Grace Kelly: From Hollywood Icon to Princess of Monaco

What was Grace Kelly’s Net Worth?

Grace Kelly, a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour and royal elegance, left behind a legacy as captivating as her on-screen performances and her life as Princess of Monaco. At the time of her death in 1982, Grace Kelly’s net worth was estimated at $50 million. Adjusted for inflation, this equates to approximately $150 million today. This considerable wealth reflects not only her successful acting career but also the affluence she enjoyed as a member of the Grimaldi family.

Early Life and Family

Grace Patricia Kelly was born on November 12, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Her upbringing was rooted in a prominent Irish-Catholic family, providing her with a strong foundation and access to opportunities. Her father, John B. Kelly Sr., was a celebrated figure, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in rowing, and a successful businessman who owned a brickwork contracting company. His achievements and influence were significant, even extending to his role as National Director of Physical Fitness under President Roosevelt during World War II.

Her mother, Margaret Majer Kelly, also played a key role in her life, having been a former P.E. teacher at the University of Pennsylvania. Grace grew up alongside her siblings – John Jr., Margaret, and Elizabeth – within the close-knit community of Saint Bridget’s parish. She received her early education at Ravenhill Academy and Stevens School, where she cultivated her interest in the arts through dance and drama programs.

Career Beginnings and Stage Appearances

Kelly’s ambition led her to pursue acting, and in the late 1940s, she auditioned for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Despite initial challenges, her uncle, George Kelly, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and director, facilitated her admission. This marked the beginning of her professional journey, starting with her Broadway debut in August Strindberg’s “The Father.”

To support herself, Kelly also worked as a model with the John Robert Powers agency, appearing in advertisements for various products. Her versatility and determination led to roles in numerous plays, including “The Apple Tree,” “The Mirror of Delusion,” and “Episode.” She also transitioned to television, starring in a live adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’ novel “Bethel Merriday,” which was the first of nearly sixty live television programs she would appear in throughout her career.

Hollywood Stardom: Rise to Fame

Grace Kelly’s film career began with a minor role in Henry Hathaway’s “Fourteen Hours” in 1951. However, her breakthrough came the following year with a more substantial part in Fred Zinnemann’s Western, “High Noon,” where she played the Quaker bride of Gary Cooper’s character.

Her talent truly shone in 1953, when she starred in John Ford’s adventure film “Mogambo” alongside Clark Gable and Ava Gardner. This role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, catapulting her to international fame. Kelly’s success continued in 1954, a year that proved to be particularly prolific. She starred in five films that year, including Alfred Hitchcock’s thrillers “Dial M for Murder” and “Rear Window.” In “The Country Girl,” an adaptation of Clifford Odets’ play, she delivered a powerful performance as Georgia Elgin, earning her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Her final films included roles in “Green Fire” and “The Bridges at Toko-Ri”. In 1955, she starred in “To Catch a Thief” alongside Cary Grant and in 1956, she starred in “The Swan” and “High Society” before retiring.

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Princess of Monaco: A Royal Life

In 1956, Grace Kelly made the momentous decision to retire from acting to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco. They had met the previous year during a private photo session, which sparked a whirlwind romance. This union transformed her into Princess Grace of Monaco, ushering in a new chapter in her life filled with royal duties and responsibilities.

The couple had three children: Princess Caroline, born in 1957; Prince Albert, born in 1958; and Princess Stéphanie, born in 1965. As Princess of Monaco, Kelly became a prominent figure in the principality, representing the Grimaldi dynasty and upholding its traditions.

Charity and Philanthropic Endeavors

As Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly dedicated herself to various charitable and philanthropic endeavors, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of many. Her commitment was evident in her roles as president of the Red Cross of Monaco and patron of Rainbow Coalition Children, an orphanage. She also served as president of the Garden Club of Monaco, showcasing her interest in environmental conservation and the beauty of nature.

In addition, she founded AMADE Mondiale, a non-profit organization that works globally to support the health and education of children. Her influence extended to the arts, as she co-founded the Princess Grace Academy, the resident school of the Monte Carlo Ballet, fostering the development of young artists.

Later Life, Death, and Lasting Legacy

In 1977, Kelly returned to the film world to narrate the documentary “The Children of Theatre Street,” about the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, which received an Academy Award nomination. She also ventured into business, partnering with the Springmaid Company to release a line of linens.

Tragically, on September 14, 1982, Grace Kelly suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while driving from her country home back to Monaco. She lost control of her car and plunged down a mountainside, succumbing to her injuries the following day.

Her legacy continues to live on. She is remembered as one of the most iconic and glamorous figures in Hollywood history, celebrated for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s films and her timeless elegance. The Princess Grace Foundation, established by her husband, Prince Rainier, continues her charitable work, supporting artists through grants, fellowships, and awards. In Monaco, a rose garden in the Fontvieille district is dedicated to her memory, a testament to her enduring impact on both the world of arts and the principality she called home.