Audrey Hepburn rose to popularity and created history as the first actress to earn Academy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA awards for a single performance for her exceptional performance as a royal princess in the 1953 American romantic comedy film Roman Holiday.
Audrey Hepburn was regarded as one of the most admired fashion icons of all time, as well as for her numerous charity efforts and selection as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Hepburn had a successful acting career throughout her life, and in her later years, she devoted the most of her time to philanthropic work in many different parts of the world. Unfortunately, she succumbed to a rare kind of stomach cancer, and she spent her final days at home getting hospice care.
The lovely performer died quietly in her sleep at her home in Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland.
Hepburn’s grave in Tolochenaz.
Tolochenaz is a Swiss village with a population of less than 5000 inhabitants, located in the highlands above Lake Geneva. The majority of the residents are farmers and pensioners. When Audrey Hepburn moved to Switzerland from Italy in 1965, she purchased a modern farmhouse originating from the 18th century in the village of Tolochenaz.
She gave it the French name La Paisible, which translates to “The Place of Peace.”
She was in her garden picking flowers.
Hepburn enthusiastically harvested the produce from her orchard.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s actress was supposed to have spent her last 30 years here. Despite the small town’s limited population, Hepburn’s life was not completely cut off from contemporary culture, as it is only 15 miles from Lausanne and 30 miles from Geneva.
Hepburn once remarked that as a child, all she desired was a house with a garden, which she obtained after acquiring La Paisible. Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Hepburn’s son with her first husband, American actor Mel Ferrer, claimed that his mother adored the house and that it was the location where she felt most at ease.
Hepburn and her first husband, actor Mel Ferrer.
“She remembered experiencing a fluttering sensation all over her body when she first viewed the house. She claimed she had the sense she had returned to her childhood home. I am quite grateful. She had a good perspective about the future because of the butterflies that were flying around in her stomach at the moment.”
Hepburn and her first son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer.
During her tenure at La Paisible, Hepburn was so committed to the concept of self-sufficiency that she grew all of her own vegetables and even explored keeping rabbits and chickens. In addition, this My Fair Lady actress had a few dogs and a newborn deer.
Hepburn has a sweet spot in her heart for her canine pals.
Hepburn was having fun with the deer and her Yorkshire Terrier.
Hepburn with Pippin, her pet deer, who she also called Ip.
Hepburn had two failed marriages during her lifetime. Her first failed marriage was to actor Mel Ferrer from the United States. Sean Hepburn Ferrer, the couple’s son, was a blessing. Hepburn’s second marriage, to Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti, lasted thirteen years before the latter’s involvement with another woman ended. Hepburn had a second son named Luca Dotti as a result of his marriage.
Luca Dotti, Hepburn’s second son.
Hepburn at home.
From 1980 until her death, Hepburn was in a relationship with Dutch actor Robert Wolders. Hepburn stated that her nine years with Wolders were the happiest of her life and that she considered them to be legally married.
Despite her turbulent personal life and great performing career in Hollywood, Hepburn found a place to call home. “A lot of people want to see the moon, but I just want to see more trees.”
Hepburn with her partner, Robert Wolders.
“This is going to sound like a thundering bore, but my concept of heaven is having Robert and my two sons at home (I loathe being apart from them), as well as the dogs, a nice movie, a great lunch, and great TV. When this happens, I am overjoyed. My goal was not to live a lavish lifestyle. I’d always wanted a house with a garden, and now I got one. This is exactly what I’ve always desired.”
“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.”
What a wonderful role model she is!
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