Audrey Hepburn Movies: A Timeless Journey Through Elegance and Cinema
Few stars in the history of cinema have left as lasting an impression as Audrey Hepburn. With her delicate frame, expressive eyes, and a grace that felt otherworldly, Hepburn wasn’t just a Hollywood actress—she became a global icon of beauty, charm, and quiet strength. But beyond her fashion influence and public image, Audrey Hepburn was first and foremost a gifted actress, with a filmography full of beloved classics, genre-defining performances, and groundbreaking roles.
This article takes you through the chronological journey of Audrey Hepburn’s movies, from her Oscar-winning debut in Roman Holiday to her unforgettable roles in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Charade, and beyond. We also explore aspects of her personal life, including Audrey Hepburn’s age and birthday, her husbands, children, cause of death, and a brief note on Katharine Hepburn, often mistaken as her relative.
Who Is Audrey Hepburn?
Born Audrey Kathleen Ruston on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium, she spent her childhood in various European countries. During World War II, she lived in the Netherlands, where she experienced the hardship of Nazi occupation. After the war, Audrey studied ballet in Amsterdam and London, eventually entering the world of theater and film.
Her transition to Hollywood was swift. In 1953, Hepburn starred in Roman Holiday, which catapulted her to fame and earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. From there, she became one of the most bankable and beloved stars of the 1950s and 1960s.
Audrey Hepburn Age and Birthday
Birthday: May 4, 1929
Date of Death: January 20, 1993
Age at Death: 63 years old
Audrey Hepburn Cause of Death
Audrey Hepburn passed away peacefully at her home in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, in 1993, after a battle with appendiceal cancer. She had spent her final years working with UNICEF, reflecting her lifelong humanitarian passion.
Audrey Hepburn Movies in Order (Chronologically)
Let’s take a look at her most essential films, listed in chronological order:
1. Roman Holiday (1953)
Hepburn’s Hollywood debut is the stuff of legends. She starred as Princess Ann, a royal who escapes her duties and explores Rome with an American reporter (Gregory Peck). The role won her the Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe, making her one of the few to win all three for a single performance.
2. Sabrina (1954)
Directed by Billy Wilder, Sabrina cast Hepburn opposite Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Her role as the chauffeur’s daughter who transforms into a glamorous Parisian beauty solidified her as a leading lady.
3. Funny Face (1957)
A dazzling musical alongside Fred Astaire, this film allowed Hepburn to showcase her dance skills and model-worthy elegance. Set in Paris, it’s a vibrant homage to fashion and romance.
4. Love in the Afternoon (1957)
Paired with Gary Cooper, Hepburn played the innocent daughter of a private detective who falls in love with a playboy. The age difference raised eyebrows, but her performance was widely praised.
5. The Nun’s Story (1959)
One of her most dramatic roles, Hepburn portrayed a nun struggling between her religious calling and worldly responsibilities. The film received eight Oscar nominations.
6. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
As Holly Golightly, Hepburn cemented her place in pop culture. The iconic black dress, oversized sunglasses, and cigarette holder became instantly recognizable. While the character is quirky and elusive, Audrey’s performance brought tenderness and depth.
7. The Children’s Hour (1961)
A daring film for its time, Hepburn starred alongside Shirley MacLaine in a story about two schoolteachers accused of having a lesbian relationship. It was a bold choice and highlighted her willingness to take on controversial roles.
8. Charade (1963)
Starring opposite Cary Grant, Charade is a genre-defying blend of romance, mystery, and comedy. Critics often refer to it as “the best Hitchcock film that Hitchcock never made.”
9. My Fair Lady (1964)
This lavish musical adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion had Audrey playing Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower girl turned duchess. While her singing was dubbed, her acting and transformation were flawless.
10. How to Steal a Million (1966)
A comedic heist film with Peter O’Toole, showcasing Audrey’s flair for comedy and fashion.
11. Two for the Road (1967)
A mature romantic drama exploring the complexity of marriage over time. It was a departure from her usual roles and earned critical praise.
12. Wait Until Dark (1967)
One of her most thrilling performances, Audrey played a blind woman battling criminals. The film earned her another Academy Award nomination and showed her range as an actress.
13. Robin and Marian (1976)
Starring opposite Sean Connery, this film reimagines the Robin Hood legend in the twilight of the characters’ lives.
14. Bloodline (1979), They All Laughed (1981), and Always (1989)
These later-career roles were less commercially successful but showed her enduring love for cinema. Always, directed by Steven Spielberg, was her final film appearance.
Audrey Hepburn Movies on Netflix
While none of her films were Netflix originals (given the era), many Audrey Hepburn classics are periodically available on Netflix, especially:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Roman Holiday
My Fair Lady
Charade
Note: Availability may vary by region and licensing agreements.
Audrey Hepburn Best Movies (Critics’ Picks)
Though personal preferences vary, these are often considered her top 5 must-watch films:
Roman Holiday
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
My Fair Lady
Charade
Wait Until Dark
These roles encompass comedy, drama, suspense, and romance—highlighting the full spectrum of her talent.
Katharine Hepburn vs. Audrey Hepburn
Though often confused due to their shared last name, Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn were not related. Katharine was known for her bold, feminist roles, while Audrey embodied more delicate, romantic heroines.
Both, however, are ranked among the greatest actresses in Hollywood history, and each won numerous awards throughout their careers.
Audrey Hepburn Husband and Children
Husbands:
Mel Ferrer (1954–1968): An American actor and director. They had one son together.
Andrea Dotti (1969–1982): An Italian psychiatrist. Their marriage lasted over a decade.
Children:
Sean Hepburn Ferrer (b. 1960): Son with Mel Ferrer
Luca Dotti (b. 1970): Son with Andrea Dotti
Both sons have remained involved in preserving Audrey’s legacy, with Sean authoring books and Luca overseeing the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund.
Audrey Hepburn’s Humanitarian Work
In her later life, Hepburn shifted her focus from film to humanitarian causes. She became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1989 and worked tirelessly to support children in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Her work earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
This aspect of her life is often underappreciated but arguably as impactful as her acting career.
Legacy of a Timeless Star
Audrey Hepburn remains a symbol of timeless elegance, humility, and talent. From her Academy Award-winning debut to her role as an international humanitarian, her life was a masterclass in how to use fame for good. She wasn’t just a movie star—she was a cultural and humanitarian icon.
Her fashion legacy continues to influence generations, her films are studied and enjoyed worldwide, and her commitment to children’s welfare still resonates today.
Whether you are a lifelong fan or new to her films, Audrey Hepburn’s cinematic journey offers stories of laughter, sorrow, transformation, and beauty.
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