Nathalie Kay Hedren, popularly known as Tippi Hedren, stands as a legendary figure in the annals of Hollywood, renowned not only for her iconic roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s thrillers but also for her extensive career spanning various genres including indie films, soap operas, and popular sitcoms.
Born in 1930 in Minnesota, Hedren embarked on her career initially as a model, gracing the advertising campaigns of Dayton’s department store and later appearing on the covers of prominent magazines like Glamour and Life. Her striking presence and modeling success in New York City led to her discovery by Hitchcock, who cast her in the 1963 horror classic, “The Birds,” marking her major film debut.
Hedren’s contributions to the film industry have been significant, earning her the 1964 Golden Globe for Most Promising Newcomer following her performance in “The Birds.” Her collaboration with Hitchcock continued with the 1964 film “Marnie,” a psychological thriller where she played a troubled thief, opposite Sean Connery. Despite the professional highs, Hedren experienced considerable challenges, including a contentious relationship with Hitchcock who, she revealed, threatened her career when she rebuffed his advances—a situation that significantly impacted her career opportunities.
Beyond the silver screen, Hedren is a celebrated animal rights activist. Her passion for animal welfare was ignited during the filming of “Satan’s Harvest” in Africa in 1969. Alongside her second husband, Noel Marshall, Hedren founded The Roar Foundation and established the Shambala Preserve in California, a sanctuary primarily for big cats, which has been a pivotal part of her life’s work. The preserve was also the backdrop for the 1981 film “Roar,” produced by Marshall and starring Hedren, which became notorious for its perilous interactions with the large cats during production.
Hedren’s personal life has seen its share of public interest, highlighted by her three marriages. She first married actor and advertising executive Peter Griffith in 1952, with whom she had her daughter, actress Melanie Griffith. After their divorce, she married Noel Marshall in 1964, and later, Luis Barrenechea in 1985, with whom she stayed until 1995. In 2002, she was engaged to veterinarian Martin Dinnes; however, their relationship ended after six years.
Tippi Hedren’s enduring influence is underscored by multiple awards recognizing her dedication to animal welfare, including The Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Annual Humane Award, the Founder’s Award from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Lion and Lamb Award from Wildhaven.
Her legacy is further cemented by her family ties to Hollywood; she is the mother of Melanie Griffith and grandmother of Dakota Johnson, both of whom have followed in her footsteps to become significant figures in the entertainment industry.
