CHER

The Film Society of Lincoln Center’s Gala Tribute to Audrey Hepburn on 22 April, 1991, at Avery Fisher Hall in New York was, according to biographer Barry Paris, the most successful since the first Lincoln Center tribute in 1972 to Charlie Chaplin. Hepburn was honoured with tributes by directors Billy Wilder and Stanley Donen, co-star Gregory Peck, and many others.

Paris describes how Gala chairman Ralph Lauren set the evening’s tone by, professing a lifelong adoration of Hepburn. Stanley Donen topped him by noting, “My passion for her has lasted through four marriages—two of hers and two of mine.” He was topped in turn by Billy Wilder, who said he fell in love with her within five seconds of meeting her on the set of Sabrina, and then reprised one of his best lines: “I talk in my sleep, but fortunately, my wife’s name is Audrey.”

Audrey's partner Robert Wolders had invited a special guest, telling Paris Cher was a great personal favorite of Audrey’s. When Wendy pointed out we had all men and no women, I suggested her as a surprise for Audrey, who adored her in Moonstruck. However, as Cher's letter attests, she was reluctantly forced to pull out due to illness just before the event and sent this private note to express her admiration and respect for the actress instead.