Sean Hepburn Ferrer Presents "Intimate Audrey": A Son's Perspective on His Mother's Legacy
Sean Hepburn Ferrer, son of the iconic actress Audrey Hepburn, offers a deeply personal look into his mother's life and enduring legacy in his new book, "Intimate Audrey." Ferrer shared that he experienced a "normal childhood" in Switzerland and Rome, deliberately kept away from the intense spotlight of Hollywood.
Ferrer recounts discovering his mother's extensive fame at age 14 by watching her films. This personal revelation was later underscored by the wide public recognition and appreciation for her at her funeral in 1993.
From "Elegant Spirit" to "Intimate Audrey"
Following his mother's death, Ferrer initially authored "Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit." He has now co-authored "Intimate Audrey" with former war correspondent Wendy Holden. The new book aims to provide a comprehensive biography that connects to his mother's significant wartime experiences.
Preserving a Cherished Legacy
Ferrer remains actively involved in safeguarding his mother's legacy. He oversees charitable funds through the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund and vigilantly manages her image against unauthorized commercial use. He also extends his expertise, offering advice to the children of other notable figures regarding legacy preservation.
The Pillars of Enduring Stardom
Ferrer attributes his mother's lasting fame to three core elements: her natural and fresh acting performances, her distinctive personal style developed in collaboration with designer Hubert de Givenchy, and her humanitarian work as a Unicef goodwill ambassador.
"Intimate Audrey" delves into the multifaceted aspects that cemented Audrey Hepburn's place in history, from her artistic integrity to her philanthropic endeavors.
Inside "Intimate Audrey": War, Career, and Personal Truths
The book adopts a unique narrative approach, with chapter prefaces written in a screenplay format. It vividly details Audrey Hepburn's personal experiences with war, including her childhood in Nazi-occupied Arnhem, Netherlands, where she faced malnutrition and contributed to the resistance efforts.
"Intimate Audrey" also addresses the complex history of her parents' prior support for fascism. It chronicles her remarkable career progression from a dancer to an Oscar-winning actress, noting her rare achievement of EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) status. Ferrer highlights his mother's diverse film roles and her distinct "European polish and sensibility," emphasizing her decision to live outside Hollywood to maintain a vital connection with everyday life.
Romantic Challenges and Emotional Impact
The biography openly discusses the challenges Audrey Hepburn faced in her romantic relationships. This includes her marriages to Mel Ferrer and Andrea Dotti, and her later partnership with Robert Wolders. The book specifically mentions Dotti's infidelity and its profound emotional impact on Audrey Hepburn.
Ferrer's ultimate objective for "Intimate Audrey" is to offer a more grounded portrayal of his mother, emphasizing her normalcy beyond her public persona and celebrated celebrity status.