History of Grace Kelly in Timeline

Grace Kelly was a celebrated American actress who transitioned to royalty upon marrying Prince Rainier III, becoming the Princess of Monaco in 1956. Before her marriage, she had a successful Hollywood career in the early to mid-1950s, earning an Academy Award and three Golden Globe Awards. She's recognized as one of the greatest female stars in cinematic history, ranked 13th by the American Film Institute. Her life represents a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and European royalty, forever solidifying her place in popular culture.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1920: Grace Kelly's Father Falls Foul of Amateurism Rules

In 1920, Grace Kelly's father fell foul of the Henley Royal Regatta's amateurism rules.

1923: The Torch-Bearers Production

In 1923, Grace Kelly's uncle George Kelly wrote The Torch-Bearers. Grace later used a scene from it when auditioning for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

1924: Marriage of Parents

In 1924, Grace Kelly's parents, John Kelly and Margaret Majer, married. Margaret then focused on being a homemaker until her children were of school age.

November 12, 1929: Grace Kelly's Birth

On November 12, 1929, Grace Patricia Kelly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She later became a famous American actress and Princess of Monaco.

Others born on this day/year

1929: Childhood Home built in Philadelphia

In 1929, Grace Kelly's childhood home was built by her father John B. Kelly Sr. in the East Falls section of Philadelphia.

1935: Father's Mayoral Election Loss

In 1935, John B. Kelly Sr., Grace Kelly's father, ran as the Democratic Party nominee for mayor of Philadelphia but lost by the closest margin in the city's history.

1940: The Philadelphia Story Film Release

In 1940, the film 'The Philadelphia Story' was released by MGM. In 1956, Grace Kelly would star in a remake of the film, entitled 'High Society'.

1942: Lead role in Don't Feed the Animals

In 1942, at the age of 12, Grace Kelly played the lead in Don't Feed the Animals, a play produced in East Falls by the Old Academy Players, marking an early acting experience.

May 1947: Graduation from Stevens School

In May 1947, Grace Kelly graduated from Stevens School, where she participated in drama and dance programs and was prophesied to become a famous star.

July 1947: Rejection by Bennington College

In July 1947, Grace Kelly was rejected by Bennington College due to her low mathematics scores. Following this, she decided to pursue acting despite initial parental disapproval.

1949: Graduation from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts

In 1949, Grace Kelly graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and started appearing in New York City theatrical productions and television broadcasts.

1950: Grace Kelly resided in childhood home.

In 1950, Grace Kelly lived in her childhood home, built by her father in Philadelphia, before Prince Rainier III proposed to her there in 1955.

1950: Mention in Theatre World Magazine

In 1950, Grace Kelly was mentioned in Theatre World magazine as a "most promising personality of the Broadway stage", recognizing her early potential and talent.

1951: Small Role in Fourteen Hours

In 1951, Grace Kelly had a minor role in the film Fourteen Hours, which led to the establishment of the "Grace Kelly Fan Club", marking the beginning of her widespread recognition.

1951: Filming of High Noon

In the late summer and early fall of 1951, Grace Kelly filmed High Noon in Columbia, California, co-starring opposite Cooper. The film was shot over a 28-day schedule in hot weather conditions.

September 1952: Audition for John Ford and MGM Contract

In September 1952, Grace Kelly auditioned for director John Ford and subsequently signed a seven-year contract with MGM at a salary of $850 a week (equivalent to $10,305 in 2025), with specific conditions allowing her to work in theatre.

November 1952: Arrival in Nairobi for Mogambo Filming

In November 1952, Grace Kelly and the cast of Mogambo arrived in Nairobi to begin filming, where Kelly replaced Gene Tierney and played Linda Nordley, an English wife with a romantic interest in Clark Gable's character.

1952: Stardom in High Noon

In 1952, Grace Kelly achieved stardom with her role in Fred Zinnemann's western film High Noon.

1953: Academy Award Nomination for Mogambo

In 1953, Grace Kelly starred in John Ford's adventure-romance Mogambo, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

1953: Release of Mogambo and Awards

In 1953, the film Mogambo was released, achieving box office success. Grace Kelly won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and received her first Academy Award nomination for her performance.

April 1954: Filmed Green Fire in Colombia

In April 1954, Grace Kelly filmed Green Fire in Colombia alongside Stewart Granger. She played Catherine Knowland, a coffee plantation owner and described the shoot as unpleasant due to the poor conditions.

October 1954: Release and Praise for Rear Window

In October 1954, Rear Window was released, and Grace Kelly received praise for her role as Lisa Fremont, a wealthy Manhattan socialite, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

1954: Engagement to Oleg Cassini

In 1954, Grace Kelly dated and was engaged to Oleg Cassini after his divorce from Gene Tierney, marking a significant relationship in her life.

1954: Starred in The Country Girl

In 1954, Grace Kelly played Georgie Elgin, Bing Crosby's wife, in The Country Girl after Jennifer Jones withdrew due to pregnancy. Kelly negotiated a better contract and threatened to leave MGM if not allowed to do the film. Edith Head designed the wardrobe, initially fashionable, then plain cardigans. The plot revolved around the emotional turmoil of her character between her two lovers.

1954: Won New York Film Critics Circle Award

In 1954, Grace Kelly received the New York Film Critics Circle Award for best actress for her roles in Rear Window, Dial M For Murder, and The Country Girl.

1954: Roles in Dial M for Murder and The Bridges at Toko-Ri

In 1954, Grace Kelly starred in Dial M for Murder and began filming The Bridges at Toko-Ri with William Holden. During this time, Alfred Hitchcock became one of her mentors.

1954: Academy Award for The Country Girl

In 1954, Grace Kelly won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the drama The Country Girl. She also starred in The Bridges at Toko-Ri and Dial M for Murder.

January 31, 1955: Appeared on cover of Time magazine

On January 31, 1955, Grace Kelly appeared on the cover of Time magazine, hailed as the top movie star, bringing about a change from film sirens. She was described as the "Girl in White Gloves."

April 1955: Headed U.S. delegation at Cannes Film Festival

In April 1955, Grace Kelly led the U.S. delegation at the Cannes Film Festival and was invited to a photo session with Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

May 6, 1955: Met Prince Rainier III

On May 6, 1955, Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier III at the Prince's Palace of Monaco during a photo session.

1955: Starring in To Catch a Thief

In 1955, Grace Kelly starred in Alfred Hitchcock's suspense thriller To Catch a Thief.

1955: Photographed by Howell Conant in Jamaica

In 1955, Grace Kelly was photographed by Howell Conant in Jamaica. The photographs were published in Collier's, with a photo of her rising from the water on the cover.

1955: Won Golden Globe Award for The Country Girl

In 1955, Grace Kelly won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama for her performance in The Country Girl. The New York Times praised her performance as "excellent."

1955: Billie Eilish's Met Gala Gown Inspired by Kelly's "To Catch a Thief" Gown

In 1955, Grace Kelly wore a dress in the movie "To Catch a Thief", which inspired Billie Eilish's gown for the 2021 Met Gala.

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1955: Prince Rainier III proposed in childhood home

In 1955, Prince Rainier III proposed to Grace Kelly in her childhood home in Philadelphia.

1955: Named "Best-Tailored Woman"

In 1955, The Custom Tailored Guild of America listed Grace Kelly as the "Best-Tailored Woman".

April 18, 1956: Marriage to Prince Rainier III

On April 18, 1956, Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III, becoming Princess of Monaco, marking a significant life event that led to her retirement from acting.

April 19, 1956: Married Prince Rainier III

On April 19, 1956, Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III after a year-long courtship.

July 1956: High Society Released

In July 1956, Grace Kelly's final film, High Society, a remake of MGM's The Philadelphia Story (1940), was released. Variety praised her relaxed performance as Tracy Lord.

1956: Role in High Society

In 1956, Grace Kelly starred in the romantic comedy High Society, adding to her notable works.

1956: Marriage to Prince Rainier III

In 1956, upon her marriage to Prince Rainier III, Grace Kelly was styled "Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco" and bore all historical titles of her husband.

1956: Grace Kelly Popularizes the "Kelly bag"

In 1956, while pregnant with her daughter Caroline, Princess Grace was often photographed with a Hermès leather handbag. This "Sac à dépêches" became known as the "Kelly bag" due to its association with her.

January 23, 1957: Princess Caroline Born

On January 23, 1957, Princess Grace gave birth to her first child, Princess Caroline.

March 14, 1958: Prince Albert Born

On March 14, 1958, Princess Grace gave birth to Prince Albert, the heir to the throne.

1960: Inaugurated into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame

In 1960, Grace Kelly was inaugurated into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.

1962: Declined Role in Hitchcock's Marnie

In 1962, Alfred Hitchcock offered Princess Grace the lead in his film Marnie, but she rejected the project due to public outcry in Monaco against her playing a kleptomaniac.

1963: Founded AMADE Mondiale

In 1963, Grace Kelly founded AMADE Mondiale, a Monaco-based non-profit organization recognized by the UN, to protect children's well-being worldwide.

1964: Establishment of the Princess Grace Foundation

In 1964, Princess Grace established the Princess Grace Foundation to support local artisans in Monaco, showcasing her commitment to the arts.

1964: Founded Princess Grace Foundation

In 1964, Princess Grace founded the Princess Grace Foundation to support local artisans in Monaco.

February 1, 1965: Princess Stéphanie Born

On February 1, 1965, Princess Grace's youngest child, Princess Stéphanie, was born.

1965: Became honorary member of La Leche League

In 1965, Grace Kelly became an honorary member of La Leche League and focused on mothering through breastfeeding.

1966: Narrated The Poppy Is Also a Flower

In 1966, Grace Kelly narrated ABC's made-for-television film The Poppy Is Also a Flower.

1971: Speaker at La Leche League Conference

In 1971, Grace Kelly was a speaker at the La Leche League conference in Chicago, addressing thousands of mothers, fathers, and babies. She was an advocate for breastfeeding.

1972: Grace Kelly owned a Rover P6 3500.

In 1972, the car that Grace Kelly drove and lost control of in 1982 was a Rover P6 3500.

1974: The Kelly family sold the property

In 1974, the Kelly family sold Grace Kelly's childhood home, where Prince Rainier III would later propose to her.

1975: Founded Princess Grace Academy

In 1975, Grace Kelly helped found the Princess Grace Academy, the resident school of the Monte Carlo Ballet.

1976: Joined board of 20th Century-Fox Film Corporation

In 1976, Grace Kelly joined the board of the 20th Century-Fox Film Corporation, becoming one of its first female members.

1976: Purchased ancestral home in Ireland

In 1976, Grace Kelly purchased her family's ancestral homestead in Drumilra, near Newport, County Mayo, Ireland.

1977: Declined Role in The Turning Point

In 1977, Director Herbert Ross tried to interest Princess Grace in a role in his film, 'The Turning Point', but Rainier dismissed the idea.

1977: Narration of The Children of Theatre Street

In 1977, Princess Grace narrated The Children of Theatre Street, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. This marked her final film role.

1979: Worked on Rearranged film

In 1979, Grace Kelly and Rainier worked together on a 33-minute independent film titled Rearranged.

1980: Published My Book of Flowers

In 1980, Grace Kelly published My Book of Flowers with Gwen Robyns, detailing her floral aesthetics, symbolism, and flower pressing.

1981: Invited to Present Prizes at Henley Royal Regatta

In 1981, Grace Kelly was invited to present the prizes at the Henley Royal Regatta.

September 13, 1982: Suffered Cerebral Hemorrhage

On September 13, 1982, Grace Kelly suffered a mild cerebral hemorrhage while driving back to Monaco, leading to a car accident where her 1972 Rover P6 3500 tumbled down the mountainside.

September 14, 1982: Grace Kelly's Death

On September 14, 1982, Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, passed away. She was married to Prince Rainier III from April 18, 1956, until her death.

September 18, 1982: Funeral Held in Monaco

On September 18, 1982, Princess Grace's funeral was held at the Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate in Monaco-Ville. Many notable figures attended the Requiem Mass, and she was buried in the Grimaldi family vault.

1982: Princess Grace Foundation-USA Founded

In 1982, Kelly's husband founded the Princess Grace Foundation-USA in her memory to support emerging theater, dance, and film artists in America.

1982: Rearranged film received interest from ABC TV

In 1982, Rearranged, the 33-minute independent film starring Grace Kelly and Rainier, received interest from ABC TV executives after its premiere in Monaco.

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1983: Cheryl Ladd Portrays Kelly in "Grace Kelly" TV film

In 1983, Cheryl Ladd portrayed Grace Kelly in the made-for-TV film "Grace Kelly".

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1984: Warhol Made Portrait of Grace Kelly

In 1984, Andy Warhol made a portrait of Grace Kelly for the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, as a limited edition silkscreen.

1984: Establishment of the Princess Grace Awards

In 1984, Prince Albert helped establish the Princess Grace Awards to recognize emerging performers in film, theatre, and dance, honoring his mother's legacy.

1984: Opening of Rose Garden in Monaco

In 1984, a rose garden in Monaco's Fontvieille district was opened by Prince Rainier in memory of Grace Kelly.

1985: Establishment of Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

In 1985, Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo was established in accordance with the wishes of Princess Grace, with its first performance on December 21.

1992: Conant Published Grace Book

In 1992, Howell Conant published Grace, a book of photographs he took during her 26-year tenure as Princess of Monaco.

1993: Appearance on U.S. and Monaco Postage Stamps

In 1993, Grace Kelly appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, released in conjunction with a Monaco postage stamp featuring her image.

2003: Henley Royal Regatta Renames Women's Quadruple Sculls

In 2003, the Henley Royal Regatta renamed the Women's Quadruple Sculls the "Princess Grace Challenge Cup" in honor of Grace Kelly.

2004: Prince Albert Presents Prizes at Henley Royal Regatta

In 2004, Prince Albert presented the prizes at the Henley Royal Regatta.

2006: Wedding Dress Exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art

In 2006, the Philadelphia Museum of Art presented Grace Kelly's wedding dress in an exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of her marriage.

July 1, 2007: Commemorative Coins Issued

On July 1, 2007, €2 commemorative coins were issued to mark the 25th anniversary of Grace Kelly's death, bearing her image.

2008: Exhibition at the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation in Moscow

In 2008, an exhibition of Grace Kelly's life as Princess of Monaco was held at the Ekaterina Cultural Foundation in Moscow.

2009: Plaque on the "Rodeo Drive Walk of Style"

In 2009, a plaque was placed on the "Rodeo Drive Walk of Style" in recognition of Grace Kelly's contributions to style and fashion.

2010: Wedding described as media overkill

In 2010, Robert Lacey described Grace Kelly's wedding to Prince Rainier III as "the first modern event to generate media overkill". The wedding ceremonies and attire were meticulously planned, with the wedding dress being worked on for six weeks by dozens of dress makers.

2010: Retrospective Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum

In 2010, a retrospective exhibition of Grace Kelly's wardrobe was held at London's Victoria and Albert Museum.

2012: Childhood Home designated landmark

In 2012, Grace Kelly's childhood home was made a Pennsylvania historic landmark, and a historical marker was placed on the site.

2012: Victoria and Albert Museum Exhibition Continues in Australia

In 2012, the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition continued in Australia at the Bendigo Art Gallery.

2014: Nicole Kidman Portrays Kelly in "Grace of Monaco"

In 2014, Nicole Kidman portrayed Grace Kelly in the film "Grace of Monaco", directed by Olivier Dahan, receiving largely negative reactions.

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2016: Included on Forbes List of Fashion Icons

In 2016, Forbes included Grace Kelly on the list of 10 Fashion Icons and the Trends They Made Famous, recognizing her lasting impact on fashion.

2019: Planning Begins for Grace de Monaco Luxury Brand

In 2019, plans were initiated for the launch of Grace de Monaco, a luxury brand by the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, which later launched on July 15, 2021.

2019: Commemorative Postage Stamps Released

In 2019, the government of Monaco released three designs of commemorative postage stamps to mark the 90th anniversary of Grace Kelly's birth.

July 15, 2021: Launch of Grace de Monaco Luxury Brand and Fragrance

On July 15, 2021, the Princess Grace Foundation-USA launched Grace de Monaco, a luxury brand, along with their first fragrance named Promenade sur le Rocher.

2021: Elle Fanning's Golden Globes Gown Inspired by Grace Kelly

In 2021, actress Elle Fanning attended the 78th Golden Globe Awards wearing a mint-green Gucci gown designed by Alessandro Michele, inspired by Grace Kelly's gown worn at the 27th Academy Awards.

November 2022: Monnaie de Paris Issues Commemorative Coins

In November 2022, the Monnaie de Paris (Paris Mint) issued silver and gold coins to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Grace Kelly's death, with Prince Albert II's consent.

2025: Equivalent Salary Calculation

In September 1952, Grace Kelly signed a contract with MGM at a salary of $850 a week, equivalent to $10,305 in 2025, showcasing the relative value of her earnings at the time.