How Audrey Hepburn Risked Her Life to Help the Dutch Resistance During WWII

Before she became one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, Audrey Hepburn’s teenage years were defined by hardship and quiet acts of defiance against Nazi occupation. Living in the Netherlands during World War II, the future screen icon played a small but significant role in the Dutch resistance, carrying out tasks that put her at great personal risk. Her experiences during this time not only shaped her resilience but also left an indelible mark on her character.

A Life Disrupted by War

Born on May 4, 1929, in Brussels, Belgium, Hepburn moved to the Netherlands just before Germany’s invasion in 1940. As a young girl, she witnessed firsthand the horrors of occupation: food shortages, the fear of discovery, and the constant presence of German soldiers. The occupation brought her family closer to the resistance efforts, a movement that relied heavily on ordinary civilians to sabotage German operations, gather intelligence, and protect persecuted individuals.

Roles in the Resistance

Hepburn’s contributions were quiet but courageous. As a teenager, she acted as a messenger, delivering handwritten messages and parcels between resistance members. This seemingly simple task carried enormous risk. If caught, she could have faced interrogation, imprisonment, or worse. Yet her youthful innocence often shielded her from suspicion.

Her ballet training also became a tool of defiance. Hepburn participated in covert performances, with audiences donating money that was then funneled to resistance operations. In a time of cultural suppression, these recitals served not only to lift spirits but also to fund efforts that directly opposed the occupiers.

Her family’s home in Arnhem became a haven for those in hiding. Hepburn’s mother, Baroness Ella van Heemstra, was actively involved in shielding Jewish families and resistance members. Though young, Hepburn herself helped maintain secrecy, offering her presence as a reassuring façade when soldiers were near.

The Lasting Impact

The experiences of those years stayed with Hepburn for the rest of her life. In later interviews, she spoke of the fear, the tension, and the small triumphs that defined her youth. “Those are things you don’t forget,” she once said, reflecting on how her early brush with danger and oppression influenced her outlook.

After the war, Hepburn’s talent and poise helped her rise to international stardom, but her childhood struggles and the resilience she developed became an intrinsic part of her persona. Her time aiding the Dutch resistance didn’t just shape her life—it also contributed to the broader fight for freedom during one of history’s darkest chapters.