Let’s talk about Audrey Hepburn, one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons. Beyond the elegant dresses and timeless performances, Audrey led a personal life that was just as captivating as her on-screen roles. The star of Breakfast at Tiffany’s married twice and found lasting love before her passing on January 20, 1993. Her journey of love is a story of resilience, passion, and enduring connections.
First Love and Heartbreak: Audrey Hepburn’s Affair with William Holden
Before Audrey Hepburn walked down the aisle, she had a secret romance that left a lasting impact on her life. During the filming of the 1954 movie Sabrina, Audrey found herself drawn to her co-star, William Holden. At the time, Holden was married to Brenda Marshall and already a father of three. While their affair was intense, it came with complications. As biographer Barry Paris explained, “Holden showed no signs of pursuing a divorce. For Audrey, who longed for a stable, decent family life, this was a double blow.”
This experience shaped Audrey’s perspective on love and relationships, setting the stage for her future choices. It was clear that she wanted more than fleeting romance; she craved a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.
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First Marriage: Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer
Following her heartbreak with Holden, Audrey Hepburn found love with actor and director Mel Ferrer. Their paths crossed at the 1953 premiere of Roman Holiday, a film that earned Audrey her first Academy Award for Best Actress. Before tying the knot in 1954, the couple worked together in the play Ondine, where Audrey’s performance won her a Tony Award for Best Actress.
Audrey and Mel shared a creative partnership both on and off-screen. They starred together in War and Peace in 1956, bringing their chemistry to the big screen. In 1960, they welcomed their first child, Sean Hepburn Ferrer. Despite their initial happiness, the couple decided to part ways in 1968. Mel Ferrer passed away in 2008 at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy as both a Broadway star and Audrey’s first love.
Second Marriage: Audrey Hepburn and Andrea Dotti
A New Chapter with Italian Psychiatrist Andrea Dotti
Just a year after her divorce from Mel Ferrer, Audrey Hepburn embarked on a new chapter of her life. In 1969, she married Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti, whom she met aboard a mutual friend’s yacht. Their union brought joy and new beginnings, and in February 1970, they welcomed their second son, Luca Dotti. Audrey and Andrea’s marriage lasted until 1982, when they decided to go their separate ways. Andrea passed away in 2007 at the age of 69, leaving behind a legacy as both a professional and a partner to Audrey.
Love That Lasted: Audrey Hepburn and Robert Wolders
A Partnership That Defined Audrey’s Later Years
After her divorce from Andrea Dotti, Audrey Hepburn found a soulmate in Dutch actor Robert Wolders. The two met at a party in 1980 and quickly formed a deep connection. For the next 13 years, until Audrey’s passing in 1993, they remained inseparable. Despite their close bond, the couple never felt the need to formalize their relationship with marriage.
“Audrey had two unhappy marriages, and I felt our relationship was perfect the way it was,” Robert Wolders once told People magazine in 2017. “When asked about it, Audrey would say, ‘Why mess with a good thing?’ She believed that their loyalty to each other was stronger than any piece of paper.”
Robert Wolders passed away in 2018 at the age of 81. Before his death, he briefly dated Gigi star Leslie Caron and later formed a relationship with Shirlee Fonda.
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