Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, two renowned Hollywood icons, have left an indelible mark on cinema, fashion and popular culture. While they gained fame in the 1950s and ’60s, their styles, personalities and legacies were contrasting. Hepburn was elegant, sophisticated and petite, known for her iconic “little black dress” in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, whilst Monroe embodied sex appeal, was voluptuous with curvy figures wearing bright colours, bold patterns and glittery accessories. Hepburn was known for her grace and poise on and off-screen, inspiring designers and humanitarian work, while Monroe’s legacy is focused on her beauty, sex appeal and Hollywood glamour.
Audrey Hepburn vs. Marilyn Monroe: The Ultimate Hollywood Icon Showdown
Introduction
When it comes to Hollywood icons, two names that immediately come to mind are Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe. Both women have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, fashion, and popular culture. Hepburn and Monroe were contemporaries who rose to fame in the 1950s and 60s, but their styles, personalities, and legacies were vastly different. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two Hollywood legends, exploring their similarities and differences.
Background
Audrey Hepburn was born in Brussels, Belgium, in 1929. She began her acting career in London’s West End before making her breakthrough in Hollywood with the film “Roman Holiday” in 1953. She went on to star in a string of successful films, including “Sabrina,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” and “My Fair Lady.” Hepburn was known for her elegant and sophisticated style, which made her a fashion icon and a symbol of timeless grace.
Marilyn Monroe, on the other hand, was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1926. She began her career as a model before transitioning to acting in the 1950s. Monroe became famous for her voluptuous figure, sultry voice, and playful persona. She starred in several blockbuster films, including “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “The Seven Year Itch.” Monroe was a sex symbol and a cultural icon, representing the epitome of glamour and sensuality.
Physical Appearance
Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe were both stunningly beautiful women, but their physical appearance and style were polar opposites.
Hepburn was thin and petite, standing at 5’7″ and weighing around 110 pounds. She had a slender figure, short hair, and a gamine style that emphasized her delicate features. Hepburn often wore neutral colors, simple lines, and tailored clothes that accentuated her waist and elongated her legs. She favored ballet flats and loafers over high heels and was known for her iconic little black dress in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Monroe, on the other hand, had a curvy figure, standing at 5’5″ and weighing around 118 pounds. She had long blonde hair, full lips, and a sultry look that exuded sex appeal. Monroe favored form-fitting dresses, high heels, and plunging necklines that emphasized her hourglass figure. She often wore bright colors, bold patterns, and glittery accessories, which made her stand out in a crowd.
Personalities
Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe had vastly different personalities, which were reflected in their on-screen personas.
Hepburn was known for her graciousness, humility, and intelligence. She was a humanitarian and worked as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in her later years. Hepburn had a private life and was known for her elegance and poise both on and off the screen. She was the epitome of class and sophistication.
Monroe, on the other hand, was mostly known for her tumultuous personal life, which included several marriages, affairs, and struggles with addiction. She was portrayed as a vulnerable and troubled woman who was constantly seeking validation and love. Monroe’s on-screen persona was playful, flirtatious, and seductive. She embodied the idea of the “dumb blonde” but also had a natural comedic timing that made her endearing.
Legacy
Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe have both left a lasting impact on popular culture and the world of entertainment.
Hepburn’s legacy is largely focused on her style, elegance, and humanitarian work. She is considered a fashion icon and has inspired countless designers and fashion enthusiasts. Audrey’s timeless appeal and grace have made her a beloved Hollywood legend.
Monroe, on the other hand, has become an iconic symbol of sex appeal, beauty, and Hollywood glamour. Her image is ubiquitous in popular culture, and she is often referenced in films, music, and art. Monroe’s persona has been dissected and analyzed in numerous books and documentaries, making her a fascinating cultural figure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe were two of the most famous and beloved Hollywood icons of all time. While they shared some similarities, such as their rise to fame in the 1950s and their impact on popular culture, their physical appearance, personalities, and legacies were vastly different. Hepburn and Monroe will forever be remembered as two of the most iconic and influential women in the entertainment industry.