Challenges in the Life of Audrey Hepburn in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Audrey Hepburn. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Audrey Hepburn, a British actress, achieved iconic status in film and fashion. Celebrated as one of Hollywood's greatest female screen legends by the American Film Institute, she was also inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame List. Her enduring influence transcends acting, solidifying her position as a cultural figure.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1935: Father Left the Family

In 1935, Audrey Hepburn's father, Joseph, abruptly left the family after a "scene" in Brussels and moved to London.

September 1939: Moved back to Arnhem

In September 1939, after Britain declared war on Germany, Audrey Hepburn's mother moved her back to Arnhem.

1939: Returned to the Netherlands due to WWII

In 1939, with the outbreak of World War II, Audrey Hepburn returned to the Netherlands from boarding school in Kent.

1940: Used the name Edda van Heemstra during the German occupation

After the Germans invaded the Netherlands in 1940, Audrey Hepburn used the name Edda van Heemstra to avoid danger during the German occupation.

1942: Uncle's execution

In 1942, Audrey Hepburn's uncle, Otto van Limburg Stirum, was executed in retaliation for an act of sabotage by the resistance movement.

1944: Dutch Famine

During the 1944-45 Dutch famine, Audrey Hepburn's family resorted to making flour out of tulip bulbs.

1959: Insecurity and Inferiority Statements

In a 1959 interview, Audrey Hepburn stated that she felt insecure and inferior, and even hated herself at times, saying that she used her drive and definiteness to conquer these feelings.

1964: Release of Paris When It Sizzles

In 1964, 'Paris When It Sizzles', filmed in 1962, was released, receiving negative reviews despite critics being relatively kinder to Audrey Hepburn's performance.

1967: Roles in "Two for the Road" and "Wait Until Dark"

In 1967, Audrey Hepburn appeared in "Two for the Road", a dramedy about a troubled marriage where she felt freer and happier, and in "Wait Until Dark", a suspense thriller where she played a terrorized blind woman, earning her a final Academy Award nomination.

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1968: Divorce from Mel Ferrer

After a 14-year marriage, Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer divorced in 1968. There were rumors that Ferrer was too controlling.

1974: Suffering a Miscarriage

In 1974, Audrey Hepburn suffered a miscarriage while married to Andrea Dotti.

1979: Starring in "Bloodline"

In 1979, Audrey Hepburn starred in "Bloodline" with Ben Gazzara, James Mason, and Romy Schneider. The film was an international intrigue amid the jet-set, but it was not successful.

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1981: Leading role in "They All Laughed"

In 1981, Audrey Hepburn played the leading role opposite Ben Gazzara in the comedy "They All Laughed", directed by Peter Bogdanovich. However, the film's release was overshadowed by tragic events and it received a limited release.

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1982: Divorce from Andrea Dotti

In 1982, Audrey Hepburn's 12-year marriage to Andrea Dotti was dissolved due to infidelity on both sides.

September 1992: Visit to Somalia with UNICEF

In September 1992, four months before her death, Audrey Hepburn visited Somalia with UNICEF. She described the situation there as "apocalyptic" and worse than any famine she had witnessed before.

September 1992: Development of Abdominal Pain

In late September 1992, upon returning to Switzerland from Somalia, Audrey Hepburn developed abdominal pain, leading to the discovery of a rare form of abdominal cancer.