Let me tell you a story about Audrey Hepburn, one of Hollywood's most iconic stars. Her oldest son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, uncovered a treasure trove of memories as a teenager. "I was back home in Switzerland," Sean exclusively shares with Closer Weekly, available on newsstands now. "Up in the attic, I stumbled upon a world of awards, film memorabilia, costumes, and photographs that my mother had carefully preserved. That’s how I first discovered the incredible legacy of her films."
Choosing Family Over Fame
In 1967, not long after she became one of the highest-paid women in Hollywood, Audrey decided to step away from the glitz and glamour. She chose to focus on what truly mattered to her—her family. "My mother was incredibly present in our lives," recalls Luca Dotti, Audrey’s younger son, who is 51 years old today. "She would pick me up from school, worry about my education, and take care of all the little things that made life special." Luca, whose father was Audrey’s second husband, Andrea Dotti, continues, "It took us years to fully grasp how famous she was because, to us, she was just Mom—a loving and attentive parent."
A Mother’s Sacrifice
Audrey’s journey to motherhood wasn’t easy. During her first marriage to actor Mel Ferrer, she endured heartbreaking miscarriages. But in 1960, Sean was born, bringing immense joy into her life. "When I started school and couldn’t travel with her on set anymore, she decided to give up her career," explains Sean, now 60. "She believed that family was the most valuable thing in the world. And she meant it." This decision allowed Audrey to create a life filled with love, laughter, and simplicity, away from the pressures of Hollywood.
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A Life of Simple Joys
Once Audrey stepped away from the spotlight, she embraced a quiet, contented life in her Swiss farmhouse. "Some people might think that sounds dull, but it was anything but," she once said. "It’s about the small things—the flowers you choose, the music you play, the warmth in your smile. I wanted our home to be a place of happiness and cheer, a sanctuary in this often-troubled world." Her sons fondly remember the joy she brought to their lives. "She was happiest at home, surrounded by her dogs and cooking," says Sean. "Her secret to happiness was simple: a beautiful house, fresh fruit for jam-making, long walks with the dogs, a glass of whiskey at 5 p.m., and a delicious plate of pasta. It wasn’t complicated, and it was perfect."
Audrey may not have driven, but she had a deep love for walking. "She enjoyed deep conversations while strolling," recalls Luca. "And she spent countless hours tending to her garden. The joy of seeing plants bloom after a harsh winter, something we experience in Switzerland, was something she loved sharing with us." These moments created lasting memories for her children.
As a child, Sean remembers watching his mother’s movies on television, but he didn’t always recognize her. "We only had an old black-and-white TV, and she didn’t look like the mom I knew at home," he says with a smile. "It wasn’t until later that I realized it was her."
It wasn’t until after Audrey’s passing in 1993 that Sean truly understood the magnitude of his mother’s fame. "For her funeral in a tiny Swiss village of just 600 people, we needed a parking lot that could handle a rock concert crowd!" he recalls. "I think that’s the greatest gift she gave us—a normal upbringing where her fame didn’t overshadow our lives. It prepared us for the world in ways we didn’t fully appreciate until later."
— Reporting by Katie Bruno
For more heartwarming stories like this, grab the latest issue of Closer magazine, available on newsstands now.
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