Hollywood Memorial

Her impressive career in film and theatre spanned 42 years, ending only with her death in 1993. A vastly influential person and notable humanitarian, she received over fifty awards and international distinctions for her work in film and later for her efforts on behalf of children everywhere. In 1948 to 1949, she entered into the world of musical theatre as a chorus girl in two London productions: ‘High Button Shoes’ and ‘Sauce Tartare.’ Her film career began in 1951, as an unbilled extra in ‘One Wild Oat.’ More prominent roles followed, earning her Academy Award – Best Actress nominations for the following films: ‘Roman Holiday’ (1953 – Best Actress – Won), ‘Sabrina,’ ‘The Nun’s Story,’ ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s,’ and ‘Wait Until Dark.’ Additional awards received include the 1954 Tony Award for Best Dramatic Actress, the 1954 Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture Actress – Drama, the 1990 Golden Globe’s Cecil B. DeMille Award, the 1993 Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award, and posthumously the 1993 Oscar (Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award). She could also be seen in ‘War and Peace,’ ‘Funny Face,’ ‘The Unforgiven’ and ‘My Fair Lady.’ In 1988, she became the international Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF and remained in this position until her death in 1993. During this period, she made over fifty field research visits to UNICEF-assisted projects in Sudan, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia. Her first-hand experience of the plight of poor and displaced children gave her the opportunity to speak before Special Assemblies at the United Nations, to share details with various Press Associations, and to lobby to World Parliaments. One of the few included here that is not actually buried in southern California, just because we can do what whatever we want with our website. She is buried in a lovely garden spot at Tolochenaz Cemetery in Vuad, Switzerland.