6 Audrey Hepburn Quotes That Prove She Remains a Timeless Hollywood Icon

We all know and love legendary actress Audrey Hepburn. Best known for her work in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and Roman Holiday (1953) — among so many others — the award winning actress truly represents everything entertainment lovers admire about the Golden Age of Hollywood. But did you know the actress was also a very comforting and inspiring speaker? Neither did we, which is what led us — once we discovered this — to round up the the six best Audrey Hepburn quotes about her work as an actress, her kids and more!

1. Audrey Hepburn quotes on how she grows as an actress

Audrey Hepburn was no stranger to the silver screen. Before her death in 1993, the actress had 35 credits to her name, four of which earned her Oscar nominations and a fifth that she won. But how did she keep landing these highly sought after roles? Well Hepburn said it was because she was always seeking the opportunity for growth

“I don’t understand a lot, but the more I learn, the better actress I’ll be,” Hepburn said. “That’s why I don’t want to be tied down to one spot, or work always in the same part of the country or the world.”

: The 10 Best Audrey Hepburn Movies, Ranked — Plus Where to Stream Them

2. Audrey Hepburn on how she lives her life

The world can sometimes be a scary place, especially during Hepburn’s time in it. The famous actress lived through WWII, the Vietname War, the Cold War, Watergate scandal, the Cold War and so much more. But throughout it all, the actress was never seen without her dazzling smile. Turns out, that was on purpose!

“I don’t take my life seriously, but I do take what I do – in my life – seriously.”

We could all learn from that one!

3. Audrey Hepburn comments on her beauty

It’s no secret that Audrey Hepburn was beautiful. From her gorgeous brown hair to her perfectly pale skin, the actress certainly captured hearts all across the world, and a large part of that was because of how normal she looked.

“When I look at myself in the mirror, I don’t stand there and say how wonderful I look … but I’m thrilled, because, though I never thought I looked like anything much,” Hepburn once sighed, “I did make an effort. My looks are therefore attainable.”

4. Audrey Hepburn on her style

Hepburn’s style is as classic and timeless as so many of her characters. The actress was often seen in a lot neutral colors that accentuated her figure, while also not being too flashy, and many of her outfits are still replicated in society today. So, how did she earn such a coveted place in fashion history? Apparently it was her love for shopping!

She even famously once said, “Some people dream of having a big swimming pool. With me, it’s closets.”

One thing is for sure, we want to go swimming in Hepburn’s closet!

5. Audrey Hepburn on quitting acting

Hepburn once took quite a long break from acting. In 1967 she starred in the film Wait Until Dark, then waited 11 years before hitting the silver screen once again, costarring with Sean Connery in Robin and Marian (1976). But why exactly did she leave?

Her first child Sean Hepburn Ferrer — who Hepburn shared with first husband Mel Ferrer — was born in 1960. The actress’es’ other son, Luca Dotti, was born in 1970. Hepburn welcomed this child with her second husband, Andrea Dotti.

“I don’t regret for one minute making the decision to quit movies for my children,” Hepburn said of her decision. “If I just had movies to look back on, I’d not have known my boys.”

6. Audrey Hepburn quotes on how she wants to be remembered

Hepburn tragically died on January 20, 1993 from appendix cancer. She was 63, and while she is widely remembered for her work in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), that isn’t the film she was hoping would earn her a place in infamy.

“[I’d like to be remembered for] the film I was discovered, Roman Holiday. I have a very special feeling of tenderness for that picture.”

Roman Holiday was her first starring role and won Hepburn her one and only Oscar.

For all of our Audrey Hepburn content, click here!