Gorgeous Photos of Audrey Hepburn Taken by Bob Willoughby in the 1950s

In the 1950s, photographer Bob Willoughby captured the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn in a series of candid and promotional images that would come to define her public image. As one of the first Hollywood photographers hired specifically to shoot behind-the-scenes stills on film sets, Willoughby had a rare access to stars in unguarded moments. His lens revealed Hepburn not only as a style icon and leading actress but also as a person of warmth, charm, and natural poise.

Their collaboration began in earnest during the production of Green Mansions and Funny Face, and continued through several of her most iconic roles. Willoughby’s photographs of Hepburn—whether she’s caught laughing between takes, gazing thoughtfully in profile, or enveloped in soft morning light—encapsulate the grace and vulnerability that endeared her to audiences around the world.

These gorgeous 1950s photos remain some of the most enduring portraits of Hepburn, often cited as defining examples of mid-century Hollywood glamour and intimate celebrity portraiture.

Tired after a long day and possibly homesick after reading a letter from home, Audrey Hepburn rests in her hotel room in Los Angeles (where she's on tour in the play "Gigi"), photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Audrey Hepburn at Paramount Studios, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Audrey Hepburn chats with costume designer Edith Head, photo by Bob Willoughby, Paramount Studios, 1953

Audrey Hepburn climbs into the Paramount Studios car to return her to her hotel after the photo session with Bud Fraker, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Audrey Hepburn on the telephone, Paramount Studios, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Audrey Hepburn with azaleas wearing a blouse from the touring stage play "Gigi" which was playing in Los Angeles at the time, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Audrey Hepburn with Edith Head on the set of the movie "Roman Holiday", directed by William Wyler, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Audrey Hepburn with singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, Paramount Studios, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Leading portrait photographer Bud Fraker and Audrey Hepburn leave the studio at Paramount after their session, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Photographer Bud Fraker positions Audrey Hepburn for a shot at Paramount Studios, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1953

Anthony Perkins and Audrey Hepburn on the set of "Green Mansions" in which they both star and is directed by Audrey's husband, Mel Ferrer, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn and 'Famous' at home, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn and co-star Anthony Perkins on the set of "Green Mansions", directed by husband Mel Ferrer, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn and Ip, the fawn, who lived with her as a pet so they could bond before shooting of "Green Mansions" began, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn and Ip, the little fawn, in the yard of her home, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn as Rima the jungle girl in her gossamer costume designed by Dorothy Jeakins for the film "Green Mansions", photo by Bob Willoughby on the studio set, 1958

Audrey Hepburn consoles her Yorkshire terrier, Famous. He is jealous of the attention she gives to Ip, the fawn. Photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn in a thoughtful moment between takes on the film "Green Mansions", photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn in cowboy hat on the set of "Green Mansions", photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn with Ip (short for Pippin) and her Yorkie Mr. Famous at home, photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn with Ip in her dressing room on the set of "Green Mansions", photo by Bob Willoughby, 1958

Audrey Hepburn in shadow, photo by Bob Willoughby during the filming of "Green Mansions" , 1959