Audrey Hepburn was more than just a celebrated film actress. She was a humanitarian, fashion icon, and symbol of grace who transcended Hollywood fame to become one of the most beloved figures in modern history. Best known for her roles in classic films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Roman Holiday, and My Fair Lady, Hepburn captivated audiences with her charm, elegance, and intelligence.
Despite the passage of time, people remain interested in her life and, particularly, her final years. This article answers a commonly asked question: When and how did Audrey Hepburn die? It also reflects on her final days, cause of death, and the legacy she left behind.
Early Life and Career
Audrey Hepburn was born Audrey Kathleen Ruston on May 4, 1929, in Ixelles, a district of Brussels, Belgium. She spent much of her early childhood moving between Belgium, England, and the Netherlands due to her father’s work. Her adolescence was marked by the turmoil of World War II, during which she lived in the Nazi-occupied Netherlands. The hardships she experienced during the war had a lasting effect and would later influence her humanitarian work.
After the war, Hepburn trained as a ballet dancer in Amsterdam and London before eventually transitioning into modeling and acting. Her stage performances led to a screen test that changed her life forever.
Hollywood Stardom
Audrey Hepburn rose to international fame after starring in Roman Holiday (1953), a performance that earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. This role introduced her to audiences worldwide as a unique presence—an actress who exuded sophistication, vulnerability, and wit.
Her subsequent film career included some of the most iconic performances in cinematic history. These included:
- Sabrina (1954)
- Funny Face (1957)
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
- My Fair Lady (1964)
- Wait Until Dark (1967)
Each of these films showcased her versatility and her ability to portray both strong and fragile characters. Hepburn quickly became a favorite among directors and audiences alike. Her slim frame, doe eyes, and graceful demeanor helped redefine beauty and elegance in the post-war era.
Personal Life and Public Image
Beyond her film career, Audrey Hepburn became a style icon. She maintained a long-standing professional and personal relationship with designer Hubert de Givenchy, who created many of her most iconic looks both on and off-screen. Hepburn’s image—simple, refined, and dignified—became a benchmark in fashion, setting her apart from the more overtly glamorous stars of her era.
She married actor Mel Ferrer in 1954 and had a son, Sean. They divorced in 1968. Later, she married Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti, with whom she had another son, Luca. Though that marriage also ended in divorce, Hepburn remained devoted to her children throughout her life.
Transition to Humanitarian Work
In the later stages of her life, Audrey Hepburn gradually moved away from acting. Her final film appearance came in Always (1989), directed by Steven Spielberg. Around this time, she committed herself to humanitarian work, becoming a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1988.
In this role, she traveled extensively to impoverished regions, including Africa, Latin America, and Asia, drawing attention to the suffering of children affected by war, famine, and disease. Her work was not symbolic—she actively participated in field missions, visited refugee camps, and lobbied global leaders to increase humanitarian aid. Her sincerity and firsthand experience of wartime deprivation made her a powerful advocate for change.
Illness and Diagnosis
In late 1992, Audrey Hepburn began experiencing persistent abdominal pain while in Somalia on a UNICEF mission. Upon returning to Switzerland and seeking further diagnosis in Los Angeles, doctors discovered a rare form of abdominal cancer called pseudomyxoma peritonei, a disease originating from a tumor in the appendix that spreads mucous-producing cells throughout the abdomen.
She underwent surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California, where a large tumor was removed. However, the cancer had already spread too far for a cure. After consulting with physicians, Hepburn chose to return home to Switzerland to spend her final days in peace, surrounded by her family.
Audrey Hepburn’s Final Days
In December 1992, fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy arranged for a private jet to fly Audrey Hepburn from Los Angeles to her home in Tolochenaz, Switzerland. She spent her last weeks in the quiet countryside with her sons Sean and Luca, and her partner, Dutch actor Robert Wolders.
Though she was in declining health, those closest to her reported that she remained dignified and at peace. She took comfort in the natural beauty of her surroundings and the companionship of loved ones. On January 20, 1993, Audrey Hepburn died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 63.
Funeral and Tributes
Audrey Hepburn’s funeral took place on January 24, 1993, in the village church of Tolochenaz. It was a small, private ceremony attended by close friends, family, and colleagues. Notable attendees included Gregory Peck, her long-time friend and co-star, and Hubert de Givenchy.
Tributes poured in from around the world. At the 1993 Academy Awards, actress Elizabeth Taylor and director Billy Wilder publicly honored Hepburn. She was also posthumously awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, a fitting tribute to her tireless work with UNICEF.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Today, Audrey Hepburn is remembered as a woman who transcended her stardom. While her contributions to film were profound, her later work in humanitarian causes has solidified her status as a global symbol of compassion.
Her films remain popular across generations, and her image continues to inspire fashion, film, and art. Educational institutions study her performances as models of expressive acting, and humanitarian organizations cite her advocacy as an example of celebrity responsibility.
The Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund, established by her sons, continues to support humanitarian programs around the world. Her name is also associated with several international awards for excellence in humanitarian service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Audrey Hepburn die?
Audrey Hepburn passed away on January 20, 1993, at the age of 63.
What caused Audrey Hepburn’s death?
She died from pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare form of abdominal cancer that originates in the appendix.
Where did Audrey Hepburn die?
She died at her home in Tolochenaz, Switzerland, surrounded by family.
Was Audrey Hepburn involved in charity work?
Yes. She was a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and devoted her final years to improving the lives of children in impoverished nations.
Did she act in any films before her death?
Her final appearance was in the film Always (1989). She also narrated a documentary series called Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn, released posthumously in 1993.
Conclusion
Audrey Hepburn’s death marked the loss of one of the most beloved and admired women of the 20th century. Though she left the world over three decades ago, her impact is undiminished. Her artistry in cinema, her elegance, and her heartfelt dedication to humanitarian work remain a benchmark for excellence and compassion.
Audrey Hepburn may have died in 1993, but her light continues to shine through the lives she touched, the films she graced, and the global causes she championed.