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During the production of her breakthrough film, 'Roman Holiday', starring alongside Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn found herself balancing the demands of shooting with preparations for her impending marriage to British businessman James Hanson. As the affluent and prospective Lord eagerly anticipated their union with the rising Hollywood luminary, Hepburn, plagued by uncertainties, ultimately chose to cancel the wedding, following her own apprehensions and reservations.
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In the wake of 'Roman Holiday''s triumphant reception, Audrey Hepburn ascended to instant stardom. In 1953, during the film's British debut, fate introduced her to Mel Ferrer, a seasoned actor and director, at a lively gathering. Despite a notable 12-year age gap, Hepburn developed a fondness for Ferrer, who was twice-divorced with four children.
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Their affection bloomed, culminating in a heartfelt union on September 25, 1954, in an intimate Swiss ceremony. The joyous occasion was followed by the arrival of their son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, born on June 17, 1960, in Lucerne, Switzerland. This momentous event was a triumph over past heartbreak, as Audrey had previously endured a miscarriage and a stillbirth due to a horseback accident during the filming of Unforgiven.
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Yet, amidst their marriage, both Audrey and Mel strayed, causing rifts that eroded their bond. The strains of infidelity ultimately led to the dissolution of their 14-year partnership, with their divorce formally declared in November of 1968.
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In 1954, Audrey Hepburn captivated audiences once again in Billy Wilder's 'Sabrina,' alongside Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Her outstanding performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and led to a passionate but secret Hollywood romance with co-star William Holden, despite his marital status with a wife and children
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The affair, fueled by their deep love for each other, came to an end when Hepburn discovered Holden's vasectomy, as she yearned for marriage and children. Their emotional journey unfolded against the backdrop of their subsequent collaboration in 'Paris When It Sizzles,' with Hepburn ultimately choosing her marriage to Ferrer over rekindling the affair.
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In 1959, Audrey Hepburn starred in Fred Zinnemann's 'The Nun's Story.' During the filming, she developed a bond with the movie's screenwriter, Robert Anderson, and they were rumored to have had an affair. Allegedly, Audrey's decision to engage in the affair was influenced by whispers of her husband Mel Ferrer's infidelity, as mentioned by author Epstein in 'Audrey and Bill.'
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Following her divorce from Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn found love once more. with Italian psychiatrist-neurologist Andrea Dotti, whom she had encountered on a cruise.
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On January 18, 1969, she tied the knot with Dotti. The couple made their home in Rome, where they enrolled Hepburn's son Sean in a bilingual school. Just four months into their marriage, Hepburn joyfully announced her second pregnancy.
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At 40, Hepburn welcomed her second child, Luca Dotti, on February 8, 1970. Embracing motherhood, she stepped away from Hollywood, cherishing family life at her Swiss chalet.
This period, however, was marked by challenges. Amidst rumors of her husband's inappropriate conduct and dealing with a miscarriage in 1974, Hepburn persevered.
By 1982, her 12-year marriage to Dotti ended, with his public affairs eventually taking a toll on their relationship.
As a prominent figure in the 1950s and '60s Hollywood scene, Audrey Hepburn experienced her share of passionate romances and tumultuous Hollywood liaisons. Her journey included multiple marriages and the joy of motherhood, raising two beloved sons along the way.
Click through to unravel the tales that shaped her extraordinary life and her family's legacy.