The Most Hilarious Audrey Hepburn Quotes That Prove She Was More Than Just Elegance
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Audrey Hepburn, known for her elegance, charm, and iconic roles in cinema history, also had a remarkable sense of humor. Her performances in romantic comedies like Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) and Roman Holiday (1953) showcased her ability to blend sophistication with playful wit, often delivering lines that still make audiences smile today. This article delves into some of Audrey Hepburn’s funniest and most memorable lines, both from her films and personal quotes, shedding light on her talent for humor and why it remains a defining part of her legacy.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961): Witty Banter and Quirky Charm
In Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn plays the eccentric and endearing Holly Golightly, a socialite with a knack for witty one-liners. Her humor, often rooted in awkward situations or biting irony, adds depth to her character, making her both relatable and lovable. Some of her funniest moments in the film include:
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“I’ll tell you one thing, Fred, darling… I’d marry you for your money in a minute. Would you marry me for my money? … In a minute.” (Awkward pause.) “I guess it’s pretty lucky neither of us is rich, huh?” (Second, and far longer awkward pause.) “… Yeah.”
This line, full of awkward humor, cleverly plays with the concept of financial dependency, encapsulating the character’s quirky approach to relationships. -
“You know what’s gonna happen to you? I am gonna march you over to the zoo and feed you to the yak.”
In a moment of exaggerated comedy, Hepburn’s over-the-top threat brings a humorous touch to her character’s unpredictable nature.
Other notable lines from the film include:
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“It should take you exactly four seconds to cross from here to that door. I’ll give you two.”
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“Quel night.” (Spoken in a very drunken state.)
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“You disAPPROVE of me, and I do not accept drinks from gentlemen who DISapprove of me.”
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“Do they still really have prizes in Cracker Jack boxes?”
“…Oh; yes.”
“That’s nice to know… It gives one a feeling of solidarity, almost of continuity with the past, that sort of thing.”
These lines reflect Hepburn’s ability to infuse humor into both mundane and absurd moments, making Holly Golightly one of cinema’s most endearing and funny characters.
Roman Holiday (1953): Playful Situations and Subtle Humor
In Roman Holiday, Hepburn plays Princess Ann, a royal who escapes her royal duties and experiences a day of freedom in Rome. The film’s lightheartedness, paired with Hepburn’s impeccable comedic timing, results in several memorable moments of humor, especially in her interactions with Gregory Peck’s character, Joe Bradley. Some of the film’s funniest exchanges include:
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Princess Ann: “Do you have a silk nightgown with rosebuds?”
Joe Bradley: “I haven’t worn a nightgown in years!”
This exchange captures the humor of a playful misunderstanding, delivered with impeccable timing by Hepburn. -
Joe Bradley: “This is my ROOM!”
This simple yet hilarious exclamation by Peck, accompanied by Hepburn’s reactions, highlights her ability to react humorously to unexpected situations.
Other witty lines from the film include:
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Princess Ann: “I could do some of the things I’ve always wanted to.”
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Princess Ann: “At midnight, I’ll turn into a pumpkin and drive away in my glass slipper.”
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Irving Radovich: “Joe, we can’t go running around town with a hot princess!”
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Mario Delani, hairdresser: “[holding Ann’s long hair] All off?”
Princess Ann: “All off.”
Mario Delani: “[seconds later] Are you sure?”
Princess Ann: “Yes!”
These lines from Roman Holiday capture Hepburn’s gift for situational comedy and her ability to bring out humor in even the most charming and whimsical of scenarios.
Hepburn’s Personal Humor: Witty Words Beyond the Screen
Beyond her iconic film roles, Audrey Hepburn’s wit also shone through in her personal quotes, offering a glimpse into her humorous and self-deprecating nature. Her words often reflected her views on life, love, and the absurdities of the world around her. A few memorable personal quotes include:
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“I don’t want to be alone, I want to be left alone.”
This clever turn of phrase captures Hepburn’s dry humor and her ability to express contradiction in a humorous yet insightful manner. -
“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.”
While more serious, this quote also carries an underlying strength that resonates with Hepburn’s ability to combine humor with wisdom. -
“I’ve been lucky. I’ve had my career and my children, but I don’t think I was ever born to be a celebrity. I think it’s more the idea of being useful that appeals to me.”
This quote reflects her humility and understated humor about her place in the world of fame.
Conclusion: The Many Layers of Audrey Hepburn’s Humor
Audrey Hepburn’s funniest lines, both in her iconic films and personal reflections, reveal a woman with an infectious sense of humor that complemented her elegance and charm. From her witty banter in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to her playful interactions in Roman Holiday, Hepburn showcased her remarkable ability to bring humor to life’s most absurd and tender moments. Her personal quotes, often laced with irony and dry wit, add another layer to her comedic genius. Hepburn’s humor remains an enduring aspect of her legacy, reminding us that even the most graceful and glamorous figures can possess a sharp, delightful wit that resonates with audiences long after the final credits roll.