Grace Kelly

Grace Patricia Kelly November 12 1929 September 14 1982 was an American actress who after starring in several significant films in the early to mid1950s became Princess of Monaco by marrying Prince Rainier III in April 1956 Kelly was born into a prominent Catholic family in Philadelphia After graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1949 Kelly began appearing in New York City theatrical productions and television broadcasts She gained stardom from her performance in John Fords adventureromance Mogambo 1953 for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the drama The Country Girl 1954 Other notable works include the western High Noon 1952 the romantic comedy High Society 1956 and three consecutive Alfred Hitchcock suspense thrillers Dial M for Murder 1954 Rear Window 1954 and To Catch a Thief 1955 Kelly retired from acting at age 26 to marry Rainier and began her duties as Princess of Monaco The couple had three children Princess Caroline Prince Albert and Princess Stéphanie Her charity work focused on young children and the arts In 1964 she established the Princess Grace Foundation to support local artisans Her organization for childrens rights AMADE Mondiale gained consultive status within UNICEF and UNESCO Graces final film contribution was to the documentary The Children of Theatre Street 1977 directed by Robert Dornhelm where she served as the narrator The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature Kelly died at the age of 52 at Monaco Hospital on September 14 1982 from injuries sustained in a car crash the previous day She is listed 13th among the American Film Institutes 25 Greatest Female Stars of Classical Hollywood cinema Her son Prince Albert helped establish the Princess Grace Awards in 1984 to recognize emerging performers in film theatre and dance