her famous Givenchy ensembles, Hepburn’s wardrobe has become an enduring part of popular culture.
5. She was multilingual
In addition to English, Hepburn was fluent in Dutch, French, Italian, and Spanish. This linguistic skill came in handy when she appeared in films set in European locales, and it also helped her connect with the people she met during her travels as a humanitarian.
6. She was a Tony and an Academy Award winner
Hepburn’s talent for acting earned her numerous awards throughout her career. In 1954, she won a Tony Award for her performance in Ondine on Broadway, and in 1954, her role in Roman Holiday earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
7. She was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Hepburn’s passion for humanitarian work led her to become a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF in 1988. She traveled to countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, and Bangladesh to advocate for children’s rights and aid in relief efforts.
Although Audrey Hepburn passed away in 1993 at the age of 63, her legacy and impact on cinema, fashion, and humanitarianism continue to inspire millions around the world. These “cold” facts about her life and career only scratch the surface of the incredible woman she was.
