Inspirational people surround us at every turn. To celebrate some of the incredible women who continue to motivate me on my writing journey I post a Monday Muse dedicated to the women/characters who are my artistic inspiration.
Last time I honoured author, Louise Hay. You can read that post HERE. Today, I’m devoting the Monday Muse to the much-loved actress, Audrey Hepburn.
I’m so happy that my thirteen-year-old daughter is an avid Audrey Hepburn fan too, it means we can have girlie nights full of popcorn and golden oldie films. I’ll never forget the first time I sat her down to watch Roman Holiday. She thought the telly was broken until I explained what ‘black and white’ films were all about!
Audrey’s dream was to be a prima ballerina, but World War II made this an impossible dream. Instead, she worked as a model and auditioned to dance in a chorus line. By taking this path, it led to her acting the role of Princess Anne in Roman Holiday.
She made 25 movies and became an icon and much-loved celebrity. What I adore most about Audrey Hepburn is her dedication to helping other people. She was an International Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and has a wonderful charity, the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund, which is chaired by her youngest son, Luca Dotti. Yes, she was a style icon, a talented actress, and a beautiful person but her passion for helping other people – an empathy she no doubt learned during her liberation – was her true legacy.
Why do we believe that we can only be ‘one’ thing? Audrey showed us that it’s possible to make a difference in other people’s lives as well as our own – this is something I admire.
Audrey was born on the 4th May 1929 in Brussels. Her parents, Joseph, and Ella sent Audrey to a boarding school in England when she was just five-years-old. She remained in the UK until WWII was declared in 1939 when her father put her on one of the last planes out of England and sent her back to Holland (a neutral country). In 1940 Germany invaded Holland, and her young life changed forever.
One of Audrey’s most famous roles was as the sophisticated Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (another one of my daughter’s favourite films), and it’s incredible to note that she began working on this film just three months after having her son, Sean.
I will happily watch Audrey’s films over and over, but I also use her powerful and motivational quotes on a daily basis. She was inspirational in so many ways and continues to have a positive influence on me, and on a new generation of young ladies.
My favourite films include:
- Roman Holiday
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s
- How To Steal a Million
- My Fair Lady
Want to learn more about the life of Audrey Hepburn? Take a look at http://www.audreyhepburn.com
Do you have a favourite Audrey Hepburn film/moment? Has an actress/actor ever shaped how you see yourself/feel? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Face Image: everythingaudrey.com & Quote meme: pinterest
Lovely post Shelley – she really did have class! Coincidentally, I watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s for the first time on Saturday night with my daughter – I’d been meaning to watch it for years and had never got round to it. Fabulous film 🙂
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Thanks Alison 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the film – it’s on a constant loop in our house lol. 🙂
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I love Audrey Hepburn 🙂 Great post, Shelley.
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Thanks Cathy 😊
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Been a huge fan of Audrey for years – saw Tiffany’s first and it has remained one of my all time favourite films that led me not only to fall in love with Audrey but also to other works by Truman Capote. Sabrina is another one of my favourites as is her ‘impossible’ quote – I use it with the children at school a lot!
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I haven’t watched Sabrina – yet! Shall remedy that this coming weekend. Her quotes always seem to hit the spot don’t they – whatever age you are. 🙂
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They do! I hope you like it – I enjoyed the remake too, with Julia Ormond but then I’d watched most things starring either one of them!
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I’m really enjoying your Monday Muse series, Shelley. I remember watching Roman Holiday one Sunday afternoon (probably to avoid homework. After all, that was what the Sunday afternoon film was for, wasn’t it?) and found it so touching. Audrey Hepburn was a kind, graceful lady and certainly a good role model for your daughter!
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Thanks, Helen. It’s a pity the ‘celebrities’ that grace our screen nowadays aren’t as graceful! I’m glad my daughter appreciates Audrey. 😊
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Fab post, Shelley 🙂 I’ve been a massive fan of Audrey Hepburn since I was a teen. Spent many a Sunday afternoon re-watching my treasured boxset. Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady are a few personal favourites. In my eyes, she had the whole package – style and grace, incredible talent and a beautiful soul.
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You are so right, she really was the whole package – a perfect role model 😊
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I’m also an Audrey Hepburn fan – although I don’t think I’ve seen Roman Holiday. I really liked the movie Sabrina – have you seen that one?
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You’re the second person to recommend Sabrina, Barbara. I really need to see that one! I can highly recommend Roman Holiday 😊
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I adore her in Love in the Afternoon with Gary Cooper. As a classic movie buff, I’ve also made sure my kids get in a good dose of them. My son’s favorite Audrey movie is Wait Until Dark. She’s lovely in all of them and a true inspiration outside of films.
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Thanks for sharing , Tonya. I haven’t seen Love in the Afternoon so must add that to my must-watch movies 😊
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She was also a member of the Dutch resistance during WWII. A very inspiring individual indeed.
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I didn’t know that – thanks for sharing 🙂
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Style, class and elegance – Grace, fashion and beauty … She just has it all!! Please do see my blog entry on her style statements!!
https://therinkcom.wordpress.com/2017/01/04/audrey-hepburn-fashion-icon-all-along-heres-why/
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I adore Audrey, she is still my favourite actress. I love that she continued her ballet through the war (especially given that she had little to no food)! She was poised and elegant and so compassionate- a role model for all of us. My favourite Audrey film is Funny Face!
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That’s another film I haven’t seen yet. I feel the need for an Audrey marathon!
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