Born Edda van Heemstra Hepburn-Ruston, May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium; died of colon cancer, January 20, 1993, in Tolochenaz, Switzerland; buried at the village church in Tolochenaz. Actress and social activist.
Academy Award-winning actress Hepburn was perhaps best known for her roles inmovies such as Roman Holiday, for which she won the award, and Breakfast at Tiffany's, for which she was nominated. Noted for her grace andgamin-like quality, she complemented many of the industry's contemporary leading men, starring opposite such actors as Cary Grant in Charade and Humphrey Bogart and William Holden in Sabrina. Among Hepburn's other films are War and Peace, Paris When It Sizzles, My Fair Lady, Robin and Marian, Always, and The Nun's Story and Wait until Dark, both of which earned her Academy Award nominations for best actress. She also appeared on stage, making her debut in the title role of Gigi, and winningan Antoinette Perry Award for her role in Ondine. Hepburn spent the later portion of her life as "goodwill ambassador" for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), raising money for the charity and drawing attention to the plight of the world's needy children. Hepburn wasposthumously awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1993.
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