A beautiful and passionate young girl once dreamt of a storybook life — a life of glamour, accomplishment, and status. Born into the middle of a handsome, athletic Philadelphia family, this talented young girl’s dreams were different than those of her sportier siblings, directing her instead toward the stage and screen as opposed to athletic pursuits.
Little did she know that her studies and experiences on Broadway and in Hollywood prepared a foundation that would prove invaluable for the most important role of her lifetime. She would be cast in many extraordinary roles over her career, but one stood superior, forever establishing her as a beloved princess, reigning over one of the most elegant, fabled, historic principalities in the world.
Acting and Modeling
Grace Kelly worked hard as a young actress and model, earning acclaim on the runway and page as well as the stage. She studied intently, perfecting elocution, carriage, and emotion with great passion and intricate detail. A cool, blonde beauty adored by the camera, Grace’s early work defined her as a chic, sophisticated, person of influence with a spark of humor and dedication to her craft that gave her class and status while delivering a likeable presence on screen. With patience and determination, Grace found appropriate roles that continued to build her popularity as a model while strengthening her performances in theatre and film.
Ms. Kelley attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Fiercely independent, she supported herself through a highly successful modeling contract with the John Robert Powers Agency, enabling her to wait for the right acting roles to come along.
The Silver Screen
Beginning with a 1952 role in the film High Noon starring Gary Cooper, she found further success with a following role in the 1953 film with Clark Gable, Mogambo, earning an Academy Award nomination and Golden Globe Award. Ms. Kelly soon caught the attention of British film director and producer Alfred Hitchcock, earning starring roles in Rear Window with James Stewart and Dial M for Murder with Ray Milland in 1954, and To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant in 1955. Finally, her Oscar for Best Actress arrived via the rather raw, less than glamorous role in The Country Girl, with Bing Crosby and William Holden, polishing her Hollywood star to perfection.
Sent to the Cannes Film Festival by American media company Metro Goldwyn Mayer in 1955 on a promotional tour, Ms. Kelly was also booked for a photo shoot with Prince Rainier III of Monaco at the request of Paris Match magazine. Remarking afterward only that the prince was a “very charming man,” it seemed that was the end of the story. Following proper etiquette, Ms. Kelly penned a thank you note to the Prince upon her return to the United States, initiating a flurry of written communications between the two. The exchanges revealed many common viewpoints, experiences, and goals, which eventually led the Prince to ask for Grace’s hand in marriage.
The Role of a Lifetime
On April 19, 1956, Ms. Kelly wed Prince Rainier, becoming Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco in a lavish ceremony. Adored by millions for her style and poise, she found legendary status from the very first breath she took as a princess. Still, in preparation for this exciting and glamorous new role, she took instruction and read voraciously on every topic to ensure her performance as a real life princess would be nothing short of impeccable.
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