Unseen Moments from Audrey Hepburn’s 1958 Filming of The Nun’s Story: Why Family and Friends Believe Sister Luke Was Her Most Authentic Role
Audrey Hepburn remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, celebrated not only for her beauty and elegance but also for the humanity and warmth she brought to her roles. While many remember her as the mischievous Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s or the romantic Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, those closest to Hepburn have often pointed to her performance as Sister Luke in 1959’s The Nun’s Story as her most personal and authentic role. A deeply introspective and spiritually resonant film, The Nun’s Story required Hepburn to strip away her usual glamour to embody a woman torn between devotion to her faith and her inner struggles.
Rare behind-the-scenes photos from the production offer a glimpse into Hepburn’s life during the making of the film, capturing moments of quiet reflection, playful camaraderie, and the intense focus she brought to the set. These photos, along with testimonies from her family and friends, reveal why The Nun’s Story remains a defining chapter in her career—and why Sister Luke may have been the closest character to her true self.
Audrey Hepburn and The Nun’s Story: A Perfect Match of Role and Actress
By the late 1950s, Audrey Hepburn was already a household name, having won an Academy Award for Roman Holiday and charmed audiences with roles in Sabrina and Funny Face. However, Hepburn was eager to take on more challenging, dramatic roles that would showcase her depth as an actress. When director Fred Zinnemann approached her to play Sister Luke, a Belgian nun who wrestles with obedience and her own ambitions, Hepburn immediately recognized the significance of the project.
Based on Kathryn Hulme’s 1956 novel of the same name, The Nun’s Story was a quiet yet profound tale. It followed the real-life story of Marie Louise Habets, a nun who ultimately left her order after struggling with her vocation during missionary work in the Congo and World War II. The character of Sister Luke was complex, requiring an actress who could portray both deep piety and internal conflict without overt melodrama. Hepburn, known for her subtle and emotionally authentic performances, was a natural fit.
Stepping Into Sister Luke’s Shoes
To prepare for the role, Hepburn immersed herself in the world of religious life. She spent time with real nuns, studying their routines, mannerisms, and spiritual practices. Hepburn was drawn to their discipline and humility, traits she already admired and shared. Raised in a war-torn Europe, Hepburn had experienced hardship and sacrifice firsthand. Her mother, Ella van Heemstra, often reminded her of the importance of duty and modesty, values that resonated with the character of Sister Luke.
During filming, Hepburn adhered to a strict routine to fully embody the role. She donned the nun’s habit for hours on end, even off-camera, to become comfortable in the attire and mindset. Co-star Peter Finch, who played the surgeon Dr. Fortunati, later remarked on her dedication, noting how she carried herself with the quiet dignity of someone truly inhabiting the character.
Behind the Scenes: Rare Glimpses of Hepburn at Work
The rare photos from the set of The Nun’s Story reveal Hepburn in a different light. Gone are the glamorous gowns and sparkling jewels of her earlier films, replaced by the austere simplicity of a nun’s habit. Yet, even in these stripped-down settings, Hepburn’s radiant presence shines through.
One striking image shows her sitting in a moment of quiet contemplation, hands clasped in her lap, her expression serene but introspective. Another captures her sharing a lighthearted laugh with Fred Zinnemann between takes, a testament to her ability to balance the heavy emotional demands of the role with her natural playfulness.
Hepburn’s commitment to authenticity extended to filming in real locations, including a monastery in Bruges and the Congo, where the crew faced challenging conditions. In her letters to friends, Hepburn described the experience as both grueling and transformative. “The stillness of the monastery, the discipline—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever known. It’s given me a deep respect for these women and their faith,” she wrote.
Why Sister Luke Felt So Personal to Hepburn
Those closest to Hepburn have often commented on how much of herself she brought to the role of Sister Luke. Her son, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, later reflected that his mother’s natural empathy and introspection mirrored the character’s journey. “My mother was a deeply spiritual person, even if she didn’t always speak about it openly. She understood sacrifice and the desire to do good in the world, which is exactly what Sister Luke represents.”
Hepburn’s own life experiences likely informed her portrayal. Having endured starvation and fear during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, she knew what it meant to confront adversity and moral dilemmas. After leaving Hollywood in the late 1960s, Hepburn devoted herself to humanitarian work with UNICEF, a decision that paralleled Sister Luke’s ultimate choice to leave the convent and find her purpose elsewhere.
The Critical and Personal Impact of The Nun’s Story
When The Nun’s Story was released in 1959, it was met with critical acclaim. Hepburn’s performance was widely praised as one of her best, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Critics marveled at her ability to convey profound emotion with subtlety and grace, a skill that elevated the film’s understated narrative.
For Hepburn, the film was more than a professional milestone; it was a deeply personal achievement. She often described the experience as one of the most meaningful of her career, not just because of the critical success but because of the connection she felt to the character. “Sister Luke was a part of me,” she said in an interview. “Her doubts, her struggles—they were very real to me.”
A Role That Resonates to This Day
Decades after its release, The Nun’s Story remains a standout in Audrey Hepburn’s filmography, celebrated not just for its artistry but for the authenticity Hepburn brought to the role. For fans, it offers a rare glimpse of the woman behind the icon—a woman of quiet strength, humility, and a deep
