1. Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” (1964)
One of her most transformative roles, Audrey as Eliza Doolittle took audiences from gritty Cockney to polished high society in My Fair Lady. Some photos of her in costume as Eliza, after her transformation, show Audrey looking the picture of prim and proper, embodying an ethereal grace. Seeing her evolve on-screen and through these photos only added to her irresistible appeal.
2. Jo Stockton in “Funny Face” (1957)
Playing a reluctant fashion model with a heart set on philosophy, Audrey’s portrayal of Jo in Funny Face gave us her memorable, quirky dance scenes. A rare shot of her on the Paris set, dressed in all black and in motion, captures Audrey’s grace in every line of her body. In this role, her intellect and passion shone through, adding depth to her beauty that made the character, and Audrey, unforgettable.
3. Princess Ann in “Roman Holiday” (1953)
In her first major film, Roman Holiday, Audrey’s portrayal of the sheltered Princess Ann on a Roman adventure introduced her to the world as a uniquely graceful actress. Various dramatic shots show a contrast between wide-eyed wonder and mature intensity as she revels in the character’s freedom. Audrey’s genuine warmth lit up the screen, and this film cemented her as Hollywood royalty.
4. Sabrina Fairchild in “Sabrina” (1954)
As the chauffeur’s daughter who returns from Paris transformed, Audrey’s portrayal of Sabrina captured a coming-of-age journey that resonated with audiences everywhere. In candid shots from the set, she’s lounging in a Givenchy dress or fixing her makeup, embodying the elegance and poise that became her signature. Sabrina’s journey of self-discovery became one of her most beloved roles, thanks in part to Audrey’s effortless allure.
5. Gabrielle Simpson in “Paris When It Sizzles” (1964)
In Paris When It Sizzles, Audrey starred alongside William Holden in a romantic comedy that gave her a chance to show off her playful side. Photos from the film capture Audrey’s wide-eyed expressions, showing a charming wonder as she brought the light-hearted Gabrielle to life. Her comedic timing and chemistry with Holden brought a unique energy, revealing yet another side to her remarkable talent.
6. Regina Lampert in “Charade” (1963)
As Regina Lampert in Charade, Audrey paired with Cary Grant for a suspenseful romantic thriller set in Paris. Stills show Audrey in various chic outfits, her expressions going from wide-eyed suspense to flirtatious smiles. Playing Regina allowed her to embody both elegance and wit, creating one of her most sophisticated roles. Her chemistry with Grant and effortless style made Charade a fan favorite.
7. Audrey as Holly Golightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961)
One of her most iconic roles, Breakfast at Tiffany’s gave us Audrey as the enigmatic Holly Golightly. But some rare behind-the-scenes shots show her between takes, laughing with crew members and looking just as captivating without the polish. Her playful expressions and ease made it clear that Audrey’s charm was something truly natural, perfectly matching Holly’s blend of sophistication and whimsy.
8. Sister Luke in “The Nun’s Story” (1959)
In a departure from her usual roles, Audrey portrayed Sister Luke in The Nun’s Story, a dramatic role that showcased her range. Photos of her in the simple nun’s habit reveals an intensity that captivated viewers. She fully embodied the struggles of a woman questioning her faith, and this understated look gave us a glimpse of Audrey’s ability to convey profound emotion with quiet grace.
9. Nicole Bonnet in “How to Steal a Million” (1966)
Audrey’s role as Nicole Bonnet, the art forger’s daughter in How to Steal a Million, was full of wit and whimsy. Photos from this film capture her in iconic mod fashion with oversized sunglasses and a chic wardrobe, exuding effortless charm. Her mischievous expressions and chemistry with Peter O’Toole brought a playful edge to her character, making Nicole one of her most beloved roles.
10. Marianne in “War and Peace” (1956)
Audrey starred as Marianne in War and Peace, a period drama that showed her in a softer, more subdued light. Dramatic stills of her in elegant, classic gowns with intricate hairstyles evoke a sense of timeless beauty. Despite the dramatic setting, Audrey’s natural poise and grace shine through, capturing the classic style that defined her throughout her career.
11. Ariane in “Love in the Afternoon” (1957)
In Love in the Afternoon, Audrey plays Ariane, a young woman caught up in a romantic whirlwind with an older man, played by Gary Cooper. Movie stills reveal Audrey’s mesmerizing expressions as she brings the sweet innocence of Ariane to life. She was the perfect mix of playful and coy in this role, capturing the magic of a young woman’s first love and cementing her as the queen of romantic comedies.
12. Joanna Wallace in “Two for the Road” (1967)
In Two for the Road, Audrey explored the ups and downs of marriage with Albert Finney as her co-star. On-set footage shows her in various styles, from elegant to casual, as she and Finney’s character navigate the complexities of their relationship. Audrey’s nuanced performance made Joanna one of her most relatable characters, and her style evolution throughout the movie reflected the shifts in her character’s life journey.
Audrey’s screen presence and magnetic charm made her a lasting icon. From royalty to quirky heroines, each role revealed a new facet of her timeless beauty and elegance. Audrey remains beloved not just for her looks but for the joy, strength, and humanity she brought to every character.
