Audrey Hepburn dies of Cancer 21st January, 1993
AUDREY HEPBURN, one of Hollywood's biggest stars, died yesterday at her home in Lausanne, Switzerland, from Colon Cancer at age 63.
The Belgian actress, who captivated audiences with an almost celestial beauty and elegance, won an Oscar for her first major film, 'Roman Holiday'. Amidst her best films were 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'Sabrina', 'Funny face' and 'My fair Lady'.
After ending her main acting career, Hepburn became an Ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund also known as UNICEF, last September she went to war-torn Somalia to publicize the condition of the starving children. Afterwards, she underwent surgery in America to remove a tumor before returning to her home on Lake Geneva.
During her childhood, she had been scarred by fear and hunger, both emotionally and physically, during the occupation of the Germans in the Netherlands.
When the Nazis invaded her town, Hepburn changed her name to Edda and took Dutch language classes so the Nazis wouldn't suspect.
She saw her brother gotten dragged away to a labour camp and had a difficult time to survive after her uncle and her cousin were executed.
"My childhood made me more receptive to the ravages of war, violence and hunger and it gave me the urge to do something," Hepburn said in an interview in 1989.
Audrey Hepburn's Grave in Tolochenaz, Switzerland.
George Peppard, her co-star in 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', said: 'It's very sad. A silver bell has been silenced.'
Hepburn had two sons, one with Mel Ferrer, her co-star in the production of Ondine. They divorced in 1968. Then she had another son with an Italian psychiatrist, Andrea Dotti , whom she married
the following year. They later divorced.
Her funeral will take place on Sunday at the village at the village church of Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland. Her legacy will forever be remembered, Rest In Peace Audrey Hepburn.
Audrey Hepburn with a child she helped.
Robert Smith, UNICEF's UK director, said last night: 'She gave those last years of her life totally to UNICEF. She felt she was a voice for the children, she was giving them a voice.'