Sean Hepburn Ferrer reflects on his upbringing, stating that he never perceived himself as the offspring of a cinematic legend, despite being the son of the iconic Audrey Hepburn. Audrey, a celebrated figure from Hollywood’s golden era, won an Academy Award and became a symbol of fashion. Her performances in timeless films like “Roman Holiday,” “Funny Face,” and “My Fair Lady” have endeared her to countless fans globally, who admire her charm, grace, and style, often captured in elegant Givenchy attire.
The prevalence of Audrey’s image in various forms, from posters to merchandise, has led Sean and his family to turn spotting her likeness into a playful challenge. “I must have joked with my children about it,” he recalls. “While waiting at the station or airport, I would say, ‘Three minutes to find Grandma,’ and it became a fun tradition. Now that they are adults, they still enjoy it, and I partake too, sharing snapshots with my wife for a private laugh.”
In his latest book, “Intimate Audrey,” Sean provides a personal account of his mother’s life. He describes it as a “behind the scenes” perspective on one of the most renowned women of the 20th century, focusing more on family moments than glamorous events. Over coffee at a vineyard in Tuscany, he shares insights about his upbringing, which he characterizes as “normal,” away from the Hollywood spotlight while living in Switzerland and Rome. “Her priorities were quite ordinary,” he explains. “She understood the fragility of life and was dedicated to her family.” This dedication is symbolized by her famous hand, often seen in a glamorous glove while holding a donut outside Tiffany’s in New York City.
Sean’s understanding of his mother’s fame deepened when he reached his teenage years. At the age of 14, he organized a private screening of her films in the attic, using a Bell & Howell projector and a makeshift screen. He fondly recalls the experience, with Audrey occasionally stopping by to inquire about his thoughts on her performances. Whenever he praised her work, she modestly attributed the credit to her directors or co-stars.
Following Audrey’s passing in 1993, her funeral near their home in Switzerland revealed the vastness of her legacy. “Our small village, normally housing 400 or 500 residents, was flooded with around 25,000 attendees,” Sean recounts. “It felt like a massive concert, with cars stretching out of sight, reminiscent of a Coachella event in Switzerland.” Shortly after, he penned a “spiritual biography” titled “Audrey Hepburn: An Elegant Spirit,” originally intended as a letter for future children, detailing her inner self and philosophies. Now, with “Intimate Audrey,” he aims to provide a comprehensive biography, co-authored with former war correspondent Wendy Holden, emphasizing the impact of war on her life.
Since Audrey’s death, Sean has dedicated himself to safeguarding her legacy by supporting charitable initiatives, primarily through the Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund. He also actively manages her public image, ensuring it is protected from exploitation while licensing it appropriately. “Audrey Hepburn is like a Ferrari that necessitates training before you can handle it,” he explains, cautioning against careless mismanagement of her brand.
Sean highlights the significance of the iconic images of Audrey, noting that her publicity photos and portraits were meticulously curated. “She wouldn’t allow unflattering snapshots,” he states. “She was the original Instagram queen before the platform even existed.” He emphasizes the effort that went into creating her images, contrasting the process with today’s instant digital photography. Few individuals, like Sean, dedicate themselves to preserving the legacies of famous figures. He often receives inquiries from the descendants of other stars seeking guidance, but many are deterred by the work involved. “They often ask if I can do it for them, but I have to decline,” he admits, preferring to maintain discretion about his experiences, including advising the family of Humphrey Bogart for a brief period. Managing the Hepburn legacy is akin to curating an extensive art exhibition, a task he approaches with great commitment.
Despite these responsibilities, Sean has managed to build his own family. He married Karin, his third wife, in 2014, and together they co-authored a children’s book titled “Little Audrey’s Daydream.” They share five children from previous marriages, with Sean’s eldest, Emma Hepburn Ferrer, now 31, making her mark as an artist and a UNICEF spokesperson.
Over the years, Sean has contemplated the enduring nature of his mother’s fame, categorizing it into three main elements. First, he cites the authenticity and freshness of her performances, which shone through in films like “Roman Holiday,” where she portrayed a young princess alongside Gregory Peck. “In an era dominated by artificiality, she represented pure authenticity,” he remarks.
Next, he notes her personal style, characterized by a chic mid-century modern aesthetic, featuring ballet flats, capri pants, cropped hair, and oversized sunglasses, all of which contributed to her lasting influence. Sean continues to explore and celebrate his mother’s remarkable legacy, ensuring that her story remains alive for future generations.
