The Definition of Class

 First off, if you should know anything about me, it’s that I have an unnatural obsession with Audrey Hepburn.  If you were to walk in my room, one would see something relevant to Audrey any place you turned.  I discovered her as a little girl after I saw “My Fair Lady” and instantly fell in love.  I was infatuated with her voice, her face, her mannerisms and her entire ambiance.  I then made it my goal to learn everything I could about her and watch every movie she had even been in.  I’m still working on that list, but I’ve done plenty of homework to gain knowledge of the woman whom I consider to be the epitome of grace and eloquence.  When you have someone you admire, are you afraid to find out more information about them because they might not live up to your expectations?  Well when it came to Audrey, she exceeded my expectations.  I’ll explain:

Audrey’s biggest aspiration in life was to become a prima ballerina.  She dedicated much of her early life to dance, even during the middle of World War II when she helped with the resistance.  After the war, Audrey continued to dance and was able to become a part of film productions.  Her dream of becoming the best ballerina was not within reach because of her height but that never stopped up her from trying. Audrey was soon discovered by the famous French novelist Colette, who cast her as the star of the Broadway play, “Gigi”.  After that, a star was born. 

 

How great is that?  Despite her flaw for dancing she kept going on a dream that could not be, and discovered a new dream.  After her success on Broadway she was cast as the main character in the film, “Roman Holiday”, which got her even more coverage as an actress because she won an Academy Award for it.  From then on out, Audrey made her way into Hollywood with flying colors.  She went on to be in movies such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, Funny Face, Charade, My Fair Lady, and much more. 

Here’s what I really love about Audrey – she changed the face of celebrities (in my humble opinion).  For one thing, she revolutionized the idea of sex appeal, which is pretty amazing considering Marilyn Monroe was her competition.  She also had this innate need to love.  Love everything and everyone.  During the making of the movie Green Mansions, Audrey’s character had to interact quite a bit with a fawn named Pippin.  So to bond with her better, Audrey decided to take the fawn home with her.  Also to the grocery store and some parties, and possibly other places.  If that doesn’t express compassion, I don’t know what does. 

 

Audrey left a great influence on this world.  She believed in giving back to the world as much as possible.  She was a huge advocate for UNICEF and contributed to it quite a bit in her retired years.  You can read more about that here.  She also believed in being happy.  That is what she strived for everyday.  She left behind a legacy that we can make this world a better, more wholesome place…and that legacy is true.  She didn’t pose a good person to have a better place in the spotlight; she simply was a good person.  

 -Lauren Pennington