Discovering Audrey Hepburn: Emma Ferrer on Unveiling the Legacy of Her Iconic Grandmother
A Slow Realization
Emma Ferrer never had the chance to meet her famous paternal grandmother, Audrey Hepburn. Yet, over the years, pieces of information about the iconic actress and humanitarian have “trickled in” from family and popular culture. In a recent interview with TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager for Women’s History Month, Ferrer, 26, opened up about her unique journey to understanding Hepburn’s enduring legacy.
“It’s interesting how you can get to know a person you’ve never met through the stories and influences they’ve left behind.”
The Epiphany
Initially, Ferrer didn’t fully grasp the immense impact her grandmother had on the world. The reality dawned on her gradually. “I began noticing Audrey Hepburn posters at my friends’ houses, or her images on T-shirts and handbags,” Ferrer said. “I realized then that her influence was much larger than I had initially thought.”
Multi-Faceted Legacy
As Ferrer has matured, her understanding of Hepburn’s contributions to film, fashion, and philanthropy has deepened. Audrey Hepburn, born in Belgium, won an Oscar in her early twenties and became a style icon, famously popularizing the black turtleneck.
“The legacy of an individual is not just in their achievements but also in the lives they’ve touched.”
A Life of Service
Not just confined to the big screen or fashion magazines, Hepburn also left a mark in humanitarian work. She was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1992 for her role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a position she had held since 1989.
A Personal Understanding
Today, Ferrer looks back with a greater sense of comprehension and pride at her grandmother’s widespread impact—spanning film, fashion, and social causes. “Now that I’m older, I can appreciate the multifaceted impact my grandmother had,” she said.
“Understanding your family legacy is like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle; each piece adds more clarity.”
A Never-Ending Exploration
Emma Ferrer’s journey to understand her legendary grandmother continues. Each revelation adds another layer of appreciation for Audrey Hepburn, not just as a public figure but also as a family matriarch whose influence still resonates today. It’s a remarkable testament to how the legacy of an individual can span generations and diverse realms, from art to altruism.