A New Documentary Sheds Light on Audrey Hepburn’s Secret Sadness

In the midst of a cultural movement where individuals from famous models to members of the royal family are opening up about their experiences with miscarriage, a new documentary is uncovering the impact of pregnancy loss on the life of one of Hollywood's most beloved icons.

Released internationally today, “Audrey” directed by Helena Coan delves into the hidden sadness that lay beneath the surface of Audrey Hepburn's seemingly perfect existence.

This documentary offers an unprecedented glimpse into the star's life, chronicling her challenging childhood in war-torn Europe.

It explores the divorce of her parents and the sudden departure of her father, who abandoned his family to join the Fascist party in Britain.

Hepburn described her father's departure as the most traumatic event of her life, and according to close friends and family featured in “Audrey,” it had a lasting impact, leaving a void that she carried throughout her life.

Image: Getty

Audrey Hepburn's son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, shares his mother's profound and lifelong sadness following two devastating miscarriages, including the loss of a daughter at six months into the pregnancy.

In an interview with Sky News, Ferrer revealed the immense difficulty his mother faced during the second loss.

He shared, “It was a little girl, and she was going to be my older sister.”

Ferrer also addressed the cultural taboo surrounding discussions of miscarriage, a taboo that is gradually eroding thanks to the courage displayed by women like Chrissy Teigen and Meghan Markle.

He explained that this taboo added an extra layer of shame and sorrow to the experience.

“We all came from a culture where you were expected to keep moving forward.

Showing vulnerability and emotions wasn't the norm…Disney changed that.”

While “Audrey” touches upon the darker moments of Hepburn's life, it ultimately serves as a celebration of one of Hollywood's most enduring icons.

The documentary features appearances by Clare Waight Keller, discussing Hepburn's lifelong relationship with Hubert de Givenchy, and Richard Dreyfuss, reflecting on his experience working with the two-time Oscar winner in the 1989 film “Always.”

For fans of Hepburn's remarkable body of work and impeccable personal style (which includes all of us), “Audrey” is a must-watch in 2020.