The Untold Story of How Gregory Peck Helped Launch Audrey Hepburn’s Career with Equal Billing

In 1953, the classic film Roman Holiday was released, a film that not only catapulted Audrey Hepburn to stardom but also cemented Gregory Peck’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most respected stars. The film was a romantic comedy about a princess, played by Hepburn, who escapes her royal duties for a day of freedom in Rome, where she meets an American reporter, played by Peck. Though both stars went on to iconic careers, it was Peck’s actions during the filming of Roman Holiday that would have a profound impact on Hepburn’s career, specifically in terms of her billing and recognition.

The Context of Roman Holiday and the Actors’ Status

When Roman Holiday began production, Gregory Peck was already an established name in Hollywood. With 18 films and multiple Oscar nominations under his belt, he was a major star by 1953. In contrast, Audrey Hepburn was a newcomer, largely unknown in American cinema, having appeared only in minor roles in British film and stage productions. Initially, the film’s contract called for Peck to receive top billing, a typical Hollywood practice for major stars. At the time, newcomers like Hepburn would typically receive lower billing, often listed below the title or in supporting credits.

Peck’s Advocacy for Hepburn’s Equal Billing

As production on Roman Holiday progressed, Peck recognized Hepburn’s immense talent and saw her potential to be a breakout star. According to historical accounts from SlashFilm and Far Out Magazine, Peck, impressed by Hepburn’s performance, called his agent, George Chasin, midway through the filming process and insisted that Hepburn’s name be included above the title alongside his own. At the time, this was an extraordinary move. Traditionally, newcomers were relegated to lesser billing, and it was almost unheard of for a co-star to request equal billing for an unknown actress.

Despite resistance from his agent, who questioned the request, Peck remained firm. He famously responded, “Oh, yes I can. And if I don’t, I’m going to make a fool out of myself, because this girl is going to win the Oscar in her very first performance.” Peck’s prediction came true when Hepburn won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Princess Ann in Roman Holiday, while Peck, despite his established star power, was not nominated.

The Implementation of Equal Billing

Peck’s advocacy led to Hepburn being prominently featured in the film’s credits. The credits of Roman Holiday read, “William Wyler’s production,” followed by the title of the film, “Roman Holiday,” and then “Introducing Audrey Hepburn.” Though this was an acknowledgment of her debut, it was not exactly the same as the “With Gregory Peck” credit, given his more established career. However, in many promotional materials, including posters, both stars’ names were given equal prominence. For instance, some movie posters feature both names in the same font size above the title, reflecting Peck’s influence in ensuring that Hepburn received recognition equal to his own.

In some versions of the promotional materials, Hepburn’s name was also placed above the title, marking a shift from the traditional hierarchical billing practices of the time. The result of this effort was that Hepburn’s role was immediately recognized as central to the film, paving the way for her career to take off.

Impact on Hepburn’s Career and Legacy

Peck’s insistence on equal billing for Hepburn had far-reaching effects on her career. Roman Holiday not only earned her the Oscar for Best Actress but also made her an international star. The film remains one of Hepburn’s most iconic works, and it firmly established her as a major force in Hollywood. Her subsequent roles in films like Sabrina (1954) and Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) solidified her status as a cultural and cinematic legend.

In a 1988 documentary titled His Own Man, Hepburn herself acknowledged Peck’s critical role in her career. She credited him with securing her proper billing, saying, “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.’” This statement reflects her gratitude toward Peck, especially considering the industry’s norms at the time, where such generosity toward a newcomer was rare.

Contextualizing Billing Practices in Hollywood

To fully appreciate the significance of Peck’s actions, it’s important to understand the billing practices in Hollywood at the time. For instance, in Sabrina (1954), Hepburn was given top billing alongside William Holden and Humphrey Bogart, yet her name was still often less prominent than those of her male co-stars. However, with Roman Holiday, Peck’s decision to fight for equal billing set a precedent that helped shape Hepburn’s career trajectory and her place in the Hollywood hierarchy.

Conclusion

Gregory Peck’s decision to fight for Audrey Hepburn’s equal billing in Roman Holiday was a groundbreaking moment in Hollywood’s history. His actions not only elevated Hepburn’s status but also set a precedent for future films in which newcomers would be given the recognition they deserved based on their talent, not just their established star power. Through his advocacy, Peck ensured that Hepburn’s breakout role was acknowledged properly, and his efforts were instrumental in launching the career of one of the most beloved and iconic actresses of all time.