Audrey Hepburn wasn’t just a style icon and award-winning actress—she was a woman of grace, intelligence, and profound compassion. Beyond the silver screen, she lived a life marked by humility and humanitarian work, especially as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. Her words reflect a life lived with elegance, empathy, and strength.
This article features 40 of Audrey Hepburn’s most memorable quotes, divided into four thoughtful categories. Each section offers a glimpse into her perspective on life, love, beauty, and purpose—making her legacy as timeless as her films.
1. Audrey Hepburn on Beauty and Self-Worth
Audrey redefined beauty in a way that transcended glamour. She believed true beauty came from within—through kindness, confidence, and compassion.
10 Quotes on Beauty and Self-Worth
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“The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.”
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“For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness.”
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“The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.”
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“True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows.”
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“Make-up can only make you look pretty on the outside. But it doesn’t help if you’re ugly on the inside.”
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“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”
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“There is more to sex appeal than just measurements.”
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“Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible!’”
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“Happy girls are the prettiest.”
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“I believe in pink.”
Audrey taught the world that beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about confidence, character, and kindness. Her words remind us that grace starts from within.
2. Audrey Hepburn on Life, Joy, and Simplicity
Despite her fame, Audrey lived a simple, grounded life. She appreciated small joys, valued kindness, and believed in living with purpose and optimism.
10 Quotes on Life and Simplicity
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“The most important thing is to enjoy your life—to be happy—it’s all that matters.”
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“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands—one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”
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“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”
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“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it’s the thing I like most, to laugh.”
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“I don’t want to be alone, I want to be left alone.”
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“Living is like tearing through a museum. Not until later do you really start absorbing what you saw.”
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“Success is like reaching an important birthday and finding you’re exactly the same.”
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“Why change? Everyone has their own style. When you have found it, you should stick to it.”
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“Opportunities don’t often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.”
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“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
Audrey embraced life with gratitude and joy, not extravagance. Her quotes inspire us to slow down, appreciate simple moments, and live authentically.
3. Audrey Hepburn on Love, Kindness, and Compassion
Love and compassion were at the heart of Audrey’s life. From her humanitarian work to her personal values, she consistently emphasized kindness and caring for others.
10 Quotes on Love and Kindness
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“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.”
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“I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.”
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“There is a shade of red for every woman.”
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“A quality education has the power to transform societies in a single generation.”
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“I believe, every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.”
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“Taking care of children has nothing to do with politics. It’s universal.”
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“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”
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“I speak for those who cannot speak for themselves—children in need.”
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“Anyone who does not believe in miracles is not a realist.”
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“You can always tell what kind of a person a man really thinks you are by the earrings he gives you.”
Audrey didn’t just speak about love—she lived it. Her compassion for others, especially children, reminds us that real elegance is rooted in empathy.
4. Audrey Hepburn on Strength, Resilience, and Femininity
Though often portrayed as delicate, Audrey was strong, determined, and resilient. Her quotes reflect an inner toughness masked by grace—femininity with fierce purpose.
10 Quotes on Strength and Resilience
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“I’ve been lucky. Opportunities don’t often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.”
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“I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong.”
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“You can tell more about a person by what he says about others than you can by what others say about him.”
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“I’m an introvert… I love being by myself, love being outdoors, love taking a long walk with my dogs and looking at the trees, flowers, the sky.”
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“I may not always be offered work, but I’ll always have my family.”
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“I believe laughter is the best calorie burner.”
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“When you have nobody you can make a cup of tea for, when nobody needs you, that’s when I think life is over.”
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“Work as hard as you can. It gives meaning to life.”
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“I don’t take my life seriously, but I do take what I do—in my life—seriously.”
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“There is one difference between a long life and a full one.”
Audrey was a soft-spoken powerhouse. Her words remind us that femininity and strength are not opposites—they are deeply connected. Strength can be quiet, and still absolutely unshakeable.
Final Thoughts
Audrey Hepburn’s quotes reflect more than charm—they capture a life lived with compassion, style, strength, and sincerity. She was a woman who proved that elegance is about more than how you look—it’s how you treat others, how you think, and how you love.
Her legacy isn’t just in movies or fashion, but in every soul she inspired to live with kindness, confidence, and grace.
May her words inspire you to live beautifully, think deeply, and always believe in the impossible.