Confirmed Facts at a Glance
Audrey Hepburn died at age 63 on 20 January 1993 in her home in Tolochenaz, canton of Vaud, Switzerland. The immediate cause was cardiac arrest after a battle with colon cancer, diagnosed in 1992. She was born on 4 May 1929 in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. Hepburn was a British actress and humanitarian, best known for film roles in Roman Holiday, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and My Fair Lady, and later for UNICEF advocacy. Below is a concise, sourced overview of key dates and attributes relevant to questions about her death and age.
Biographical Timeline and Age at Key Events
Birth and Early Life
Audrey Hepburn was born on 4 May 1929 in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. Her early years were affected by World War II, during which she lived in the Netherlands and experienced famine. She trained as a ballet dancer in London and later turned to modeling and then acting.
Career Highlights Before Illness
Her breakthrough came in 1953 with Roman Holiday, for which she won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA for Best Actress. Subsequent classics include Sabrina (1954), Funny Face (1957), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), and My Fair Lady (1964). She retired from film in the mid-1960s, with occasional television appearances, and devoted much of her later life to humanitarian work with UNICEF.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 4 May 1929 | Biographical records, studio biographies |
| Place of Birth | Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium | Biographical records |
| Date of Death | 20 January 1993 | Obituaries, authoritative biographies |
| Age at Death | 63 years | Calculated from dates above |
| Place of Death | Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland | Obituaries, family statements |
| Cause of Death | Cardiac arrest after colon cancer | Medical reports, biographies |
| Humanitarian Role | UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador | UNICEF records, public statements |
Details of Illness and Final Days
Diagnosis and Treatment
In 1992, Hepburn was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent treatment while continuing to make public appearances and support UNICEF initiatives. As her condition progressed, she focused on private matters and family.
Circumstances of Death
On 20 January 1993, Hepburn died at her home in Tolochenaz. Reports from the time confirm cardiac arrest as the immediate cause. Her family requested privacy, and her funeral was held locally before cremation.
Legacy and Public Memory
Hepburn’s legacy extends beyond her filmography. She remains an icon of grace and style, and her work with UNICEF reinforced a model of celebrity advocacy. Because her humanitarian contributions persisted into the 1990s, her influence continued to shape public perceptions well after her health declined.
Comparisons With Contemporaries
Among classic-era actresses, Hepburn lived to 63, passing before peers who sometimes lived into their 80s or 90s. Her early death was often noted as a loss to cinema and humanitarian causes. Key comparisons include the years of peak activity and causes of death, which differed among her contemporaries. These distinctions help clarify her unique profile and the timing of her passing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- On what date did Audrey Hepburn die? She died on 20 January 1993.
- At what age did Audrey Hepburn die? She was 63 years old at the time of her death.
- Where did Audrey Hepburn die? She died at her home in Tolochenaz, Switzerland.
- What was the cause of Audrey Hepburn’s death? The immediate cause was cardiac arrest following a battle with colon cancer.
- Where is Audrey Hepburn buried or memorialized? She was cremated and her ashes were privately interred; memorial services were held in Europe and the United States.
Conclusion
Audrey Hepburn died at age 63 on 20 January 1993 in Tolochenaz, Switzerland. Verified sources consistently confirm her date of birth (4 May 1929), cause of death (cardiac arrest after colon cancer), and her enduring influence as an actress and humanitarian. By clarifying these details, the record supports accurate reporting and long-term public understanding.