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In the midst of Hollywood glamour and iconic film performances, Audrey Hepburn had a secret identity that remained hidden for decades.

Behind the enchanting smile and elegant persona, Hepburn lived a thrilling life as a spy during World War II.

This revelation, brought to light by author Robert Matzen in his biography Dutch Girl: Audrey Hepburn and World War II, unveils a side of the beloved actress that few knew existed.

Born Audrey Kathleen Ruston in Brussels, Belgium in 1929, Hepburn's early years were marked by family turmoil.

As her parents divorced and her father, a banker and Nazi agent, moved to England, Hepburn's mother Baroness Ella van Heemstra faced financial struggles.

In 1939, at the onset of WWII, Hepburn returned to the Netherlands from her English boarding school and settled in a modest apartment in eastern Holland with her mother.

While her privileged upbringing may have hinted at a life untouched by the war, Hepburn's family had ties to Hitler's regime.

Her father and mother initially supported the German government, even meeting privately with Adolf Hitler in Munich in 1935.

They were both members of the British Union of Fascists.

However, as the war progressed, Hepburn's mother distanced herself from Hitler and his forces, realizing the horrors they unleashed.

The actress herself found solace in dance during those turbulent times, dreaming of becoming a ballerina.

But the war soon pierced through her sheltered world when her uncle was executed.

Witnessing the suffering of others, particularly children affected by the war, sparked a deep sense of empathy within Hepburn.

By 1944, Hepburn had become involved with the underground Resistance, working for Dr. Hendrik Visser 't Hooft, an anti-German leader.

She participated in illegal dance performances called ‘black evenings,' raising funds for the Resistance.

These performances were held in complete darkness, with audiences forbidden to make any sound.

Additionally, Hepburn delivered a Resistance newspaper on her bicycle, hiding it in her woolen socks.

Fluent in English, she also acted as a messenger for downed British pilots, risking her life to deliver messages and food.

Not only did Hepburn aid the Resistance, but her family also harbored an English pilot who had been shot down over the Netherlands, exposing her to the dangers inherent in their noble cause.

The threat of discovery loomed over them, as German law dictated that anyone caught hiding an enemy would face severe consequences.

Despite the risks, Hepburn's resilience and bravery shone through.

As the war raged on, scarcity of food, heat, and water plagued the Dutch people, including Hepburn.

Her slender figure, often associated with her iconic beauty, was actually a result of malnourishment during these years.

However, in the spring of 1945, her town was liberated by Allied troops, bringing an end to the horrors they had endured.

Hepburn and her family experienced a bittersweet moment when they found themselves at gunpoint, only for the troops to cheer upon hearing Hepburn speak English, realizing they had liberated an English girl.

After the war, Hepburn pursued her passion for dance and began modeling to earn a living.

Despite initially aspiring to be a ballerina, she discovered that her height of 5'7″ made it challenging to pursue a career in ballet.

Instead, she turned to acting and embarked on a successful stage and film career.

It was during this time that Hepburn rose to international fame, captivating audiences with her performances in iconic films like Breakfast at Tiffany's.

However, the war years continued to shape Hepburn's life and worldview.

Her mother's past affiliation with the Nazis prevented her from entering the United States.

Hepburn's dedication to humanitarian work became a hallmark of her later years, as she worked as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Her commitment to making a difference extended even to dangerous territories, where she witnessed the devastating realities of conflict firsthand.

Audrey Hepburn's legacy goes beyond her on-screen performances and timeless elegance.

Her secret role as a WWII Resistance spy adds another layer to her remarkable life story.

Even today, fans pay tribute to her by visiting Tiffany's with bags of pastries, a small gesture that honors the indelible mark she left on the world.