Now, here's why:
1. She's a style icon - considered by Evian as "the most beautiful woman of all time," despite being so different from the heartthrobs of Marilyn Monroe and Kim Novak, Audrey's style was that of femininity and simplicity. Hepburn once said, "What is more beautiful than a simple sheath made an extraordinary way in a special fabric, and just two earrings?". While in her movies she was often seen in elegant gowns, Audrey always opted for what she felt comfortable in.2. She broke free from traditional concepts of 'Beauty' - her malnourished figure, thick brown eyelashes and absolutely massive eyes led Audrey to become an icon for those of us who do not have the sultry curves of Miss Monroe. Audrey was also open about her own opinions of beauty, even admitting to feelings "of insecurity and inferiority." Most importantly, she left us with this gem of a quote: "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."
3. Moon River in Breakfast at Tiffany's - a hauntingly beautiful performance that always wants me to start a new journey of my own.
4. Humanitarianism - an ambassador for UNICEF, Audrey devoted so much of her life to helping those in need, being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992.
5. Independent Woman - while she was with a few men in her life time, Audrey Hepburn was not defined by them. She made a career on her own, was an ambassador due to her own beliefs, and you remember her for the good things she achieved in life, not a scandal with the president...
6. Not defined by her past - her childhood was spent in the German occupied Arnhem during WWII witnessing "trainloads of Jews being transported, seeing all these faces over the top of the wagon". Yet, through mulnutrition and respiratory problems, Audrey kept composure and never let these experiences define her. Instead she used it to fuel her passion for helping others, and inspired millions around the world.
7. Portrayed strong female women - like her real life, Audrey accepted roles that (for the time) portrayed amazing female characters dealing with real issues (for the most part). Holly Golightly deals with self worth and inner demons, Princess Ann falls in love for love not a title, Audrey was careful of which rolls she accepted once she reached stardom. Her film "The Children's Hour" was one of the first ever films treating what was then dubbed 'lesbianism'.
8. Introvert - she has admitted that playing an extrovert in Holly Golightly was the hardest thing she has ever done. Not only that, but Audrey preferred the company of her family and close friends to that of Hollywood parties and lifestyle. "I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at the trees, flowers, the sky". As an introvert myself, I relate wholeheartedly.
9. Incredibly humble - "If my world were to cave in tomorrow, I would look back on all the pleasures, excitements and worthwhilenesses I have been lucky enough to have had. Not the sadness, not my miscarriages or my father leaving home, but the joy of everything else. It will have been enough". Need I say more?
10. Stayed true to her own values - as her life continued on, her heart only grew bigger. Audrey sold many of her own personal belongings to donate to charities and never made her humanitarian work into a press release. In her dying days, Audrey spent time surrounded by family in the privacy of her own home surrounded by the love of a whole world. Audrey never turned her back on what she believed was right, and fought for human rights until her dying day.
If you need more reasons to love Audrey Hepburn as much as I do, I will gladly take you to lunch and talk about how the words and wisdom of one intelligent woman have changed my life and inspired me to follow in her footsteps, helping whenever I can.
And my final, favourite Audrey Hepburn quote:
Nothing is impossible, the word itself says 'I'm possible'!
:o)
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