Audrey Hepburn’s Major, Controversial Parenting Decision Has Influenced A-Listers Decades After

It’s no secret that Audrey Hepburn was an incredibly devoted mother. Every time her family brings her up, especially when discussing how she was as a mother, it’s always so heartwarming. And in a resurfaced interview with her eldest son Sean Hepburn Ferrer for the Guardian, he detailed what having Hepburn was like for a mom (and the controversial parenting decision she made that influenced so many after her)!

So, controversial may be a bit of a strong word, but back then, doing this act for your kids was pretty unheard of. Ferrer talked about his childhood in Switzerland, and how Hepburn moved the family out of Hollywood, out of the spotlight, so they could have a normal childhood.

“I didn’t grow up in Hollywood, the place, or the state of mind. We didn’t have screening rooms at home. I grew up in the countryside as a normal kid. I can see how movie stars lose touch with reality,” he said. “I can understand that, because you’re told a million times a day in so many little gestures that you’re some how special and unique. My mother didn’t take herself seriously. She used to say I take what I do seriously, but I don’t take myself seriously.”

Back then, it was either career or family, and moving out of Hollywood for your family was unheard of. Not only did her kids have a normal childhood, but Hepburn also had a fulfilling life in acting and philanthropy until her death.

And this decision to move her family out of Hollywood is something so many stars have done! For instance, Katherine Heigl, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani have followed suit.

For those that don’t know, Hepburn welcomed two sons: one named Sean Hepburn Ferrer, born July 1960, with her ex-husband Mel Ferrer, and another son named Luca Dotti, born Feb 1970, with her second husband Andrea Dotti. She tragically suffered multiple miscarriages, and her son Sean previously revealed how much that took a toll on her when discussing his book Little Audrey’s Daydream.

Before you go, check out this gallery of celebrities who had their children at a young age below: