The mother of Melanie Griffith, and the grandmother of Dakota Johnson, founded Roar Foundation nonprofit
Alfred Hitchock saw Nathalie Shedren in a 1961 advertisement for a diet beverage called Sego. He immediately thought the young model could become the next Grace Kelly.
Famous director Hitchcock offered Tippi Hedren a seven-year contract. Hitchcock ended their relationship after she made her film debut with “The Birds” in 1963.
The 91-year old said that he never dreamed of being an actress. He saw the commercial and was very happy for me. He was a great coach and had a lot of influence on my career.
Hedren said that Hitchcock made her a star by controlling her. Hitchcock, despite being an “artist”, had a dark side she described as “really awful”.
The actress recalled that Hitchcock would have an icy next conversation with her if she was talking to a male member from the cast or crew.
She added, “If he were talking to a group on the other side the soundstage his eyes would be focused on me.”
According to the outlet Hitchcock’s behavior towards Hedren deteriorated. According to the outlet, Hitchcock allegedly followed Hedren, drove past her home, and at one point, tried to kiss her in a limousine. This caused her to flee.
Hedren, who was a victim of 1964’s “Marnie”, refused to work again with Hitchcock. The outlet also shared. He made her sign the contract and she was barred from working with anyone for two years.
Hedren said, “He destroyed my career, but not my life.”
Hedren remained a passionate advocate for animal rights. She founded the Roar Foundation in 1983. This non-profit organization supports the Shambala Preservation in California.
Shambala’s website states that the big cats were taken from roadside zoos and individuals by authorities such as California Fish and Game and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. As they live their lives with dignity, understanding, and care, the animals receive proper nutrition, medical, and emotional care.
Hedren shared her 2020 story with Fox News that her passion for helping exotic felines is what has kept her going even during difficult times.
She said that she simply looked out her windows and “admire” the Shambala Preserve’s beauty. “There is nothing quite like the view from my dining-room window of Mona, a magnificent Bengal Tiger — walking across her compound.”
Hedren stated that the preserve is unable to host regular tours. This has put us under financial strain as all the beautiful residents must continue to eat and be cared. It is hard times right now for everyone, and I would be grateful for any help.
Hedren published her memoir in 2017 where she described her rise to stardom. She told Fox News in 2017 that Hitchcock’s complicated relationship was “a sad circumstance.” In 1980, he died at the age of 80.
She explained that there is nothing else to discuss. It was… sad. It was a fantastic, unforgettable time. It was my first film and I had never done one before. He saw a commercial and found out who and where I was. He quickly signed me up. It was amazing to find out that I would be appearing in a major motion movie. Alma and he were my drama coaches. It was amazing. Then he pulled that… card.”
She continued, “I wasn’t a young lady who fell off the vegetable tractor.” I was shocked that he would do this. I replied, “I’m not interested.” He continued to pursue it, and I finally said, “I’m not going fall for this.” He then said, “Well, you can’t.” Your daughter is now your responsibility, and your parents are becoming older. I replied, “They wouldn’t want me to do something that I don’t like.” I want to get rid of the contract.
He said, “I’ll ruin you career.” He made me sign a contract and refused to let me work. It was nothing more than a Hollywood nightmare. This is what was so terrible about it. It was just… it was a sad situation. It was just sad. Yet, life continues!
Despite the setbacks she suffered after her time with Hitchcock, Hitchcock insists that she has had an “incredible life.”
She said, “I look back on my life and realize how lucky I am to have had all the opportunities that were presented to me.” My sister and I were blessed with wonderful parents who taught us so many things about life and how we should hold ourselves high. There’s always a reason why something happens. It’s easy to tell when a situation isn’t right. Get out of that situation!
She shared that she was trying to convey the idea that if a door opens and you like what’s on the other side of it, you should walk through it. You can close the door if you don’t like what is on the other side. I have walked through many of these doors and shut many of them.
