Audrey Hepburn remains one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century — celebrated both for her luminous presence on screen and for her selfless humanitarian work with UNICEF. But behind the elegance and the iconic film roles lay a life marked by wartime hardship, personal resilience, and a rare medical condition that ultimately cut it short. This biography presents the verified facts about her life, career, family, and the cause of her death.
From her breakthrough performance in Roman Holiday to her enduring style legacy, Hepburn’s story continues to resonate decades after her passing. Yet many questions persist, particularly surrounding the nature of her final illness. This article draws on authoritative sources to separate established information from speculation, offering a clear and factual account.
Born into an aristocratic but fractured family, Hepburn navigated the hardships of Nazi-occupied Europe, rose to Hollywood stardom, and eventually devoted her final years to advocating for vulnerable children worldwide. Her life, though relatively short, was extraordinary in its breadth and impact.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s cause of death?
Ixelles, Belgium
Tolochenaz, Switzerland
(pseudomyxoma peritonei)
- Hepburn died in her sleep on January 20, 1993, at her home in Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland, at age 63.
- The cancer originated in or near her appendix and spread as a thin coating over her small intestine — a hallmark of pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).
- She first experienced abdominal pain in late September 1992 after returning from a UNICEF mission to Somalia.
- Initial tests in Switzerland were inconclusive; a laparoscopy at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles confirmed the rare cancer in early November 1992.
- She underwent surgery and chemotherapy (5-fluorouracil Leucovorin), but a second surgery in December 1992 revealed the cancer had spread too extensively to be removed.
- Givenchy arranged a private Gulfstream jet filled with flowers to transport her from California to Switzerland when she could no longer fly commercially.
- No causal link has been established between her childhood malnutrition during the Dutch famine and this rare cancer; the exact cause of PMP remains unknown.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Audrey Kathleen Ruston |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Spouses | Mel Ferrer (1954–1971), Andrea Dotti (1969–1982) |
| Children | 2 sons: Sean Hepburn Ferrer and Luca Dotti |
| Oscars | 1 win (Best Actress for Roman Holiday), 4 nominations |
| Notable films | Roman Holiday, Sabrina, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, My Fair Lady, Wait Until Dark |
| UNICEF role | Goodwill Ambassador (1988–1992) |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | Awarded December 1992 by President George H.W. Bush |
| Burial | Tolochenaz Cemetery, Switzerland |
What are the most famous Audrey Hepburn movies?
Hepburn’s filmography spans just over two decades, yet it includes some of the most enduring works in cinema history. Her combination of natural charm, refined elegance, and emotional depth made her a favorite of directors and audiences alike. Below are the key films that defined her career.
Roman Holiday and her breakthrough
Hepburn’s first major starring role came in Roman Holiday (1953), opposite Gregory Peck. She played a runaway princess, a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. The film catapulted her to international fame and established her as a leading lady in Hollywood.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the little black dress
Released in 1961, Breakfast at Tiffany’s remains Hepburn’s most iconic film. Her portrayal of Holly Golightly, combined with Hubert de Givenchy’s costuming — particularly the little black dress — defined a lasting style legacy. The film is frequently cited among the greatest in American cinema.
Sabrina, My Fair Lady, and more
In Sabrina (1954), Hepburn played the daughter of a chauffeur caught between two wealthy brothers. My Fair Lady (1964) is often associated with her in public memory, though the role of Eliza Doolittle was played by Julie Andrews on stage and in the film; Hepburn did not star in it despite popular belief. Other notable films include Charade (1966), Wait Until Dark (1966), and The Nun’s Story (1959).
Clarification on My Fair Lady
While Audrey Hepburn is frequently linked to My Fair Lady in popular culture, she did not appear in the 1964 film. The role of Eliza Doolittle was performed by Julie Andrews. Hepburn was considered for the part but it ultimately went to Andrews.
Who was Audrey Hepburn’s husband and what was her family life like?
Hepburn married twice and had two sons. Her relationships, both romantic and familial, played a significant role in shaping the person she became outside the spotlight.
Mel Ferrer
Hepburn married actor Mel Ferrer in 1954. The couple had one son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, born in 1955. They divorced in 1968. Ferrer was her first husband and the two remained in contact after their separation.
Andrea Dotti
In 1969, Hepburn married Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti. Their son, Luca Dotti, was born in 1970. The marriage ended in divorce in 1978. Dotti was her second and final husband.
Robert Wolders and later years
From 1978 until her death, Hepburn lived with Dutch actor Robert Wolders, the widower of Merle Oberon. They never married but were together for the final 15 years of her life. Wolders was present during her illness and final days in Switzerland.
Children and grandchildren
Hepburn’s sons, Sean Ferrer and Luca Dotti, have been active in preserving her legacy through the Audrey Hepburn Society at UNICEF and the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund. She had five grandchildren as of 2026.
What did Audrey Hepburn do during World War II?
Hepburn spent the war years in the Netherlands, where she experienced the Dutch famine and became involved in resistance efforts. This period left a deep impression on her and influenced her later humanitarian work.
Resistance work
During the war, Hepburn performed ballet at private events to raise money for the Dutch resistance. She also acted as a messenger, though the full extent of her involvement remains part of her personal history rather than a formally documented role. The war forced her family into hiding and subjected them to severe food shortages.
Ballet training
Before the war interrupted her education, Hepburn trained in ballet in the Netherlands. She studied under prominent teachers and hoped to become a professional dancer. The malnutrition she suffered during the war, however, affected her physical development and ultimately ended her ballet aspirations.
How tall was Audrey Hepburn and why is she a style icon?
Hepburn stood 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), a height considered elegant rather than statuesque by Hollywood standards of the era. Her slender frame, graceful bearing, and distinctive features made her a natural muse for fashion designers.
Givenchy collaboration
The partnership between Hepburn and French designer Hubert de Givenchy was one of the most celebrated in fashion history. Givenchy designed many of her costumes on screen and her wardrobe in private life. The little black dress from Breakfast at Tiffany’s became one of the most iconic garments of the 20th century.
Style evolution across decades
Hepburn’s style evolved from the youthful gamine look of the 1950s to the refined sophistication of her later years. She favored clean lines, boat-neck tops, cropped pants, and ballet flats — a look that continues to influence fashion today. Her collaboration with Givenchy spanned more than 40 years.
Post-war fashion and cultural impact
Hepburn’s style resonated powerfully in the post-war reconstruction era. Her look embodied a new kind of femininity — modern, independent, and graceful. She remains one of the most referenced style icons in history, with her image appearing on magazine covers, in museum exhibitions, and in countless fashion editorials.
Common misconception about her filmography
Despite frequent association with My Fair Lady, Hepburn did not appear in the film. The role of Eliza Doolittle was performed by Julie Andrews. This error persists in popular culture and is often repeated in media retrospectives.
How old was Audrey Hepburn when she died and what was the timeline of her life?
Hepburn lived 63 years. Her life unfolded across several distinct phases, from war-torn childhood to Hollywood stardom and finally humanitarian service.
- 1929 – Born in Ixelles, Belgium on 4 May.
- 1940–1945 – World War II experience in the Netherlands; family hardship and resistance involvement.
- 1951 – First film appearances in British cinema.
- 1953 – Starred in Roman Holiday; won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
- 1961 – Breakfast at Tiffany’s released; became a style icon.
- 1988 – First UNICEF field mission as Goodwill Ambassador.
- 1992 – Final humanitarian trip to Somalia; awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- 1993 – Died from appendicular cancer at her home in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, on 20 January.
What remains unclear about Audrey Hepburn’s illness?
Established information
- Cause of death officially recorded as appendicular carcinoma (pseudomyxoma peritonei).
- Her age at death: 63.
- Place of death: Tolochenaz, Switzerland.
- She underwent surgery and chemotherapy in late 1992.
- Givenchy arranged a private jet for her return to Switzerland.
Information that remains unclear
- Some early tabloids incorrectly reported colon cancer rather than appendicular cancer.
- Rumors persist about whether the cancer was discovered at an early stage or only at a late stage.
- No definitive cause for her rare cancer has been established.
- Possible links to her wartime malnutrition have been suggested but not proven.
How did Audrey Hepburn’s wartime experiences shape her later life?
Hepburn’s childhood during World War II had a profound impact on her worldview. Growing up in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, she experienced the Dutch famine firsthand and witnessed the effects of conflict on civilian populations. These experiences directly informed her decision to become a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1988.
Her missions took her to some of the poorest communities in Africa, South America, and Asia, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Vietnam, and Turkey. She often spoke of the emotional connection she felt with children living through war and poverty, drawing on her own memories of hunger and fear. The Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded to her in December 1992 recognized this dedication.
Hepburn’s style legacy also intersects with the post-war reconstruction era. The clean, modern look she popularized offered a sense of renewal and optimism that resonated with audiences emerging from years of hardship. Her image as both a glamorous star and a compassionate humanitarian remains a powerful combination.
Where can you find reliable information about Audrey Hepburn?
Several authoritative sources provide verified information about Hepburn’s life, career, and death. The UNICEF official memorial page and the Audrey Hepburn Estate website are primary resources for her humanitarian work. The British Film Institute and PBS offer detailed film career overviews. For medical information about her rare cancer, the National Cancer Institute provides clinical context.
“Please think of me when you wear them.”
— Audrey Hepburn, referring to the three winter coats she asked a friend to buy for Givenchy, Sean Ferrer, and Robert Wolders on her last Christmas
After her death, Gregory Peck tearfully recited her favorite poem, “Unending Love” by Rabindranath Tagore, at a memorial tribute.
— From the Audrey Kathleen Hepburn memorial page
Friends including Elizabeth Taylor, Gregory Peck, and the Dutch royal family sent flower arrangements to her estate in Tolochenaz following her passing.
— Public memorial accounts
What is Audrey Hepburn’s lasting legacy?
Audrey Hepburn’s legacy bridges Hollywood glamour and humanitarian dedication in a way few public figures have achieved. Her films continue to be watched and celebrated, her style remains a touchstone in fashion, and her work with UNICEF set a standard for celebrity advocacy. Her sons preserve her memory through the Audrey Hepburn Society at UNICEF and the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund. In 2026, Christie’s in London auctioned her personal dresses and memorabilia to further support her legacy. She died at age 63 in Switzerland, but her influence shows no sign of fading. Explore our guide to classic Hollywood actresses for more on the era she helped define. Read about UNICEF’s history and celebrity ambassadors to understand the full scope of her humanitarian impact.
Frequently asked questions
What was Audrey Hepburn’s net worth?
Estimated at $10 million at the time of her death, though much of her later life focused on philanthropy rather than earning.
Did Audrey Hepburn have grandchildren?
Yes, she had five grandchildren through both her sons.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s last movie?
Always (1989), directed by Steven Spielberg.
Did Audrey Hepburn win an Oscar?
Yes, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Roman Holiday (1953) and was nominated for three other Oscars.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s role in Breakfast at Tiffany’s?
She played Holly Golightly, a whimsical and free-spirited New York socialite. The role became one of the most iconic in cinema history.
What was Audrey Hepburn’s early life like?
Born in Belgium to an aristocratic family, she moved to the Netherlands as a child and endured the hardships of World War II and the Dutch famine.
How many languages did Audrey Hepburn speak?
She spoke six languages: English, French, Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and German.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Communities Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering community stories, arts, culture, festivals, local events and heritage.