Tippi Hedren | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 06, 2025

Who is Tippi Hedren?

Tippi Hedren is an iconic American actress and model, best known for her groundbreaking collaborations with legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. Born Nathalie Kay Hedren on January 19, 1930, in New Ulm, Minnesota, she initially pursued a modeling career, which quickly blossomed in the 1950s. Her striking beauty attracted attention, ultimately leading her to Hitchcock, who cast her in the leading roles of his classics "The Birds" and "Marnie." These films cemented her status as a Hollywood star and earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer, yet her professional relationship with Hitchcock became fraught with controversy due to his allegedly abusive behavior.

Beyond her film career, Hedren's passion for animal conservation led her to establish the Shambala Preserve in Southern California in the early 1970s as a sanctuary for rescued exotic cats. Her commitment to animal welfare continued with the founding of the Roar Foundation. Throughout her life, she has been recognized for her charitable efforts, receiving numerous awards from organizations like the ASPCA. Tippi Hedren remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, and her family legacy includes her daughter, actress Melanie Griffith, and granddaughter, Dakota Johnson, who have both made their marks in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Education

Nathalie Kay Hedren, famously known as Tippi Hedren, was born on January 19, 1930, in New Ulm, Minnesota. The daughter of a general store owner in nearby Lafayette, Tippi earned her endearing nickname, which means "little girl" in Swedish, during her early childhood. Her striking looks became apparent at a young age, and Tippi began her modeling career while still in high school, featuring in local advertisements and fashion shows. The failing health of her father prompted the family's relocation to Southern California, where they settled in San Diego.

After finishing high school at Huntington Park High School, Tippi pursued her passion for art at Pasadena City College. It was during this time that she garnered her first film role, albeit a brief one in The Petty Girl. Despite glimpses of success in acting, Hedren remained focused on her modeling career. In 1951, at the age of 21, she moved to New York City, where her modeling career flourished, quickly gaining prominence as she was featured on the covers of fashion magazines, setting the stage for her future in film.

Modeling and First Marriage

Tippi Hedren's modeling career took off soon after she graduated high school, during which she showcased her striking looks in various local advertisements and fashion shows. Leaving Minnesota behind, she moved to New York City in 1951, where her talent quickly caught the attention of major fashion magazines. By the early 1950s, Hedren was a successful model, gracing the covers of many prominent publications. In 1952, her personal life also intertwined with her professional pursuits when she married Peter Griffith, a young actor. Their marriage brought about the birth of their daughter, Melanie Griffith, in 1957, though by 1960, the couple had divorced.

Despite the end of her first marriage, Hedren's resolve to succeed only deepened. She returned to California with Melanie and focused on enhancing her career in the entertainment industry. Following her commercial success, she eventually caught the eye of famed director Alfred Hitchcock, who believed in her potential and signed her to a contract that would lead to her groundbreaking roles in his films. This pivotal transition from modeling to acting marked the beginning of Hedren’s climb to stardom, leading to major roles that would define her legacy in Hollywood.

Hitchcock Films and Troubles

Tippi Hedren’s career soared when she caught the attention of legendary director Alfred Hitchcock, who signed her to a seven-year contract after being mesmerized by her performance in a television commercial. He cast her in the iconic role of Melanie Daniels in the 1963 thriller The Birds. The film was not only a critical success but also a cultural phenomenon, propelling Hedren into the limelight and earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer. However, Hedren found herself caught in a turbulent relationship with Hitchcock, which would severely impact her career trajectory.

Despite the triumph of The Birds, the following project, Marnie (1964), revealed the darker side of their professional relationship. Hedren alleged that Hitchcock’s admiration turned into obsession, leading to a tumultuous dynamic that included harassment and intimidation. After rejecting Hitchcock's advances, Hedren endured bullying and was subjected to a "mental prison" as he attempted to sabotage her career. Ultimately, after a struggle for creative freedom, she managed to escape his tight grip when he sold her contract to Universal Studios in 1966, allowing her to reclaim her autonomy as an actress.

Films and TV Shows

Tippi Hedren's film career received a significant boost when she starred in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller "The Birds" (1963). This role established her as a prominent actress and earned her a Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer. Following the success of "The Birds," Hedren collaborated again with Hitchcock in "Marnie" (1964), but her experience on set was marred by the director's troubling behavior. Despite these challenges, she managed to navigate her way back into the industry after her departure from Hitchcock's influence, appearing in noteworthy projects.

In the years that followed, Hedren appeared in Charlie Chaplin's final film, "A Countess from Hong Kong" (1967), and continued to work steadily in television throughout the 1980s and "90s. She gained a loyal following through her roles in the daytime soap opera "The Bold and the Beautiful" and the critically acclaimed sitcom "Dream On." Additionally, she made guest appearances in popular television series like "Murder, She Wrote" and "Chicago Hope," showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Hedren's career continued to evolve with notable appearances in feature films such as "Pacific Heights" (1990), where she shared the screen with her daughter, Melanie Griffith. She also enjoyed a revival of interest in her work during the 2000s, with roles in films like "I Heart Huckabees" (2004) and "Free Samples" (2012). Alongside her film endeavors, she maintained an active presence on television, making appearances in series such as "CSI," "Raising Hope," and "Cougar Town," further solidifying her status as a beloved figure in both film and television.

Shambala Preserve and Roar Foundation

Tippi Hedren’s passion for wildlife led her to establish the Shambala Preserve in the early 1970s, a sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and protection of exotic cats. This endeavor was sparked by her visit to Africa in the late 1960s, where her love for these majestic creatures grew, and she became increasingly concerned about their exploitation in the entertainment industry. Located north of Los Angeles, the Shambala Preserve has since provided refuge to hundreds of rescued animals, allowing Hedren to combine her love for acting with her commitment to animal rights.

In addition to founding the Shambala Preserve, Hedren went a step further by launching the Roar Foundation to continue her lifelong mission of wildlife conservation. This non-profit organization not only advocates for the plight of big cats but also raises awareness about their decline in the wild due to habitat loss and poaching. Through her extensive work in animal welfare, Hedren has garnered numerous accolades from organizations like the ASPCA, reflecting her dedication and significant contributions to animal rescue and protection efforts.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Tippi Hedren's personal life has seen its share of ups and downs, characterized by three marriages and a close bond with her children. She first married actor Peter Griffith in 1952, but after their divorce in 1960, she focused on her burgeoning acting career while raising their daughter, Melanie Griffith. Melanie would go on to achieve her own stardom, becoming a prominent actress in Hollywood. Hedren played a crucial role in Melanie's upbringing, providing the support needed during both struggles and successes.

Following her marriage to Griffith, Hedren married Noel Marshall in 1964, with whom she produced the wildlife thriller Roar. Their partnership lasted until 1982, and during this time, they welcomed a strong commitment to animal conservation. Hedren's third marriage was to steel manufacturer Luis Barrenechea in 1985, which ended in divorce in 1995. Although she became engaged to veterinarian Martin Dinnes in 2002, that relationship also eventually concluded in 2008. Today, Hedren resides near her Shambala Preserve, dedicating herself to the animals she has rescued, while taking pride in her family's ongoing legacy in the entertainment industry, including her granddaughter Dakota Johnson.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary

Tippi Hedren, renowned for her significant contributions to both cinema and animal conservation, has built a multi-faceted career that has undoubtedly impacted her net worth over the years. While it is challenging to pinpoint her exact financial status due to fluctuating income from film and television roles, her earnings have been bolstered not just by her acting but also by her ventures into animal advocacy. Hedren’s early success in films, particularly with director Alfred Hitchcock in classics like "The Birds" and "Marnie," set the stage for her to command a respectable salary during her peak years in Hollywood.

Beyond her acting career, Hedren’s establishment of the Shambala Preserve and the Roar Foundation demonstrates her commitment to animal welfare, potentially enhancing her public profile and viability as a spokesperson for various charities. Through her philanthropic work, she has gained recognition, which may also correlate to her earning capacity. In addition to her film credits, her memoir and public appearances further allow her to maintain a source of income, showcasing a life dedicated to both artistic expression and the protection of animal species.

FAQs

Who is Tippi Hedren?

Tippi Hedren is an American actress and former model, renowned for her roles in Alfred Hitchcock's classic films 'The Birds" and "Marnie." Born on January 19, 1930, in New Ulm, Minnesota, she became a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 1960s and is also known for her philanthropic work with exotic cats.

What was Tippi Hedren's early career like?

Hedren began her career in modeling, quickly rising to prominence in New York City before transitioning to acting. Her big break came when Alfred Hitchcock discovered her in a commercial, leading to her iconic roles and a seven-year contract with him.

What challenges did Tippi Hedren face while working with Alfred Hitchcock?

During her collaboration with Hitchcock, Hedren faced significant challenges, including harassment and manipulation related to his advances. Despite the success of their films, her relationship with him became strained, leading her to ultimately refuse to work with him.

What has Tippi Hedren done for animal conservation?

Passionate about animal welfare, Hedren founded the Shambala Preserve in the early 1970s as a sanctuary for rescued exotic cats. She also established the Roar Foundation to further her conservation efforts, receiving accolades for her work in wildlife protection.

What is Tippi Hedren's family background?

Tippi Hedren was born Nathalie Kay Hedren and is the mother of actress Melanie Griffith. She has been married three times, with her personal life often intertwining with her professional endeavors in the film industry.

What recognition has Tippi Hedren received for her work?

Hedren received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003 for her contributions to the film industry. In addition, she has been honored by various animal welfare organizations for her lifelong dedication to the safety and protection of exotic wildlife.

When did Tippi Hedren publish her memoir?

Tippi Hedren published her memoir titled "Tippi: A Memoir" in 2016, where she shares insights about her life, including her experiences in Hollywood and her passion for animal conservation.