Lily Collins shares heartfelt tribute to Audrey Hepburn on birthday anniversary

Lily Collins paid tribute to Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn on what would have been the star’s 97th “heavenly birthday,” as she prepares to step into Hepburn’s shoes in an upcoming biographical film about the making of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The 37-year-old actress shared a black-and-white image of Hepburn from the 1957 film Funny Face on Instagram on Monday, May 4, writing a heartfelt message honouring the late star’s enduring legacy and influence.

“Happy heavenly birthday to this bright light of a human and undeniable legend,” Collins wrote.

“She always brought a bit of color into every life she touched. Honored to be stepping into her shoes…”

Collins is set to portray Hepburn in a new film centred on the making of the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, a role she confirmed earlier this year after what she described as nearly a decade-long development process.

The project, based on Sam Wasson’s nonfiction book Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dawn of the Modern Woman, explores the production of the iconic film and the figures behind it, including screenwriter Truman Capote, costume designer Edith Head, and director Blake Edwards.

According to industry reports, screenwriter and producer Alena Smith, known for the series Dickinson, is attached to write the adaptation.

In her February announcement, Collins said the role was deeply personal, noting her long-standing admiration for Hepburn and the emotional significance of finally bringing the project to life.

“It’s with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that I’m finally able to share this,” she wrote at the time.

Collins’ tribute post drew warm reactions from friends and family, including actor Jack Quaid and her mother-in-law Mary Steenburgen, both of whom praised her upcoming portrayal and expressed excitement for the project.

The film will explore the cultural impact of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, in which Hepburn starred as Holly Golightly, a role that helped define her legacy as a screen icon and fashion influence.

One of Hepburn’s sons, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, has also publicly commented on the project, expressing both support for Collins and curiosity about how the behind-the-scenes story will be adapted for the screen.