Blog Post:
Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer may not be the first couple that comes to mind when thinking about Hollywood romances, but their love story is one that has stood the test of time. The two met in 1953 and were married for 14 years until their divorce in 1967. While their relationship may have had its ups and downs, their love for each other remained eternal.
Audrey Hepburn was already a rising star in Hollywood when she met Mel Ferrer. She had just won an Academy Award for her role in “Roman Holiday” and was on the cusp of achieving even greater success. Mel Ferrer, on the other hand, was a successful actor and director, known for his work on Broadway. Despite their different backgrounds, the two were immediately drawn to each other.
Their love story began when they were both cast in the Broadway play “Ondine” in 1953. Audrey played the lead role of a water nymph, while Mel was the director. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and they soon fell deeply in love. However, their relationship was not without its challenges.
At the time, Mel was still married to his second wife, socialite Frances Pilchard. He had been separated from her for two years, but their divorce was not yet finalized. This caused quite a scandal in Hollywood, with many criticizing Audrey for getting involved with a married man. However, the couple persevered and their love only grew stronger.
In September 1954, Audrey and Mel tied the knot in a small and intimate ceremony in Switzerland. They were both dressed in simple and elegant outfits, with Audrey wearing a white tea-length dress and Mel in a dark suit. The couple was often described as being “opposites attract” – Audrey was known for her grace and elegance, while Mel was more reserved and serious. But their differences only seemed to complement each other and make their love more special.
The Eternal Love of Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer
Throughout their marriage, Audrey and Mel appeared in several film and stage productions together, including “War and Peace” (1956) and “Green Mansions” (1959). They also welcomed their only child, a son named Sean Hepburn Ferrer, in 1960.
However, their relationship faced a major hurdle when Audrey had a miscarriage in 1965. The loss of their child took a toll on their marriage, and they drifted apart. In 1967, they announced their divorce, with Audrey citing that their careers had taken them in different directions. Despite the end of their marriage, they remained on good terms and continued to support each other.
Audrey went on to marry twice more, while Mel remarried twice as well. However, they both acknowledged that their love for each other was something special and irreplaceable. In an interview with People magazine in 1975, Audrey said of Mel, “He was a very special man, and that’s what I miss.”
In the years that followed, Audrey and Mel continued to have a close friendship and remained a part of each other’s lives. They were often seen attending events together and even collaborated on a few projects. Sadly, Mel passed away in 2008 at the age of 90, but the bond between them remained unbreakable.
In her later years, Audrey reflected on her marriage to Mel and said, “I have never regretted marrying Mel, but I do regret divorcing him. He has a lovely wife now, but I am sorry we couldn’t make it work.” Their love may have ended, but it never truly died.
Summary:
The love story of Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer is one that has stood the test of time. Despite facing challenges and ultimately divorcing after 14 years of marriage, their love for each other remained eternal. They met while working on the Broadway play “Ondine” in 1953 and were drawn to each other’s differences. They faced criticism and scandal for getting involved while Mel was still married, but they persevered and tied the knot in 1954. Throughout their marriage, they appeared in several productions together and welcomed a son. Their relationship faced a hurdle with a miscarriage, leading to their divorce in 1967. However, they remained close friends and continued to support each other until Mel’s passing in 2008. Despite their divorce, they both acknowledged their love for each other as something special and irreplaceable.