Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn’s Untold Story Behind the Magic of ‘Roman Holiday’

Audrey Hepburn, an icon whose influence transcended both the fashion world and Hollywood, secured her place in cinema history with her unforgettable performance in Roman Holiday (1953). The film, which paired Hepburn with Gregory Peck, marked her first leading role and became one of the most beloved films of her career. The movie not only solidified her status as a rising star but also earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, making it a defining moment in her journey from a former ballerina to a Hollywood legend.

In a 1988 documentary about Gregory Peck, His Own Man, both Hepburn and Peck reflected on their experience working together on Roman Holiday, offering valuable insight into their collaboration and the magic behind the film. Their candid discussions revealed the deep respect and admiration they shared, both for each other and for the craft they brought to the project.

A Star is Born

When Hepburn was cast in Roman Holiday, she was still a relatively unknown actress, having had only minor roles in a few films prior. However, Gregory Peck, already an established star with roles in Spellbound (1945) and The Gentleman’s Agreement (1947), was quick to recognize her potential. Hepburn recalled how Peck, despite her lack of recognition, fought to secure them equal billing on the poster, a gesture that showed his belief in her talent and her future stardom. Hepburn, recalling the experience, said, “Greg could very well have said at the time, ‘Well, you know, she’s just a little dancer and perhaps you’d better get somebody more established.’” However, Peck’s faith in her abilities was evident from the beginning. He even remarked that when he learned she would be his co-star, he thought, “Well, he must have found a marvelous girl… Willie [director William Wyler]… he found one of the greatest film stars of all time.”

Peck’s support of Hepburn in those early days was pivotal, and it was a sentiment shared by many of the film’s crew members, who recognized Hepburn’s natural talent from the outset. Their on-screen chemistry was palpable, and it was clear that Hepburn was destined for greatness. As Peck put it, Roman Holiday was a film where “we all knew [Hepburn] was going to be an important star,” and indeed, she went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, despite having acted in only a few films.

Working with William Wyler

While Hepburn was new to working with director William Wyler, she had long admired Peck’s body of work. In her reflections on Wyler, Hepburn shared how his directorial approach deeply influenced her. “His attitude that only simplicity and the truth counts, it has to come from inside – you can’t fake it – is something I learned from him,” Hepburn said. She admitted that she knew little about Wyler before joining the project but came to appreciate his focus on authenticity and emotional honesty.

On the other hand, Hepburn felt the weight of being in a film with an actor of Peck’s caliber. “To do a movie with him… imagine what – my first picture – what that felt like,” she recalled. The experience of working with such an experienced actor, combined with her natural talent, gave Hepburn the confidence to deliver a performance that would ultimately define her career. It was clear from the start that Roman Holiday would be a launchpad for Hepburn’s stardom.

The Emotional Scene That Took Everything

One of the most memorable scenes in Roman Holiday occurs when Hepburn’s character, Princess Ann, and Peck’s reporter, Joe, must part ways. This emotional moment required Hepburn to shed real tears, but as she candidly admitted, she struggled to tap into that emotional well. “I had no idea how to come by these tears,” she said, admitting that she hadn’t yet honed the emotional technique required for such a poignant moment.

As the scene stretched on and Hepburn still couldn’t produce tears, director Wyler became frustrated. “Out of the blue, [Wyler] came over to the car and gave me hell. He said, ‘Look, we can’t stay here all night, can’t you cry for godsakes?’ Willie had never spoken to me like that, ever,” Hepburn laughed, recalling how the director’s stern words pushed her to finally deliver the emotional performance the scene demanded. Afterward, Wyler apologized, acknowledging that sometimes the right emotional reaction required a little tough love: “We had to get you to do it somehow!” Despite the tension on set, the scene remains one of the most emotional moments in the film, a testament to Hepburn’s ability to break through her own limitations.

A Timeless Classic

Roman Holiday stands as a cinematic classic not only for its story but for the brilliant performances by both Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Their chemistry, both on-screen and off, helped create a film that continues to resonate with audiences today. Hepburn’s portrayal of Princess Ann remains one of the most beloved roles in film history, and Peck’s charismatic performance as the jaded reporter Joe further solidified his legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest leading men.

Hepburn’s journey from a dancer struggling with the effects of malnutrition to an Academy Award-winning actress is a testament to her talent, resilience, and grace. Her role in Roman Holiday remains one of the defining moments of her career, and the film’s enduring popularity ensures that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.

As for Gregory Peck, his support and belief in Hepburn, as well as his own impeccable performance, cemented Roman Holiday as a film that captured the magic of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Together, Hepburn and Peck created a cinematic moment that will never be forgotten.