Why Audrey Hepburn Cherished Her Final Collaboration
Audrey Hepburn, famed for her understated poise, nearly declined her last film role with Steven Spielberg. Yet the experience proved so rewarding, she declared she’d gladly return. Spielberg, too, treasured their partnership.
There’s a tendency to imagine the most celebrated figures in cinema as brimming with self-assurance, their personalities as grand as their reputations. Audrey Hepburn, though, was a study in subtlety—her quiet self-possession and gentle manner set her apart from the typical Hollywood archetype. Her name has become almost legendary, often shrouded in stories that blur the line between her on-screen personas and her true self. In reality, Hepburn was rather reserved, preferring to let her performances speak for her, rather than seeking the limelight off set.
Her influence endures, with many contemporary actors citing her as a guiding light. Comparisons to Hepburn are not uncommon, and for some, they’re both a compliment and a challenge. Natalie Portman, for instance, found herself likened to Hepburn after landing significant roles, a comparison that reached its peak when she graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar in 2006, dressed in a style reminiscent of Holly Golightly. Portman remarked,
‘I mean, you can’t possibly measure up to Audrey Hepburn. But the elegance that she exuded was transmitted to the dress, you know, the feeling, the emotion of it.’
Introversion Behind the Icon
That sense of elegance, Hepburn believed, was an extension of her own introverted nature. Taking on the role of Holly in Blake Edwards’ classic was, by her own admission, one of her most daunting challenges. The character’s outgoing confidence was worlds apart from Hepburn’s own temperament. She once confided to her agent, Kurt Frings,
‘Holly is so contrary to me. She frightens me. This part called for an extroverted character. I am an introvert.’
Hepburn often wrestled with uncertainty, what we might now call imposter syndrome, despite her remarkable success.
This self-doubt nearly led her to turn down what would become her final appearance on screen, in Steven Spielberg’s Always. Many assumed she had retired, so her return was a delightful surprise for audiences and the industry alike. Ultimately, she found the experience so enjoyable that she would have happily repeated it. Reflecting on her time working with Spielberg, she said,
‘I loved it, and I wouldn’t mind if he asked me again, like next summer. I’d be right back. I had really one of the best times of my life.’
Mutual Admiration on Set
The admiration was mutual. Spielberg considered the opportunity to collaborate with Hepburn a career highlight. He had written to her, uncertain whether she would accept, and was genuinely astonished when she agreed. The significance of their partnership only grew in hindsight, as it became clear this would be her final role before her passing. Despite the brevity of her part, Hepburn brought her trademark magnetism and poise, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.
Her performance, though modest in scale, was imbued with the same quiet confidence and grace that defined her career. Beneath it all, there remained a thread of uncertainty—a reminder that even the most iconic figures can be quietly unsure of themselves, even as they captivate the world.