Audrey Hepburn’s Final Role Almost Didn’t Happen: Why She Stepped Away from Hollywood for Two Decades

Few Hollywood stars have walked away from fame at their peak, but Audrey Hepburn’s decision to step back from the spotlight after 1967 remains one of the most graceful and surprising exits in cinematic history.

After skyrocketing to international stardom with her Oscar-winning performance in Roman Holiday (1953), Hepburn became one of the most beloved actresses of her generation. With classics like Sabrina, Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Charade under her belt—and multiple Oscar and BAFTA nominations—her career seemed unstoppable. Yet, after the release of the thriller Wait Until Dark, Hepburn chose a different path.

Leaving Hollywood for Peace and Family

In 1967, following her split from actor Mel Ferrer—a marriage marked by turmoil, miscarriages, and allegations of control—Hepburn relocated permanently to a remote estate in Switzerland. The desire for tranquility away from the relentless Hollywood spotlight was clear.

Her marriage in 1969 to Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti further anchored her life in Europe, where she prioritized raising her children and building a private family life. Through the 1970s and ’80s, Hepburn only returned to the screen sporadically, with just five appearances—including the 1976 Robin and Marian, where she starred alongside Sean Connery as the legendary Maid Marian.

The Surprise Return: Always (1989)

Hepburn’s final feature film role came in Steven Spielberg’s Always, a romantic fantasy about an aerial firefighter who returns as an angel. Originally, the role of Hap the angel was intended for Sean Connery, who declined. Spielberg then offered the part to Hepburn, assuming she would refuse given her long absence and the part’s brevity.

To everyone’s surprise, Hepburn accepted. She described the experience as “wonderful” and generously donated most of her pay—over a million dollars—to UNICEF, an organization she devoted much of her later life to. Hepburn even expressed interest in working with Spielberg again, though fate intervened with his next film, Hook.

Life Beyond the Silver Screen

After Always, Hepburn transitioned fully into humanitarian work and other creative projects. Her PBS documentary series, Gardens of the World with Audrey Hepburn, took her around the globe and earned her a posthumous Emmy. She also recorded Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales, a spoken-word album for children that garnered her a posthumous Grammy—making her one of the rare entertainers to earn an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Audrey Hepburn’s choice to step away from Hollywood was neither dramatic nor rebellious—it was a deliberate embrace of a fuller life beyond fame. And while she left the silver screen behind for much of her later years, her legacy as a screen icon and humanitarian continues to shine brightly.