Grace Kelly was born on 12 November 1929 to a wealthy family. In fact, her father was a successful Olympic athlete. From an early age Kelly showed an interest in acting. When she was 12, Kelly played the lead role in a play titled Don't Feed the Animals. When Kelly expressed a desire to pursue acting as a career, her father - expecting her to pursue something more 'meaningful' - was less than happy with her decision. In his eyes acting was 'a slim cut above streetwalker' (Wiki).
Despite family objections, Grace Kelly pursued her dream career of acting. She enrolled in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York where she excelled. Her professional acting career began on stage, the most notable role being her Broadway debut in Strindberg's The Father alongside Raymond Massey.
After her graduation, Grace Kelly came to the attention of Television producer, Delbert Mann. This meeting led to Kelly being cast in some sixty television shows. Her success on TV led to her first major motion picture role in 1951. She starred in the film Fourteen Hours. One day while Kelly was filming the movie, Gary Cooper happened to drop by. He was so impressed by her work that he chose to star alongside her in the film High Noon in 1951. Grace Kelly went on to star in several movies. She even won the Best Actress Oscar in 1954 for her role in The Country Girl.
At the age of 26 Grace Kelly retired from acting when she married Prince Rainier III. From then on she became known as Princess of Monaco. The royal couple had three children together: Caroline, Albert, and Stéphanie.
Grace Kelly, aka Princess Grace of Monaco, died on September 14 1982 as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident in the mountains of Monaco. Kelly suffered a stroke while driving and lost control of her car, driving it over a cliff. Miraculously her daughter, Stephanie, survived the accident.
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On 24 March 1993 Monaco and the USA released a joint issue stamp in remembrance of the death of Grace Kelly. The same design was used for both issues and the Engraver was Czeslaw Slania. Featured below is the stamp issued in Monaco.
This design, based on a photograph of Grace Kelly, is truly stunning. Slania has masterfully captured the softness of Kelly's face. This is further accentuated by the great choice of colour. This design is a truly fitting tribute to an amazing woman.
Until next time...
Stay Slania Crazy!
