Grace Patricia Kelly, actress,
the Princess of Monaco
“I am basically a feminist. I think that women can do anything they decide to do.”
- Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly Biography - the Princess and her style
Grace Kelly, who embodied the perfection in style, belonged to the very exclusive circle of female style icons of the 20th century, along with Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn. Her personality was enchanting: pleasant and simple, straightforward and shy. Princess Grace was one of those beautiful women, whose personality was truly captivating for those who had luck to get to know her personally.
Grace Kelly Biography - Books
Grace Kelly Biography – Childhood
Grace Patricia Kelly was born on November 12, 1929. She was the third-born child in a family with four children. Probably because of her middle position in the family, she used to be in the background of her more energetic elder brother and two sisters. Even in her later years, Grace Kelly never lost her manner of seeming shy. However, there was some kind of radiance about her, the charm that set her apart. She had a strong presence without an effort, simplicity and timidity, which was sometimes misinterpreted as arrogance.
The father of Grace, John B. Kelly came from a family of Irish immigrants. He was a truly self-made person. In 1920, he became an Olympic rowing champion , and later made his brickwork contracting company one of the most important on the East Coast. Grace said the following words about her father and her own upbringing:
“My father had a very simple view of life: you don’t get anything for nothing. Everything has to be earned, through work, persistence and honesty. My father also had a deep charm, the gift of winning our trust. He was the kind of man with whom many people dream of spending an evening.”
- Grace Kelly
The mother of Grace, Margaret was of German origin. Kelly family became a respected member of Philadelphia high society.
Since her childhood years, Grace revealed her love of theatre. At the age of twelve, Grace made her first debut in amateur drama. After attending a performance of Ballets Russes, the girl started dreaming of becoming a ballerina.
Grace Kelly Biography – career choice
After her high-school studies, Grace decided that she wanted to follow the career on the stage. Her parents did not try to discourage her. According to Grace, “There was no such thing as a bad profession for them. As I was their daughter, they knew that, whatever profession I chose, I would do it well. That was enough for them. There was always trust among the Kellys.”
In October 1947, Grace Kelly was admitted to American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her free time was filled by working as a model, which gradually became the primary source of her income, while her acting career remained very modest. Grace was told she was too tall for the roles. Finally, in 1949, Broadway offered her the part of Raymond Massey's daughter in Strindberg's “The Father.” The play did not last long, but gave a good start to her acting career. Grace Kelly started playing in weekly television dramas, and it was clear that the camera loved her. She had a style of her own, and she got noticed.
Grace Kelly Biography - Actress for MGM
The event on August 10, 1951, changed her life. A telegram from the producer Stanley Kramer invited her for the lead role with Gary Cooper. The title of the film was “High Noon”.
Her contract with MGM did not give her a break. It obliged her to shoot one film after another. In the period 1951-1955, Grace Kelly acted in eleven films. For her role in “The Country Girl” Grace won Oscar for Best Actress in 1954.
The critics praised her. The public loved her immediately. Like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly was unlike any other Hollywood actress. She did not emanate danger nor passion. The woman behind her roles was real: reserved, discreet, sophisticated and calm.
In the spring of 1953, Grace Kelly was noticed by Alfred Hitchcock, and he felt instantly that she was the actress he had been dreaming of. He said about her:
“She has exactly what I have long been looking for. She is seductive without being sexy. Under an icy surface, she seems to burn with an inner fire that will do wonders on the screen.”
Through her work with Alfred Hitchcock, Grace Kelly achieved a very impressive presence on the screen. “Dial M for Murder”, “Rear Window”, “To Catch a Thief,” would become movie classics. Finally in 1962, Grace's royal status would prevent the director from hiring her for his “Marnie”.
Grace Kelly Biography – Meeting her Prince
In April 1955, Grace Kelly visited Cannes for the presentation of “The Country Girl” at the eightth International Film Festival. When Grace heard about the idea of her friend, the journalist for Paris Match to organize a photo session with the Prince Rainier of Monaco, Grace was at first hesitant. Their meeting still took place on May 6, 1955. Grace was very impressed with her host. Her thank-you note to him was the beginning of the first exchange of letters and the secret bond between them.
Grace Kelly Biography - Grace Kelly Wedding
On December 15, Prince Rainier arrived in New York. On the New Year's Day he asked for her hand. The official announcement was made on January 6, 1956. This was the first time in Hollywood that a Star was going to marry a monarch. Before her departure, Grace Kelly shot the very chic “High Society”.
The civil marriage took place in the throne room of the Palace on April 18, 1956. Grace Kelly became Her Most Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco. About thirty million viewers watched the religious ceremony on Eurovision on the next day. Grace Kelly wedding gown designed by Helen Rose. The Princess looked stunning in this beautiful gown of lace, silk, taffeta and tulle. According to Times, this marriage was “the most romantic event since Romeo and Juliet.”
This relationship was based on a true affection and love, and it lasted over twenty-six years...
In the new role of a Princess Grace was dazzling and fascinating. Her sense of organization, her public relations, her inner taste were impeccable. She revived the tradition of grand balls in Monaco, having given them a glamour that impressed even her most prestigious guests.
The Ball of the Scorpios, Full-dress Ball, Chinese Ball, Ball of the Centenary of Monte Carlo were the examples of festivities she had inspired and staged, having given them the warmth and the ease of perfection.
Princess Grace remained in close contact with her former colleagues and friends from Hollywood. She had a keen and sincere interest in people, and was said to have never forgotten an anniversary or a birthday. As a member of the Bard of Directors of Twentieth Century Fox, she never missed any event celebrating Alfred Hitchcock.
The Princess organized many cultural events in Monaco: International Televisional Festival, Monaco Arts Festival, seasons of opera, prestigious exhibitions, and opened a theatre that would bear the Princess' name ever since.
Princess Grace Kelly did a lot of charity work. She was the Chairman of Amade, international organisation helping children in need. At present moment, her daughter, Princess Caroline continues her work for this charity.
Princess Grace was called the Princess of Hearts for her open mind and heart, outstanding beauty and her ability to win the hearts of so many people.
“There has always been something noble, royal about her. She was born for that!” said one of her friends. These words summarize the very essence of her personality.
Grace Kelly Biography – Children
The birth of her three children – Caroline (January 23, 1957), Albert (March 14, 1958), Stephanie (February 1, 1965) were probably the most happy years of her life. The Princess decided to raise her children herself, without entrusting them to nannies. She wanted her children to be raised without privileges, and did her best to protect them from overexposure to the media.
Grace Kelly Biography – hobby of the Princess
Princess Grace had always been fascinated by flowers. She created the Garden Club of Monaco, and never missed a single course, having played an active part in bouquet competitions.
“I have always been close to flowers...to have complete satisfaction from flowers you must have time to spend with them. Bonds must be forged between you and them. I talk to them and they talk to me.” - Grace Kelly
On September 13, 1982 Princess Grace had a road accident, which caused her death on September 14, 1982.
