Two Paths to Stardom
In the glittering world of mid-20th century entertainment, two women from vastly different backgrounds forged an unlikely but enduring friendship. Grace Kelly, the Philadelphia-born Hollywood star turned Princess of Monaco, and Josephine Baker, the Missouri-raised entertainment pioneer who became the toast of Paris, shared a bond that would last until Josephine Baker’s final days.
The First Meeting: A Spark of Connection
Their paths first crossed in 1951 when Grace Kelly, then a rising Hollywood actress, visited Paris. Josephine Baker was already a legendary performer who had broken racial barriers in Europe. Despite their different backgrounds – Grace from Philadelphia’s social elite and Josephine from the segregated American South – they formed an immediate connection based on mutual admiration and shared values.
Breaking Boundaries: Two Revolutionary Women
Both women were trailblazers in their own right. Josephine had fled American racism in the 1920s, finding fame in France where she became the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture (1927’s Siren of the Tropics). Grace challenged Hollywood conventions by walking away from stardom at her peak to become Princess Grace of Monaco in 1956.
A Shared Vision of Equality
What bound these women together was more than their celebrity status. Both were committed to fighting discrimination. Josephine had long refused to perform for segregated audiences, while Grace quietly supported civil rights causes throughout her career. Their friendship itself was a statement against the prejudices of their time.
I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents. And much more. But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee, and that made me mad. And when I get mad, you know that I open my mouth. And then look out, ’cause when Josephine opens her mouth, they hear it all over the world.
Josephine Baker
The Monaco Connection
When Grace Kelly became Princess Grace, she didn’t forget her friend. Instead, their bond grew stronger. The Princess of Monaco used her position to support Josephine’s career and causes, attending her shows and hosting her at palace events. This public support from European royalty gave Josephine Baker additional credibility in her ongoing fight for civil rights.
Standing Together in Crisis
The true depth of their friendship became evident in 1969 when Josephine faced financial ruin. Having spent much of her fortune supporting civil rights causes and adopting twelve children (her Rainbow Tribe), Josephine was nearly homeless. It was then that Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III stepped forward, offering Josephine Baker a villa in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, near Monaco.
It was the natural thing to do. When a friend is in need, you help. Josephine has given so much to the world; it was time for the world to give something back to her.
Grace Kelly
The Villa Maryvonne
The property, known as Villa Maryvonne, became Josephine’s sanctuary. This wasn’t just charity – it was a friend helping a friend. Grace ensured Josephine had the means to support herself and her children, arranging performances in Monaco and helping to organize a triumphant career comeback.
A Return to the Stage
With Grace Kelly’s support, Josephine Baker mounted a successful return to performing, including a celebrated retrospective revue at the Bobino Theater in Paris. The Princess of Monaco was instrumental in securing financial backing and publicity for these performances, which helped restore Josephine’s finances and reputation.
Their relationship went beyond patronage. They shared private moments, family celebrations, and supported each other’s charitable causes. Grace became a godmother to one of Josephine’s adopted children, demonstrating the personal nature of their bond.
Princess Grace gave me the strength to continue at a time when I thought I couldn’t go on. She was not just a friend, she was a real sister to me.
Josephine Baker
The Final Curtain
Their friendship continued until Josephine Baker’s death in 1975, just days after her triumphant comeback performance at the Bobino. Grace was among the last people to visit Josephine before her passing and helped arrange her funeral, which was attended by more than 20,000 people.
Josephine was not just a great artist, but a great woman with an extraordinary heart who helped make the world a better place.
Grace Kelly
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The bond between Grace Kelly and Josephine Baker was more than a footnote in entertainment history – it was a powerful example of how friendship can transcend social barriers and create meaningful change. Their relationship demonstrated the power of personal connections to challenge societal norms and support those fighting for equality.
Their story reminds us that true friendship knows no boundaries of race, class, or status. In an era when such relationships were rare and often discouraged, Grace Kelly and Josephine Baker showed that authentic human connection could overcome society’s artificial barriers. Their legacy continues to inspire and challenge us to examine our own relationships and actions in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.
The important thing is to help others where you can and have faith in humanity. That’s something Josephine taught me.
Grace Kelly
