Why did Cary Grant initially refuse to star with Audrey Hepburn?

Cary Grant, being 25 years older than Audrey Hepburn, initially refused to work with her due to concerns about their age difference and not wanting to be seen pursuing a younger woman onscreen.

How was the script for 'Charade' adapted for Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn?

The script for 'Charade' was rewritten so that Audrey Hepburn's character, Regina Lampert, would pursue Cary Grant's character, Peter Joshua, to accommodate Grant's concerns about their age difference.

Did Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn maintain a friendship after 'Charade'?

Yes, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn maintained a close friendship, staying in contact through letters and cherishing their bond long after their collaboration on 'Charade.'

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Cary Grant's Fear of Age Gap Nearly Blocked Hepburn Partnership

12 Feb

Summary

Cary Grant initially rejected working with Audrey Hepburn due to their age difference.
The script for 'Charade' was rewritten so Hepburn's character pursued Grant's.
They maintained a close friendship through letters after their collaboration.

Cary Grant's Fear of Age Gap Nearly Blocked Hepburn Partnership

Cary Grant, significantly older than Audrey Hepburn, initially hesitated to star alongside her in several films, including 'Roman Holiday' and 'Sabrina.' His primary concern was the 25-year age difference, as he did not want to be perceived as chasing a younger woman on screen.

The actors' paths finally crossed at a dinner party hosted by 'Charade' director Stanley Donen, where Grant was charmed by Hepburn's personality despite a wine-spilling incident.

When offered the role opposite Hepburn in 'Charade,' Grant again expressed reservations about their age gap. Screenwriter Peter Stone adjusted the plot, writing lines for Hepburn's character, Regina Lampert, to actively pursue Grant's character, Peter Joshua. This script revision allowed Grant to accept the role, beginning filming in late 1962.

'Charade' was released in 1963, and following its success, Grant expressed a strong desire to work with Hepburn again. Their professional collaboration evolved into a lasting personal friendship, evidenced by their continued correspondence and Hepburn's heartfelt tribute to Grant when he was honored in 1981.

Grant and Hepburn maintained their bond through letters, with each expressing deep admiration for the other. Hepburn fondly recalled Grant's understanding of her, even better than she understood herself, long after his passing in 1986.

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