These three ladies each made a mark on the world, in their own distinct ways. Their appearance, lifestyles and backgrounds may be different, but each woman has this in common: The were strong and beautiful.
And they were Hollywood stars.
High Society: The Life of Grace Kelly
by Donald Spoto
In his biography of Grace Kelly, this bestselling author gives us an honest and accurate look at the life of one of hollywood’s most radiant stars.
From a shy young convent schoolgirl, to a poised actress who featured in eleven movies, Grace loved the challenge of acting. And the camera loved her face. Two of her most famous roles came in High Noon, and To Catch a Thief. She became one of Hollywood’s most talented actresses and an iconic beauty.
When Grace retired from acting at age twenty-six, to marry a European prince, she took on the greatest role of her life: the Princess of Monaco. Her life became a balancing act that was never easy. She eventually had to give up her dream of ever acting in movies again.
Spoto waited twenty-five years after her death to write this biography, at her request. It includes never before quoted interviews and details about her personal life from friends, colleagues and the famous director Alfred Hitchcock. This amazing glimpse allows us to see what actually lay behind what appeared to be her fairy-tale life. You can find the book here.
Enchantment: The Life of Audrey Hepburn
by Donald Spoto
When most people think of “Audrey” they think of elegance, grace and style. In this funny and deeply heartfelt biography, the intensely private Audrey is revealed and we are invited to fall in love with her all over again. I certainly did!
The author was given access to studio archives, friends and colleagues who knew and loved Audrey, and was able to provide an intimate and moving account of this beautiful, elusive and talented woman.
From a childhood in Nazi-controlled Holland during World War II to her years as a struggling ballet dancer, to starring in some of the most popular movies of the twentieth century, to working on behalf of UNICEF, Audrey lived an amazing life. She was a woman of tenderness, and strength learned through adversity.
Some of her most famous movies were Roman Holiday, Sabrina, Funny Face, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and My Fair Lady. She became a fashion icon and Hollywood sweetheart. But behind the glamor, the real Audrey was a different and deeper person and a woman who craved love and affection. You can find the book here. Another book I enjoyed which contains georgeous photos of the actress is, “Audrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon“.
Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland
by Gerald Clarke
Judy lived her life on stage, screen, and in real life, with highs that made history and lows that finally brought about her death at age forty-seven. Although she died over thirty years ago, no biography has so completely captured her spirit -and her struggles – until now.
Here presented in all her flawed glory, the author shows us the inside story of the cold-hearted businessmen who controlled so much of the Hollywood machine, and the people who helped her reach so many creative goals, and yet also sowed seeds of self-destruction, leaving her alone and hopeless after each fall.
From child performer to a vibrant screen career, here is Judy Garland in all her magic: the woman, the star, the legend. Although she never found the strength to overcome her demons, she was a brave, bold and beautiful woman in her own right.