Since Ellis Island was first used as a checkpoint for Irish immigrants to America, Irish people from all walks of life have arrived to make a new life in the United States.
Through hardships and challenges, these men, women and children learned the ways of a new country and adapted… sometimes with amazing success.
As second generation Irish-Americans, the American dream was well within reach for the famous actress and politician on our list…they carved out lives that became a part of the history and popular culture.
Here is a look at two famous Irish-Americans:
Grace Kelly –
The icy blond appeal of the patrician Grace Kelly is truly iconic – her chiseled features, smooth golden hair, and willowy figure made her a timeless beauty and fashion role model for generations of women.
This Irish-American actress was born in Philadelphia. She was from a wealthy family that was also well-connected in the world of show business. Her father and brother were first-class athletes who earned medals in the Olympic Games.
After failing to gain admission to college because of poor mathematics results, Grace decided to study drama. Her parents were not enthused by her new career path, but she persevered and went on to perform on Broadway, on television and, most notably, on the silver screen.
Her roles in Hitchcock classics, such as Dial M for Murder, and Rear Window, cemented her fame, and, for a time, she became the eccentric director’s favorite muse. Her aloof beauty and refined manner were exactly what Hitchcock prized in his leading ladies.
In 1955, Grace Kelly met her future husband, Prince Rainier of Monaco – they both participated in a photo shoot at the Cannes Film Festival. This fateful meeting led to her fairytale wedding in 1956. She became a princess, and then began a family – Grace and Rainer had three children – Caroline, Albert, and notorious wild-child Stephanie. Princess Grace gave up her lucrative film career at Rainier’s urging, but sometimes missed acting in films.
Grace Kelly died tragically when she suffered a stroke while driving on the curving, treacherous roads of Monaco. Her daughter Stephanie was injured in the accident, but survived…
John F. Kennedy –
John F. Kennedy rose to become the first (and sole) Irish-American President Of The United States of America.
Born on May 29, 1917, JFK served in the military before becoming interested in politics. His father, Joseph Kennedy Sr., was instrumental in the shaping of his son’s political image.
John F. Kennedy won the 1960 presidential election, a tight race against Richard Nixon – at a mere 43 years old. As POTUS, he beseeched Americans to support America – “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”
Alongside his glamorous wife, Jackie (whose fashions and beauty caused a global sensation), Kennedy dealt with multiple crises (The Bay Of Pigs, The Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam) and founded The Irish-American Foundation with the help of former Irish President Eamonn de Valera.
In another terrible tragedy (this one cloaked in conspiracy), JFK was assassinated in Dallas November 22, 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald was arresting for the crime, but claimed he was framed. Oliver Stone’s film, JFK, took another look at the events leading up to that fateful day…
These are just a couple of examples of Irish-Americans who made a huge impact on the world…there are plenty more…
Are You Proud To Be Irish-American? Show Your Pride With A Shamrock Charm…
Irish-Americans (or anyone with Irish heritage) have a lot to be proud of…the Irish have contributed to the arts, to politics, and to poetry, literature, and music…showing your Irish pride is easy when you choose a lovely, enamel Shamrock charm for your charm bracelet.
Designed to fit onto a Tara’s Diary Starter Bracelet, this pretty charm is available in bright Kelly green, or a more unique, robin’s egg blue. This charm will also work with a Pandora bracelet…
Crafted by hand from affordable silver and high-grade enamel, this charm captures all the beauty and meaning of one of Ireland’s most recognizable symbols. The Shamrock is a symbol of the Holy Trinity – each of its three leaves represent the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…
Celebrate Ireland and your own ancestry…your charm bracelet will be an even greater reflection of who you are and where you come from…
For more great Irish jewelry ideas, visit our online jewelry store…