Audrey Hepburn was one of the most iconic actresses to take centre stage in Hollywood during the 1950s and 1960s. The British actress was propelled into the spotlight after people fell in love with the film star’s “boyish looks” and “innocent eyes”. She most famously starred as Jo Stockton in Funny Face, Holly Golightly in Breakfast At Tiffany’s and Princess Anne in Roman Holiday.
However, the star sparked controversy when she played Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, a role she was given over favourite Julie Andrews.
BBC Documentary “The World’s Most Photographed, Audrey Hepburn” explains how My Fair Lady was the best of roles and the worst of roles for the icon.
The fact Ms Hepburn was cast over Julie, who had previously created the character on Broadway, caused fury among the public and left the star “demonised”.
Biographer Barry Paris explains: “It was assumed it would go to Julie Andrews because she created it on Broadway, it was a great success, she was a beautiful singer.
“But Jack Warner cast Audrey Hepburn, and when they asked him why, he said because the difference between Julie Andrews and Audrey Hepburn is $15million.”
The star – who died in January 1993 – is believed to have been hurt by the controversy the role caused, especially when the decision was made to have her singing voice dubbed over.
The huge role became more bitter sweet when My Fair Lady went on to win Oscar nominations in all major categories apart from Best Actress in 1965.
Ironically, Julie Andrews won the Oscar for Best Actress for Mary Poppins that year.