Picture this: Rome, 1952. The Eternal City was the backdrop for a movie that would become an icon of cinema history. In the 1953 film Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s characters take a magical tour of the city, stopping at the legendary Mouth of Truth. It’s a moment that’s both playful and profound, where Gregory’s Joe Bradley tells Audrey’s Princess Ann about the ancient sculpture’s supposed curse. “If you’re a liar, it’ll bite your hand off,” he says with a twinkle in his eye. In one of the film's most memorable scenes, Gregory pretends to lose his hand, shocking Princess Ann and sending her into uncontrollable laughter. What many fans don’t know is that Gregory never told Audrey about his plan, making her reaction genuine and pure gold for the movie.

Now, imagine the summer of 1952, when the heat was scorching, and the streets of Rome were packed with curious onlookers. Yet, amidst the chaos, something extraordinary happened on the set of Roman Holiday. It wasn’t just the beginning of a film; it was the start of a beautiful, lifelong friendship. Gregory Peck once said, “Everyone on the set of Roman Holiday was in love with Audrey.” He wasn’t exaggerating. The bond between the two stars was palpable, and Gregory later admitted that it was the happiest experience he ever had on a movie set. “There was magic in the air,” he recalled, and it showed in every frame of the film.

Gregory felt a deep sense of responsibility toward Audrey, who was just 23 years old and new to the world of Hollywood. “She was so fresh, so innocent,” he said. “We all knew we were creating something special, something that would resonate with audiences for years to come.” Gregory wasn’t just her co-star; he was her mentor, guiding her through the whirlwind of fame that awaited her. He saw something special in her, a star quality that was rare and authentic.

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Rumors swirled that Audrey and Gregory had fallen in love during the making of Roman Holiday, but both actors dismissed those claims. Audrey explained, “To portray love on screen, you have to feel it. It’s an emotional connection that’s necessary for the role, but it doesn’t extend beyond the set.” Gregory’s family was with him in Rome during filming, which added a layer of warmth and normalcy to the experience. His first wife, Greta, and their three sons were part of the production, turning the shoot into a family affair.

Gregory had a gut feeling early on that Audrey was destined for greatness. Watching her on set was like witnessing a flower blooming in real-time. He insisted that Paramount give Audrey equal billing, a decision that proved prophetic. Roman Holiday wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon. The film swept the Academy Awards, winning three Oscars, including the prestigious Best Actress award for Audrey. Gregory’s instincts were spot-on, and Audrey’s star was officially born.

An Unbreakable Bond: Audrey and Gregory’s Lifelong Friendship

After the success of Roman Holiday, Audrey and Gregory’s friendship only grew stronger. They remained a constant presence in each other’s lives, celebrating milestones and supporting one another through the years. Audrey even met her first husband, actor Mel Ferrer, at a party thrown by Gregory in London. It was a serendipitous meeting, one that Gregory fondly remembered as a testament to their connection.

Inside Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck's Friendship — Getty Images

What made their friendship so enduring was their shared desire to live simple, unpretentious lives despite their Hollywood stardom. “My mother loved working in Hollywood, but she didn’t want it to define her or her family,” Audrey’s son, Luca Dotti, author of Audrey Hepburn in Paris and other books, told Closer. Gregory, too, shied away from the superficialities of Hollywood. His son, Stephen Peck, shared that having friends with similar values meant the world to Gregory. “Audrey remained a cherished friend throughout his life,” Stephen said.

As they aged, Audrey and Gregory continued to honor each other’s legacies. Audrey participated in four tributes to Gregory, celebrating his incredible career and the impact he had on her life. “Greg not only gave me the chance to be his leading lady,” she said in 1989, “but he guided me with kindness, patience, and humor through one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.” Gregory, in turn, expressed his admiration for Audrey in heartfelt notes. “Your presence is always a highlight,” he wrote. “I’m deeply moved by your grace and generosity.”

When Audrey passed away in 1993 at the age of 63, Gregory honored her memory by reading one of her favorite poems, “Unending Love” by Rabindranath Tagore, at her memorial service. The words he read captured the essence of their friendship: “I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times… In life after life, in age after age, forever.”