The Hitchcock Blondes, a group of actresses who starred in Alfred Hitchcock's iconic films, have left an indelible mark on cinema. But what happened to these legendary actresses after they left the director's spotlight? From Grace Kelly's royal departure to Tippi Hedren's animal activism, the stories of these women are as captivating as the films they starred in. In this article, we explore the lives and careers of the Hitchcock Blondes, reflecting on their impact and the paths they chose after leaving Hitchcock's world.
June Tripp: From Silent Films to Royal Divorces
June Tripp, one of the first Hitchcock Blondes, pioneered the role in the silent film "The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog." Her portrayal of Daisy, a woman who falls for a mysterious lodger suspected of being a serial killer, set the tone for the iconic Hitchcock Blonde. However, June's career took a backseat after her Hitchcock role, with a 16-year hiatus before her next on-screen appearance in "Forever and a Day." She went on to star in films like "A Song for Miss Julie" and "Les Misérables" before retiring from acting. June's personal life was as intriguing as her on-screen persona, with two marriages and a divorce, and a claim that she and her second husband, Edward Hillman, never lived together as "man and wife." June's life came to an end in 1985, at the age of 83.
Madeleine Carroll: From Hitchcock to Red Cross Nurse
Madeleine Carroll, the actress who first truly embodied a Hitchcock Blonde, starred in two of Hitchcock's films in the 1930s, "The 39 Steps" and "Secret Agent." Her icy portrayals of Pamela and Elsa Carrington / Mrs. Ashenden set the standard for the iconic Hitchcock Blonde. After her Hitchcock roles, Madeleine's career took off, with offers from major Hollywood projects. However, her life took an unexpected turn when her sister, Marguerite, was killed during the London Blitz. Madeleine paused her acting career to train as a Red Cross nurse, earning a Medal of Freedom for her work. She went on to star in films like "The Case Against Mrs. Ames" and "My Favorite Blonde." Madeleine's personal life was as colorful as her on-screen persona, with four marriages and a daughter with publisher Andrew Heiskell. She passed away in 1987, at the age of 81.
Ingrid Bergman: From Hitchcock to Triple Crown of Acting
Ingrid Bergman, the youngest performer to ever win the Triple Crown of Acting, worked with Alfred Hitchcock on three films, "Spellbound," "Notorious," and "Under Capricorn." During her time with the director, she played Dr. Constance Petersen, Alicia Huberman, and Lady Henrietta Flusky. Ingrid's career was already on the rise before her Hitchcock roles, with breakout roles in "Intermezzo" and "Casablanca." She went on to win three Academy Awards, two Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award, becoming one of the most influential actresses of all time. Ingrid's personal life was as dramatic as her on-screen persona, with three marriages and a scandalous affair with Roberto Rossellini that forced her to remain in Europe for several years. Her daughter, Isabella Rossellini, followed in her footsteps into acting, while her daughter Pia Lindstrom became a journalist, and her daughter Isotta Rossellini is an academic and writer.
Grace Kelly: From Hollywood to Monaco
Grace Kelly, the epitome of Hollywood glamour, starred in three of Alfred Hitchcock's films, "Rear Window," "Dial M for Murder," and "To Catch a Thief." Her portrayal of Lisa Fremont in "Rear Window" and Lila Crane in "Dial M for Murder" showcased her versatility as an actress. Grace's relationship with Hitchcock was close, and he helped mentor her career, leading to leading roles in films like "The Swan" and "High Society." However, her life took an unexpected turn when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956. Despite being at the height of her fame, Grace stepped back from acting to focus on her royal duties. She went on to have three children with Prince Rainier, and her life came to a tragic end in 1982 when she suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while driving with her daughter, Stephanie. She was taken off life support the following day, at the age of 52.
Kim Novak: From Hitchcock to Art and Retirement
Kim Novak, the star of "Vertigo," one of Hitchcock's greatest films, had a blossoming career before she was hired by the director. Her portrayal of Judy Barton in the film majorly increased her star power. However, her career eventually stalled, and she chose to leave Hollywood behind after a mudslide wiped her home off the map. She made the occasional film appearance but eventually called it quits on her acting career in 1991 after clashing with director Mike Figgis while starring in "Liebestraum." Kim, now aged 93, focuses on her art and has been married twice, firstly to actor Richard Johnson and secondly to equine vet Bob Malloy, who sadly passed away in 2020.
Eva Marie Saint: From Hitchcock to Voice Acting
Eva Marie Saint, the star of "North by Northwest," one of Hitchcock's most defining films, was already an established actress when she made her film debut in "On the Waterfront." Before her Hitchcock role, she had a career in TV, working on shows like "Suspense" and "One Man's Family." Despite being a major star of the time, Eva paused her career to spend time with her husband, Jeffrey Hayden, and their two children. She went on to star in films like "Exodus," "All Fall Down," and "Loving." Eva reintroduce herself to younger generations when she voiced an elderly Katara in "Avatar: The Legend of Korra." The actress, now aged 102, has retired from acting but remains the oldest living Academy Award winner.
Tippi Hedren: From Hitchcock to Animal Activism
Tippi Hedren, the star of "The Birds" and "Marnie," endured a difficult working relationship with Alfred Hitchcock. Despite enjoying her work on "Marnie," Tippi found the director too possessive and demanding. Her co-star, Diane Baker, later recalled that the director would prevent her from seeing anyone else while on set. After an explosive argument, the director stopped her from acting for two years, keeping her under contract without giving her any roles. She made her return in 1967's "A Countess from Hong Kong," which was Charlie Chaplin's final film. Tippi, now aged 96, is also known for her animal activism, and is the founder of the Roar Foundation. Her interest dates back to 1969 when she worked with African lions, and she now looks after numerous big cats. She has been married three times and is the mother of actress Melanie Griffith and the grandmother of Dakota Johnson.
