“I had to make a choice at one point in my life, of missing films or missing my children. It was a very easy decision to make because I missed my children so very much.”

- May 4, 1929 – January 20, 1993
- British
- Actress, Humanitarian, Fashion Icon, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
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Quote
“I had to make a choice at one point in my life, of missing films or missing my children. It was a very easy decision to make because I missed my children so very much.”
Explanation
In this heartfelt quote, Audrey Hepburn speaks to the profound priority she placed on motherhood over career, a rare and powerful stance in an industry that often demands relentless presence. Her words reflect a clear, emotionally driven decision: between the glamour of cinema and the everyday presence of her children, she chose the latter without hesitation. The phrase “very easy decision to make” underscores how deeply she valued family and personal connection over fame.
Hepburn’s choice challenges the narrative that professional success must always come first. Having achieved extraordinary acclaim in film, she recognized that no accolade could replace the love and presence shared with her children. Her honesty about missing them reveals a vulnerability and strength—acknowledging that what she truly longed for was not applause, but closeness, intimacy, and belonging.
Today, her words continue to resonate for those balancing work and family, particularly women often pressured to choose between the two. Hepburn’s decision affirms that success can be redefined by love, presence, and personal fulfillment, not just public achievement. It’s a reminder that what we miss tells us what we value most—and that choosing love is never a lesser path.
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