Profile of the Day: Grace Kelly

Today we remember legendary actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, who passed away on this day in 1982 at the age of 52.

Image: Grace Kelly / Wikimedia Commons

Kelly was born on November 12, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to John B. Kelly, a three-time Olympic gold medalist for sculling, and Margaret Katherine Majer, a physical education teacher and first coach of women’s teams at the University of Pennsylvania. Despite her parents’ disapproval, Kelly dreamed of becoming an actor from a young age. She wasn’t the first in her family to pursue a career entertainment. Her uncle, Walter C. Kelly, was a vaudeville actor and comedian, and her uncle, George Kelly, was a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, director, and actor.

Throughout the 1950s, Kelly was one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood. Her performance in the 1954 film The Country Girl earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. She also memorably starred in three Alfred Hitchcock thrillers: Dial M for Murder, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief.

In 1956, Kelly married Rainier III, Prince of Monaco, in a lavish ceremony. Although she was at the height of her career, Kelly retired from acting after her marriage.

Kelly suffered a stroke on September 13, 1982 while driving, causing her to lose control of the vehicle and drive off a steep cliff. Her daughter, Stéphanie, was a passenger in the car and suffered minor injuries. Sadly, Kelly died of her injuries the following day.

Explore Grace Kelly’s family tree on Geni and share how you’re connected to the Hollywood icon.