Grace Kelly Research Paper

The 1950s in the United States saw the end of World War 2, the rise of the civil rights movement, and the beginning of the soviet crisis. These events created a continually fluctuating environment in America. As a means of distraction from these events, American’s became a celebrity obsessed population. The increased access to televisions, movies, and current news “…fed a culture of celebrity-worship across the United States.” (MoMA: Museum of Modern Art) Some 1950s celebrities, like Grace Kelly, are still icons in the modern age. Grace Kelly’s humble beginnings, fast rise to stardom, and royal marriage to Prince Rainier III all contribute to her status as an icon of the 1950s. Coming from humble beginnings, Grace Patricia Kelly was born on November 12, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (PGFUSA) Grace had a busy, but normal childhood with well-known parents. Her father was an Olympic medalist, and her mother was an activist. (PGFUSA) Grace lived with her family in Philadelphia until she was 17 years old. Grace had a hard time deciding what direction she should take in her academic endeavors. (Robinson) Finally at barely 18 years old, Grace decided to leave home to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in her pursuit of a

One of Grace’s uncles was a somewhat famous playwright for a short period of time which “…opened some early doors for Grace.” (Robinson) Grace became a famous celebrity very quickly. Within a 5 year timeframe, Grace was able to work with various famous directors and actors which helped her gain immense exposure to the public. “Her strong performance in The Country Girl, for which She won the Academy Award in 1954, proved that Grace had not only become a glamorous movie star, but an outstanding actress.” (PGFUSA) In an extremely short amount of time, Grace was able to become a Hollywood sweetheart with the entire country following her every