Audrey Hepburn on a UNICEF trip
Audrey Hepburn on a UNICEF trip

AUDREY, a definitive feature documentary on Audrey Hepburn - Hollywood Star, Fashion Icon and Humanitarian - is out now on DVD and Digital Download.

To mark the film’s release, we are taking a look at the lesser known life of this Hollywood starlet, from her love of dance to her humanitarian efforts through her work with UNICEF.

A passion for dancing...

Acting was not Audrey Hepburn’s first calling, she was instead primed to be a ballerina. She started ballet training in her last years at the Arnhem Conservatory boarding school in the early 1940’s.

Hepburn quickly became a star pupil, and after the war picked back up her training in Amsterdam where she had then lived with her family. In 1948, Audrey moved to London on a ballet scholarship with Ballet Rambert, a famed British dance company. Audrey had small background and dance roles in film before her big break in 1953 with Roman Holiday.

One of the few members of the coveted EGOT Club

Being one of only 14 in the world, Audrey Hepburn has won an Emmy (for Gardens of the World), a Grammy (for Enchanted Tales), an Oscar (for Roman Holiday), and a Tony (for Ondine).

A muse for Hubert De Givency

Hubert de Givenchy designed the wardrobes for many of Audrey’s most famous movies, including Sabrina and Funny Face – not to mention the infamous black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Hepburn remained a close friend and fan of the designer throughout her life. Givenchy also designed a special perfume just for Audrey in 1957, which became available to the public a few years later known as L’Interdit.

Her humanitarian efforts

Audrey Hepburn on a UNICEF trip
Audrey Hepburn on a UNICEF trip

Audrey always had a special place in her heart for the charity organisation UNICEF. They had helped her family with medical relief and food following the second World War, and she had donated to them significantly from 1954, donating the earnings from her final three projects to the organisation.

In 1989, she took on the role of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the first female to be granted the title.

In 1992, Hepburn was honoured with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her humanitarian work with UNICEF.

In 1990, a hybrid flower was developed in Hepburn's native Holland, and they named it after her to honor her long career, her iconic beauty, and her charitable efforts.

An intimate look at one of fashion and Hollywood’s biggest stars, Audrey Hepburn. This insightful feature documentary goes behind the lens revealing never-before-seen footage of her life and showcasing the woman behind the icon.

AUDREY is out now on DVD and Digital Download.


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