A look-back: How Gregory treated Audrey as new leading lady
THE romance-comedy, “Roman Holiday” (1953), that paired Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn for the first time, became memorable for a lot of filmgoers who witnessed the onscreen tandem.
Even if Gregory was such an established leading man at the time he was first paired with a novice Audrey, he did not mind getting equal billing with her, then a relatively unknown in Hollywood.
“That was particularly significant given that he had initially been the sole top-billed star of the film,” said a report. “After seeing Audrey’s extraordinary talent during early filming, Gregory insisted that her name be featured alongside his in the credits.
After being adored by millions, Audrey passed on in 1992 at the age of 63 after a battle with the rare appendix cancer. She died in her home in Switzerland. She was also recognized for her work as UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
On the set of “Roman Holiday” (1953), Gregory playfully pretended Audrey was too heavy to lift, making exaggerated faces that left the entire crew, including Audrey, in stitches.
That light-hearted prank occurred during the filming of one of the scenes where Gregory, portraying the charming American journalist Joe Bradley, had to carry Audrey’s character, the runaway Princess Ann, after she pretended to faint.
The moment not only injected humor into a long day of shooting but also became a cherished memory for everyone involved.
Audrey was making her debut in a leading role. She had previously appeared in a few European productions, but “Roman Holiday” marked her introduction to American audiences.
Nervous about working alongside an established star like Gregory, Audrey often doubted her own performance.
“Gregory, known for his warmth and ability to put people at ease, decided to help her relax by creating a moment of levity.
“During the scene, instead of smoothly carrying her as scripted, he exaggerated the action by feigning great difficulty, grimacing and stumbling as though she weighed far more than her petite frame. His antics sent waves of laughter across the set.
“Audrey’s reaction was one of complete delight. Initially taken aback, she quickly caught on to Gregory’s humor and joined in, laughing heartily.
“For someone as elegant and poised as Audrey, the moment of shared silliness with Gregory was a welcome break from the pressure of delivering a flawless performance.
“It also revealed a more human, playful side of her co-star, breaking down barriers and fostering a friendship that would last for decades.
“The crew, many of whom had been working under the stress of tight schedules and unpredictable weather conditions while filming in Rome, appreciated Gregory’s ability to uplift everyone’s spirits.
“His charisma and wit on set were legendary and the prank he made was just one example of how he could transform a routine scene into an unforgettable moment.”
Director William Wyler, known for his meticulous attention to detail, also appreciated Gregory’s ability to keep morale high without disrupting the overall pace of filming.
“Such gestures cemented his reputation as a team player and a true gentleman in Hollywood.
“Interestingly, the carrying scene became symbolic of the dynamic between Joe Bradley and Princess Ann two characters from vastly different worlds who supported and complemented each other throughout the film.
“The off-screen camaraderie between Gregory and Audrey added authenticity to their on-screen chemistry, which is often cited as one of the reasons ‘Roman Holiday’ remains a beloved classic.
“Audrey would later recall the incident in interviews, often speaking fondly of Gregory’s humor and kindness during the production. In her words, he had the rare ability to “make the whole world feel lighter, even when things seemed heavy.”
“That particular prank, though small in the grand scheme of the production, exemplified Gregory’s larger-than-life personality and his knack for bringing joy to those around him.
“His ability to uplift Hepburn in her moment of uncertainty contributed to one of the most celebrated films in cinematic history.”
