Los Angeles [US], August 23 (ANI): Audrey Hepburn's son Sean Hepburn Ferrer has opened up about the legendary actress' journey to becoming a global icon, saying she never expected stardom and never fully realised how special she was, according to People.

In a conversation with People, Ferrer, who co-authored her biography 'Intimate Audrey' with Wendy Holden, said Hepburn's original dream was to become a ballerina. However, after surviving the hardships of World War II in the Netherlands, she had to give up that ambition due to the impact of the war on her nutrition and training.

'When she learned that she'd never get that chance because it got stolen by lack of nutrition and training during the war, Hepburn turned to acting,' Ferrer said.

Recalling her unexpected rise in cinema, he said, 'I guess she never really expected it to happen the way it did. She always said, 'I was not a professional actress and I got a great part.''

Ferrer compared Hepburn's natural charm to someone unaware of their own beauty, saying, 'I don't think she ever knew that she was that special, and therefore, she just did the best she could and gave her all,' according to People.

He added that Hepburn remained grounded throughout her career and never took her success for granted.

'She had respect for the work and the craft and all of that, but she didn't have technique like many other actors, and therefore she gave something very genuine,' Ferrer said.

Discussing her acting style, he explained that Hepburn's performances were rooted in preparation and sincerity rather than simply following a particular method.

'She would study and drill down on all the characters that she played and spent time with them. So she was learning,' he said.

Ferrer said Hepburn's approach allowed audiences to experience a 'fresh' quality in her performances.

'Maybe what's wonderful about the way the cookie crumbled for her was the fact that it was all fresh and in the moment, so there was nothing prepared,' he said, adding that 'it's so important never to see the technique behind the magic,' according to People.

Hepburn's younger son Luca Dotti also shared his thoughts on her acting career, saying her talent was natural.

'Being an actress, I think she had this drive. It's a natural thing that you either have or do not have. Then you can explain that by your own experiences,' Dotti said.

He added that his mother never pursued acting for fame.

'She didn't get into acting for the sake of being famous and always felt that fame was something attributed to her by the audience and that same audience could very well change their mind, forget her,' Dotti said.

Audrey Hepburn, known for classics such as 'Breakfast at Tiffany's', 'Roman Holiday' and 'My Fair Lady', remains one of the most celebrated figures in Hollywood history. Her performances, humanitarian work and timeless style continue to inspire generations across the world, according to People.

Audrey Hepburn, born Audrey Kathleen Ruston on May 4, 1929, was a British actress, fashion icon and humanitarian. She was born in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium, and later became one of the most celebrated stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. Audrey Hepburn died on January 20, 1993, at the age of 63, at her home in Tolochenaz, Switzerland. (ANI)