Grace Kelly’s Incredible Life from Old Hollywood Star to Princess

Grace moved to New York City in 1947 after gaining admission to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. At her father’s insistence, she lived at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, a residence known for housing ambitious young women pursuing careers in fields such as acting, writing, and modeling.

At the academy, Grace concentrated on acting technique and worked especially hard on her speech and voice. Her move to Manhattan gave her the independence she wanted while keeping her inside a carefully controlled environment. Acting jobs were still uncertain, however, so she soon discovered another way to support herself while waiting for her first real break.