Few life stories read quite like a fairy tale, but that of Grace Patricia Kelly comes remarkably close. This legendary American film actress, known the world over simply as Grace Kelly, would ultimately trade Hollywood glamour for an actual royal title as the Princess of Monaco.
Early Life
On November 12, 1929, Grace Kelly came into the world, born to parents who were both accomplished and athletic. Her father, John B. Kelly, Sr., had claimed Olympic gold in sculling and built a reputation as a powerful business owner. Her mother, Margaret Majer, broke ground as the first woman to coach women's athletics at the University of Pennsylvania.
Film Career
Though her parents disapproved of her ambitions in acting, Kelly would eventually give them every reason to be proud. Her Pulitzer-Prize-winning uncle, George Kelly, helped pave the way for her enrollment at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.
Among her earliest acting endeavors was a breakout appearance alongside Gary Cooper in High Noon, though critics were unimpressed with her performance. Alfred Hitchcock himself dismissed her as "mousy." Refusing to be discouraged, Kelly invested in private acting lessons and screen-tested for the movie Taxi.
Big Screen Success
That very screen test caught the attention of directors John Ford and Alfred Hitchcock. From there, Kelly landed roles in a string of critically acclaimed pictures, among them Hitchcock's iconic thriller Rear Window, where she shared the screen with Jimmy Stewart. Yet it was The Country Girl that brought her the ultimate recognition — an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her last film appearance came as Tracy Lord, the main character in High Society, performing opposite Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
Royal Marriage
Kelly led the U.S. delegation at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955, and it was there that her life took its most dramatic turn. During a photo session at his palace, she was introduced to the Prince of Monaco, Rainier III. What followed was a year-long courtship that culminated in marriage — one that, by all accounts, truly lived up to the fairy-tale ideal. Together, they welcomed three children: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert, and Princess Stephanie.
Death
On September 13, 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco passed away after a small stroke caused her to lose control of her car. Her daughter, Stephanie, was riding with her at the time and survived the crash, though she was unable to attend her famous mother's funeral. Prince Rainier never remarried, remaining single for the rest of his life until he was laid to rest beside her in 2005.