Audrey Hepburn---A true angle in this world

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Audrey Hepburn---A true angle in this world

Audrey Hepburn thrilled audiences with starring roles in noteworthy films like Breakfast at Tiffany, Sabrina, Roman Holiday, My Fair Lady, War and Peace, and Always.

Despite her success in the film domain, the roles she most preferred portraying were not in movies. She was an exemplary mother to her two sons and a UNICEF (the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) Ambassador of Goodwill serving victim in war-torn countries.

As a young girl during the Nazi occupation of her native Holland, Audrey Hepburn was aware of the brutality, death and destruction of war. She was hungry and malnourished, as her family was bankrupted as a result of the invasion. Audrey’s father abandoned the family, and two of her uncles were taken captive and killed. Audrey was grabbed off the street by Nazis and placed in line to be sent to a work camp. When the guards glanced away she darted off, barely escaping, and huddled in a cold, foul basement full of rats.

The little girl who would become the world’s most magical actress began as an anonymous refugee confronting life’s horrors and fragility firsthand. But she refused to allow her spirit to be afflicted by the desperate reality of her young life. Instead, she transcended those challenges but never forgot what it felt like to suffer, to be hungry, alone and helpless.

After the war, Audrey and her mother left Holland, arriving in London as poor immigrants. Her dream of becoming a prime dancer drove her into a rigorous schedule at a famous ballet school. Later, she was spotted by a producer and eventually landed a role in the film Roman Holiday starring Gregory Peck, one of Hollywood’s top leading men.

Soon, Audrey was transformed from a malnourished immigrant to an internationally famous movie star. Director Billy Wilder complimented her, saying, “Audrey walked beautifully, she spoke beautifully.” Although she won many Academy Awards and other honors for acting, Audrey felt that most significant work was humanitarian work with those in need, and as the mother to her two sons. She suffered through two porces and from her memories of the war. Yet, Audrey never let her sadness overcome her or jeopardize her hope for a brighter future. Audrey finally met her soul mate, Robert Wolders, and spent the last 12 years of her life with him.

Becoming famous never changed Audrey’s generous and compassionate character. She felt a deep sense of responsibility to alleviate suffering of those in need, especially children. Friends said Audrey had a complete lack of ego and accepted and appreciated others as they were.

Though she became very wealthy, she owned only one home in Switzerland. For Audrey it was a paradise where she could hide from the world with her beloved family, work in her garden and take long walks in nature.

In 1988, Audrey was appointed a Good will Ambassador for UNICEF designed to provide emergency food and healthcare to children suffering the destruction of war or other catastrophes. In that role, her lifelong passion for helping those in need, found its greatest calling.

She turned down three million dollars to pen her autobiography and instead accepted one dollar a year in the more conscientious role as diplomat for UNICEF. For seven months out of each of her last five years, she and Robby left the peace and beauty in their cozy home to embark on outreach trips into some of the most difficult places on earth. From Bangladesh, Sudan, India, Vietnam, Kenya,Ethiopia, Central and South America, to Somalia, Audrey Hepburn travelled

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representing UNICEF, making over 50 emotionally draining and physically dangerous missions into bleak destinations to raise world awareness of wars and droughts. Having been a victim of war, she understood the blessings of being the beneficiary of food, clothing, and, most of all, hope.

Audrey felt it was wicked that billions of children were deprived of simple joys and drowned in overwhelming misery. She believed deeply in the ideology that all people share in the duty to care for those in need. Audrey Hepburn was always ready to lead by example. She said: “When you deny childhood, you deny life.” She saw UNICEF’s work as an integral, sacred force in people’s lives and said of UNICEF’s results, “Anyone who doesn’t believe in miracles is not a realist.”

In 1992, Audrey was stricken by cancer. She, Robby and her two sons returned to their home in Switzerland for their last Christmas together.

Audrey’s long-time friend and world-famous French fashion designer, Hubert de Givenchy, spoke to his cherished friend for the last time, just before she died. He said she was “…serene at the end because she knew she had achieved everything with perfection”.

Audrey Hepburn’s passion for service was enduring. Even as her life ended at 63 years of age, she remained a gracious woman who perpetually signified simplicity, charity, charm and kindness.

The majesty of Audrey Hepburn’s spirit of social responsibility and dedication lives on in her words: “Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it’s at the end of your arm. As you get older, remember you have another hand: The first is to help yourself, the second is to help others.” And “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.