Grace Kelly was an American actress who became a princess after she married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco. She was born on November 12, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to John B. Kelly Sr. and Margaret Katherine Majer. Kelly was the second of four children and the oldest daughter.
Kelly's father was a successful three-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing and the owner of a brickwork contracting company. Her mother was of Irish descent and was a physical education instructor. Kelly's upbringing was privileged, and she attended the finest schools, including the Stevens School and the Agnes Irwin School in Philadelphia.
Kelly began her acting career in the 1950s after she dropped out of Bennington College, where she was studying art. She moved to New York City to pursue acting and quickly found success, appearing in several stage productions and television shows.
In 1952, Kelly made her film debut in the movie "Fourteen Hours," and a year later, she appeared in "Mogambo," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress. Kelly continued to act in both film and television throughout the 1950s, and in 1955, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "The Country Girl."
Kelly's fame continued to grow, and she became one of the most popular actresses of the 1950s. She appeared in several classic films, including "High Noon," "To Catch a Thief," and "Rear Window."
In 1956, Kelly met Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, and the two were married in April of that year. Kelly retired from acting to become Princess of Monaco, and she focused on her philanthropic work and raising her children. She became a prominent figure in Monaco and was admired for her poise, elegance, and charitable work.
Kelly died on September 14, 1982, in a car accident in Monaco. She was 52 years old. Despite her untimely death, Kelly remains a beloved figure in both Hollywood and Monaco, and her legacy lives on as one of the most iconic actresses of all time.
