Profile of the Day: Audrey Hepburn

Posted May 4, 2021 by Amanda | No Comment

Today we remember actress Audrey Hepburn on what would have been her 92nd birthday.

Image: Audrey Hepburn / Wikimedia Commons

Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929 in Brussels, Belgium. She was the daughter of Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Ella van Heemstra, a Dutch baroness. After her father left the family, her mother raised Hepburn on her own as a single mother. Her maternal grandfather, Aarnoud Van Heemstra, was the mayor of Arnhem and later served as Royal Governor of Suriname.

During her youth, Hepburn studied ballet before landing small parts on the stage and screen. In 1953, she landed her first starring role in Roman Holiday opposite Gregory Peck and quickly became one of Hollywood’s top stars. Some of her most memorable films include Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, and My Fair Lady.

After retiring from acting, she devoted her time to humanitarian efforts. She served as a Goodwill Ambassador of UNICEF and was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her work. On January 20, 1993, a month after receiving the award, Hepburn died of appendiceal cancer. She was 63.

Explore Audrey Hepburn’s family tree on Geni and discover your connection to the Hollywood legend.