As we celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of "Breakfast at Tiffany's," the timeless classic that introduced Holly Golightly to the world, we delve into the lesser-known love story of its star, Audrey Hepburn.
Released in 1961, the film adaptation of Truman Capote's novel faced initial criticism from the author, who envisioned Marilyn Monroe in the lead role. However, Audrey Hepburn, dressed by Hubert Givenchy and portraying a sophisticated and playful Holly, turned the character into an iconic figure. Capote eventually conceded that Hepburn brought unique nuances to the role, akin to the diamonds that adorned her neck.
At the time of playing Holly, Hepburn was thirty-one, enjoying a thriving Hollywood career and what seemed to be a stable love life with her husband, Mel Ferrer. However, a pivotal moment in her personal life occurred during the filming of "Sabrina" in 1954, alongside William Holden and Humphrey Bogart. Holden and Hepburn fell in love off-screen, navigating a clandestine relationship that faced the challenges of professional jealousy from Bogart.
Bob Thomas, Holden's biographer, described their off-screen love as potent, with Audrey embodying everything William admired in a woman. Despite their strong connection, Hepburn prioritized her deep desire to become a mother over continuing the relationship with Holden, who was unable to have children. This led her to make the difficult decision to leave him and later marry Mel Ferrer.
Years later, Holden reflected on their relationship, expressing his unrequited love for Hepburn and how he dedicated himself to traveling the world after their separation. Meanwhile, Hepburn entered into an unhappy fourteen-year marriage with Ferrer. Holden continued his romantic pursuits, including an involvement with Grace Kelly, adding complexity to their intertwined lives.
A decade after their separation, cinema's magic reunited Hepburn and Holden in 1964 for the film "Paris When It Sizzles." On-screen, they danced and shared a moving happy ending, providing closure to their characters' shared history. Off-screen, Hepburn divorced Ferrer, and Holden grappled with alcoholism and loneliness.
Audrey Hepburn's poignant quote, "I was born with an enormous need to receive affection and a terrible need to give it," encapsulates her complex journey, much like the character of Holly. Her love for William Holden remains a nostalgic and melancholic what-could-have-been, forever etched in the bittersweet pages of their shared history.
