Entertainment

Audrey Hepburn: 3 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Her

Since today's her birthday, here are some facts you may not know of this charismatic and humanitarian muse

By Dulce Martínez del Cañizo2015-05-04T20:48:20+00:00

Guess what? May 4th, isn't only for Star Wars fans, way before we knew Luke Skywalker and people were all about 'may the 4th be with you', the legendary Audrey Hepburn was born in Belgium in 1929.

Today she would be 86.

The Belgian actress was featured in 28 films throughout her artistic career, however, non of her characters were as iconic as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's. And when it comes to being a fashion icon as well, very few stand a chance against this lady.

A philanthropist of great elegance, Hepburn was only 63 when she passed away in 1993 due to cancer, nevertheless, she did much more things than people who reach 100. Hepburn is one of the few actresses to ever win an Emmy, a Tony, a Grammy and a Oscar. She was also the fashion muse for [b]Givenchy.[/b]

Once retired from acting, she began working for UNICEF, and although it may seem that her entire adult life was documented, there are still many things we don't know about this glamourous film star.

Here are 3 things you might not know about Audrey Hepburn

1. She help the Resistance during World War II although her parents were Nazi sympathizers.

Her activism during WWII has always been a great part of her biography. Hepburn and her aunt moved to Holland during her teenage years because they thought they will be safe there, however, the Nazis ended up invading the country as well.

Hepburn like millions of people nearly died of hunger when the Nazis cut off food provision. She did what she could to help the Resistance, dancing ballet in front of audiences and then donating the money she won from recitals.

Like many Dutch children, Audrey worked as a messenger carrying papers and money for the Resistance groups. Once she was Hollywood famous, this act of courage during the war time was published, excluding the fact that her parents were Nazi sympathizers. During this time, her father Joseph was incarcerated as a State enemy.

Back in the day, this news would have destroyed her career. Today, her rejection to her parents ideology makes her even more admirable.

2.Hepburn had a passionate love affair with William Holden while filming Sabrina

By the time she filmed Sabrina, Audrey had already positioned herself as America's sweetheart. Very few knew that her relationship with William Holden was anything but innocent. Their on-screen chemistry flourished onto a real life affair. Kwon for being a ladies man, Holden's wife, Ardis tolerated his indiscretions, thinking they were just meaningless flirting.

Ardis realized that Audrey was a threat to her marriage, given that Holden was ready to leave her for her co-star only to find out he had a slight problem, Hepburn was dying to have children. When she told the news to Holden, he revealed he had had a vasectomy a few years back, she later left Holden for Mel Ferrel, who wanted a family just as much as her.

Hepburn and Holden on the set of Sabrina

To avoid the affair going public, Paramount made the couple announce their engagement in from of Holden and his wife while they were at a party. Awkward much?

3. Audrey sang 'Happy Birthday' to JKF a year after Marilyn did

Marylin Monroe's image was completely opposite to Audrey's. Monroe was voluptuous and seductive while Hepburn was elegant and sophisticated.

In fact, Truman Capote, author of Breakfast at Tiffany's originally had Monroe as first choice to play Holly Goligthy, when Hepburn was casted he had to significantly change the character in order to adapt to Hepburn's personality. As we all know, the film became truly iconic and enormously influential.

Both actresses dated John F. Kennedy, Hepburn dated the former president when he was still a single senator. Their relationship was neither scandalous nor serious. On the other hand, Monroe became Kennedy's lover and while he was president she sang 'Happy Birthday' to him in a very sexy manner. The following year, Hepburn also sang to him, although nobody remembers this million times more appropriate performance.

Audrey Hepburn was also a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and was awarded with the Presidential Medal for Freedom due to her humanitarian work. She dedicated her last years on earth to helping underprivileged and malnourished children. Hepburn was undoubtedly a women whose fans with always remember with great fondness.