Before she was a princess, Grace Kelly was one of leading American film stars of the 1950s, dazzling in High Noon, Rear Window, and To Catch a Thief. She met Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1955, and when the pair married in 1956 she officially became Princess of Monaco, leaving her acting career behind (not unlike a more recent actress-turned-royal). Still, she remained committed to helping emerging artists throughout her life.
After her tragic death from a car accident in 1982, Prince Rainer III created a foundation in her name that would help American artists working in theater, dance, and film, providing them with scholarships, apprenticeships, and fellowships.
This year, the foundation is celebrating what would have been Princess Grace's 90th birthday. Current award winners include acclaimed playwright Tony Kushner, whose latest project is an anticipated remake of West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg.
Today, the foundation announces a new CEO, Brisa Trinchero, a two-time Tony Award winning Broadway producer. She replaces Toby Boshak, who has been at the foundation for more than two decades.
Trinchero says, “I'm honored to be guiding the Princess Grace Foundation USA into a new era, building upon the enduring legacy of Princess Grace and her commitment to excellence in theater, dance, and film. The Foundation has stewarded an extraordinary community of diverse and exceptional artists and arts patrons and I look forward to working with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, his family, and the esteemed board of directors to enhance the mission and impact of this important organization.”
Princess Grace's only son, His Serene Highness Prince Albert says of Trinchero's appointment, “For 37 years, the Foundation has honored my mother’s legacy by fulfilling her dream of supporting artists all across America. We look forward to strengthening her mission and securing an even brighter future with Brisa’s passion and vision at the helm.”
Liz Cantrell is the assistant to the Editor in Chief of Town & Country, covering arts and culture, and has previously written for Esquire.
