Unlike many of my heroes, Audrey Hepburn hasn't died at a very young age. Though she wasn't very old either: 63 years. And unlike many of my heroes, she was pretty close to perfect as well. What I mean, is that she was always very positive, caring and wanted the best for everyone: her co-workers, her lovers and the world. We all know the photos of Audrey carrying children, while she's working for Unicef. Many of my other inspirations (Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Kate Moss) are quite the opposite. Definitely not horrible people, but rather pessimistic and making the most of life - in a different way than Audrey, who did the same I think - by drinking, using drugs and living the fast life.
Anyway, before my story totally loses it way, Audrey Hepburn was an inspiring woman. The way she handeled everything, the fact that she had her own and unique way of acting. No one could be as charming and quirky at the same time as her. She made Holly Golightly a legend. She made Tiffany's world famous. And she made Givenchy one of the most elegant fashion houses ever.
The thing I like about all of this, is that she had no intention to do so. She was just living and taking her passions seriously, without setting her goals on fame and money. Despite the fact that her youth wasn't easy. She was young in the war, lived in several countries, including The Netherlands, Belgium, Britain and eventually America and she suffered from malnutrition and oedema. Her parents were Dutch aristocrats from origin, Audrey was born in Belgium, but she had British citizenship through her father. Because of her multinational background, she spoke fluent Dutch, English, Spanish, Italian and French at a young age.
After the ending of the war, the family moved to Amsterdam, where Audrey took ballet lessons and eventually got a part in an educational travel film as a Dutch stewardess. This was the beginning of a big career. Movies as 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'Roman Holiday', 'Sabrina' and 'Funny Face' would follow.
'Roman Holiday' would provide her a Academy Award for Best Actress and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' would provide her world fame. Holly Golightly was the 'most jazziest character' she ever played and a real challenge, taking into consideration that Audrey was introvert and Holly Golightly definitely extrovert.
She kept acting until her death, combined with humanitarian work for Unicef. On January 20th, Audrey died of appendiceal cance. After her death, Gregory Peck (with whom she played in 'Roman Holiday') went on camera and tearfully recited her favourite poem, "Unending Love''. Her grave is in Switzerland, at the Tolochenaz Cemetery. Definitely on my 'to go list', since Audrey Hepburn was such a powerful woman. She made amazing films, she was pure and she wasn't too heavy-hearted. ''Nothing is impossible. Even the world itself says I'm possible''. Might sound a bit cheesy, but it's true. Something we should keep in mind every day, while living our lives lightly and the way we want to live it ;)
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