February 14, 2010
Beauty to all others
People always say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I always thought that this phrase was very true, but society always has a defined opinion of beauty. Audrey Hepburn never really thought of herself as beautiful. In fact, she was quoted as saying “I never thought I’d land in picture with a face like mine.” Well, considering she still tops lists as one of the most beautiful actresses throughout time, I would have to say that the public has spoken.
Just by typing in “Audrey Hepburn”, you get pages of “Classic Audrey beauty tips”. Just like her fashion, she was considered to have a classy, chic look to her. With big eyes, a small frame, and “weird teeth” (as she would say), she created a different style of beauty. She considered herself shapeless and thought she had no appeal. She found beauty in other things, but definitely not in herself. I believe that most of this critique of her own beauty comes from the fact that Audrey Hepburn thought of beauty not from looks but other aspects in people. I found the following quote to justify this idea.
“For Attractive lips, speak words of kindness, For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people, For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry, For Beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day, For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.”
~Audrey Hepburn
If you are looking for good quotes by Hepburn or other significant figures, check out www.goodreads.com.
February 7, 2010
Grace Under Pressure
Who knew that one little golden statue could cause so much drama? It can when you’re dealing with two of America’s most beloved actresses. Both Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn have enough star power to overshadow anyone else, but when these two are pushed into the same category, there is bound to controversy.
In 1964, My Fair Lady was adapted into a film version from the play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. To most people, Julia Andrews was a shoo-in to play the part of Eliza Doolittle. But Warner surprised everyone (and angered some) by choosing Hepburn instead. But both Hepburn and Andrews played off a feud by telling reporters the other deserved the role. However, this didn’t stop the media from creating a fight anyway.
Hepburn was hurt when she found the news reporting that she wanted the part before it was offered, countering her own comments about Andrews. But she was even more insulted when she found that her singing in the movie had been dubbed by Marni Nixon.
To make the situation even more humiliating to Hepburn, My Fair Lady received 12 nominations and won 8 Oscars at the Academy Awards that year. Nominations for the film covered every major category including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress. Hepburn was completely skipped for a Best Actress nod, even after rave reviews as the chosen Eliza. The New York Times review by Bosley Crowther stated that “The happiest thing about it is that Audrey Hepburn superbly justifies the desicion of Jack Warner to get her to play the title role.”
Even with all of this praise, Hepburn was snubbed by the Academy for Best Actress. To add insult to injury, the Oscar went to Julie Andrews for Mary Poppins. There is no way to justly say that Andrews did not deserve this award because she too did a superb job, but the fact that Hepburn was not even nominated makes the situation seem like a personal hit to the starlet. Even Andrews stated she believed that Hepburn deserved a nomination as well.
Both actresses stayed poised and collected throughout the growing controversy. The medias continual pitted the two against each other but neither ever said an ill word of the other. It would take a lot grace to withstand the continuous media hits to both. These class acts, however, never wavered in their public opinions of each other. If only the world had more of these qualities…
For more information on this story visit http://www.altfg.com/blog/awards/audrey-hepburn-julie-andrews-my-fair-lady-894/.
“I probably hold the distinction of being one movie star who, by all laws of logic, should never have made it. At each stage of my career, I lacked the experience.” ~Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn never expected herself to be famous. But fame seemed to come naturally to her and she automatically won the hearts of the world. Hepburn’s first role on Broadway in Gigi was a success that continued her climbing role as an artist. But she had a tremendous climb to make.
After World War II, Hepburn was left with physical deprivations and limitations of her height that made a career as a prima ballerina impossible. But there was no stopping Hepburn, who was determined to continue her training and further her talent. She worked extremely hard to continue on in other forms of art.
After going from dance classes to cabaret choruses, Hepburn found herself moving to acting roles. Though landing roles in films, it wasn’t until her break in Gigi that Hepburn stole the spotlight. When offered the part by Colette, a famous writer, Hepburn responded “I’m sorry, Madame, but it is impossible. I wouldn’t be able to, because I can’t act.”
Gigi was followed by Hepburn’s first motion picture in American Roman Holiday in 1954. The role of Princess Anne won Hepburn an Oscar for Best Actress. Not bad for someone who claimed they couldn’t act.
Audrey Hepburn is an inspiration because she never gave up. She may not have believed in herself sometimes, but she went for the opportunity anyway. The world can seem unbearable when things stand in your way, or something doesn’t seem like the right fit. But sometimes you just have to keep trying to find what is right for you as an individual.
For more information on Audrey Hepburn’s history go to her official website, www.audreyhepburn.com
January 31, 2010
Petty Fights
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”
~Audrey Hepburn
The other day, one of my best friends and I got into a small argument over nothing. Since we were both in such bad moods, neither of us wanted to fix what was going on. Audrey Hepburn believed in keeping those she met close to her. Her number of friends was unlimited thanks to her open character and kindness. Just because my friend and I met a small tiff, I was convinced I no longer wanted to be friends with this person. But in reality, we should hold those who matter to us close no matter what happens. I have to admit, this was a less than Audrey moment for me. I wanted nothing more than to never talk to this person again (at the moment). But after thinking, I realized this was just silly and my emotions overreacting.
It seems like people hold grudges and like to argue about the smallest things. No matter their age, the environment, or the topic of “discussion”. Do we ever get over the satisfaction of being right? Or over the idea that people are disposable in our lives?
I have a list of inspirational quotes saved to my desktop. The quote above was among the ones I rediscovered the other day. Just like Audrey, I believe we should hold to those who have a significant presence and meaning in our lives. Having lost some very good friends in my life over ridiculous reasons before, I didn’t want history to repeat. So, channeling Audrey’s charm, class and courage (and my rehearsed speech of what to say), I went to my friend to talk things out. Needless to say, everything turned out great and ended with a hug.
January 30, 2010
Expression
At a very young age, you are told ”no matter what, just be yourself”. Well, with graduation about a year away, I’ve kind of lost that mentality. It seems everyday I take a step towards the real world; I lose a little more of my creative self. I’ve always been a creative person and could never picture myself sitting behind a desk doing the same thing everyday (which works for some people, don’t get me wrong). But when someone asked me the other day the same question I’ve heard a million time, ”Communication and English major? What are you going to do with that?”, I was prepared to give the same speech I’ve memorized. The speech that involves fancy titles and impressive names, but in reality, I’m not sure if I would be happy or expressing myself to the fullest in such careers. I’ve actually always wanted to be a writer, or a journalist. My greatest dream would be to write a book (or many books really). This seems a bit farfetched, but I express myself through writing.
Audrey Hepburn has never been shy in expressing herself. She started dancing in early childhood, and then moved to acting. These creative outlets gave her the chance to show the world who she was, to create new roles and identities, and just be herself. She had to give up her dreams of professional dance, but that didn’t stop her from dancing for fun (which is found in many of her movies). She claims that she could never dance or sing, but you continuously remember her for “that dance in Funny Face” or “that song in Breakfast at Tiffany’s” because she brought life and passion to each thing she did.
This time, I found connection in Hepburn’s character Jo Stackton from Funny Face. While watching this movie the other day, I had an epiphany that reawakened some of those dreams I once had. Jo is pulled into the world of fashion, but didn’t want to betray her true character and intelligence for anyone. I found myself wanting to be more like Jo than anything. She was completely comfortable with ideals and lifestyle. Why couldn’t I be comfortable enough to answer what I really aspire to do?
My last thought when the movie ended was that you shouldn’t be afraid to express yourself. Whatever makes you happy will ultimately make the world a better place for you.
January 24, 2010
Being a Humanitarian- Part 2
I received another opportunity to progress my humanitarianism. I am the Communication and Marketing Intern for The American Cancer Society. This past week I attended our Relay for Life Kickoff. Hearing the stories from survivors and team members was an inspiration. I knew this job was ultimately about helping people, but this week I realized just how much I was doing.
I met some amazing people. I even met kids that have been relaying since they were born. This experience will further my journey to being a humanitarian like Audrey. I am inspired by all of Audrey’s philanthropic projects. She believed that helping people was the best way to live life. Her efforts with UNICEF have left a lasting impact and continue to leave an effect. Her foundation, The Audrey Hepburn Children’s Fund, continues to raise money for many organizations through her website.
I finally put a face to those people who we continue to help through this ACS and now I have even more inspiration to work extremely hard through this internship. I know I will truly be able to make a difference and I agree with Audrey that this will be one of my favorite and greatest accomplishments in the end.
January 23, 2010
Being a Humanitarian
Humanitarian (according to dictionary.com)- having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.
The world has been shaken by a new travesty. Anyone who turns on the news or picks up a paper knows that Haiti was hit by an earthquake on January 12, 2010. According to The New York Times update, an estimate of 50,000 to 200,000 people are dead after this unstoppable natural disaster. I am taking the oppurtunity to rally support through this blog. Many organizations and fundraising attempts have been created in an effort to help the people of Haiti. At first, I didn’t see much that I could do but there are so many oppurtunities out there. Then I remembered this blog and how I should be thinking like Audrey. This is the chance to help those who truely need it; to become a fellow humanitarian as well.
I have noticed my fellow Bellarmine community doing the same around me. Creative ways have come to help those that are very far away. According to The Times update, Haiti was already considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Now, these people have lost even more. I plan on working with my church to help in a Haiti fund being set up. It is amazing how when something like this happens, people pull together and unite to help those in need. I have been asked several times to help in the aid and am thankful I am in a situation where I can help Haiti recover.
January 17, 2010
Becoming an Icon
“The greatest victory has been to be able to live with myself, accept my shortcomings…I’m a long way from the human being I would like to be. But I’ve decided I’m not so bad after all.”
~Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn embraced dignity, grace and poise. As someone who was subject to the harsh conditions of World War II, including a 25-year separation from her father and watched her dreams of dancing slip away, Hepburn has created an amazing life story that gives hope. This actress embodied all of these grand qualities yet continued to stay completely grounded and modest. She has been an inspiration to the population then and now. Even with over 25 movie credits on her resume, one of Hepburn’s greatest accomplishments to herself was when she became an important part of UNICEF as an International Goodwill Ambassador.
She has always been an important inspiration to me as an individual as well. This led me to the thought, what if the world, or even I as an individual, took on the qualities of Audrey Hepburn. What if we all approached situations in life with the same attitude as Hepburn? She was full of spirit and attitude and took on each challenge with class. She wasn’t just an actress or dancer or star, but someone who cared about others.
No Ms. Hepburn, you most definitely aren’t so bad after all. Just after starting this idea, I have caught myself saying “That wasn’t very Audrey of me.” I’ve already noticed how many situations I encounter that can be treated with a little more grace. Modeling myself after this icon, I hope to soon embody some of these characteristics more on a regular basis and be more like Audrey. I will be putting on my Hepburn analysis glasses and seeing situations from all scales of life and how they can be altered to make the world look more beautiful.
