Doris Brynner Opens Up About Her Beautiful Friendship with Audrey Hepburn—What You Didn’t Know

Doris Brynner, known for her longstanding career in the fashion world and her high-profile social circles, shared a profound and enduring friendship with one of Hollywood’s most beloved icons, Audrey Hepburn. Their relationship, spanning more than two decades, was defined by shared meals, walks in the Swiss countryside, and a bond that extended far beyond the red carpets and film sets that initially brought them together.

A Chance Meeting and Early Connection

Brynner first met Hepburn in the early 1960s, at a time when Hepburn’s star was shining brighter than ever following the success of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Although initially wary of the Hollywood scene, Brynner quickly formed a connection with the actress. Their first meeting, as recounted by biographer Barry Paris, was marked by a candid and humorous exchange: Brynner complimented Hepburn on her beauty, and Hepburn responded self-deprecatingly about the power of makeup. This shared humor and openness laid the groundwork for a friendship that would last a lifetime.

A Friendship Rooted in Everyday Life

Unlike many celebrity connections that are born and fade in the spotlight, Brynner and Hepburn’s bond thrived in the quiet moments of everyday life. For more than 20 years, the two lived near one another in Switzerland, often visiting each other’s homes. They enjoyed simple rituals: walks with their dogs, and dinners featuring Brynner’s favorite pasta—always shared when Yul Brynner, Doris’s then-husband, was away. “Audrey loved spaghetti and vanilla ice cream with fudge sauce,” Doris once recalled. “When Yul wasn’t home, we’d have our little treat nights together.”

Hepburn’s love for cooking, gardening, and spending time with her children mirrored Brynner’s own approach to life. Despite Hepburn’s immense fame, Brynner noted that she was “not a social person” and that her happiest moments were found in the company of her close friends and family. The two women found a kindred simplicity in their lives, free from the grandeur of the movie sets and fashion shows they often frequented.

A Deeper Bond Through Family

Their friendship extended beyond their own camaraderie to their families. Hepburn became the godmother to Brynner’s daughter, Victoria, cementing her role as a cherished presence in the Brynner household. Their family ties, combined with their physical closeness in Switzerland, meant that Hepburn and Brynner’s lives were deeply intertwined.

As both women built their own legacies—Hepburn as a screen legend and humanitarian, Brynner as a fashion executive and social figure—their friendship served as a steadfast anchor. They supported each other through personal milestones and career transitions, proving that even in the world of glamour and stardom, the most meaningful relationships often stem from shared laughter, understanding, and pasta nights at home.

A Friendship to Remember

Doris Brynner’s passing in 2025 brought renewed attention to this unique friendship. In a world that often emphasizes the fleeting nature of celebrity relationships, the bond between Doris Brynner and Audrey Hepburn stands out. It was not defined by their fame, but rather by their genuine affection for one another, their shared love of simple pleasures, and the enduring trust that kept them close for decades. As fans look back on Brynner’s remarkable