The world sees Audrey Hepburn as nothing more than a critically acclaimed actress best known for her work in Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face. I don’t just see Audrey Hepburn as an actress; I see her as one of the most selfless leaders to ever grace the earth.
Not many know that Hepburn had a rough childhood as destruction and malnourishment plagued her home country of Holland during World War II. She nearly starved to death and had to resort to eating tulip bulbs or drinking water to feel full. Hepburn’s childhood was her motivation to create The Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund. She created this foundation to ensure that no child would have as hard and as miserable of a childhood as she did. In fact, in 2002, she partnered with Hackensack University Medical Center to build the Audrey Hepburn Children’s House. The house provides intervention and treatment in a safe, caring, child-friendly environment for children that have been abused and neglected. She also was a committed member of UNICEF for 38 years, traveling to various third world countries to support their “All Children in School” initiative, all while battling colon cancer. Audrey Hepburn always put the needs of others before the needs of her own, something only a true leader can do. She believed that the world was a family that cares about everyone, whether they are rich or poor, old or young.
Hepburn further cemented her place as an outstanding leader through the way she shined whilst being a Hollywood leading lady. She shined in a different way compared to the other leading ladies of her time. She was the image of irresistible charm, grace, and dignity and showed modesty, elegance, and hard work. She refused to conform to the expectations of society, who expected her to dress in a more provocative manner as that was the style choice of the other starlets. She refused to give up the morals she believed in just so she could fit in with the scene.
She used her celebrity position to set an example to women and young girls. She always dressed appropriately as she wanted women and young girls to know that they don’t have to dress provocatively to get attention, their natural beauty, and their natural selves were enough. She became known for detailing the conditions and suffering of the children she met during interviews as she wanted to use her status to open the eyes of everyone who listened about the horrible conditions some of the coming generations were facing.
Audrey Hepburn opened her heart and mind to people all over the world, regardless of who they were or where they came from, showing that she was genuinely kind and loving. She inspired people to love the work they do and to fight the negatives of the world and transform them into positives. Audrey Hepburn will always be an outstanding leader because she led with kindness, love, humility, and selflessness.
“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.” -Audrey Hepburn