Tippi Hedren Movies: A Look at 'The Birds' Star Through the Years

Tippi Hedren movies have captivated audiences for more than 60 years. Her name is synonymous with elegance and grace, and the actress has made her mark on the silver screen with her captivating performances.

Born Nathalie Kay Hedren on January 19, 1930, in New Ulm, Minnesota, Hedren's path to stardom was unconventional.

Hedren was working as a New York fashion model when she married her first husband, former actor Peter Griffith in 1952 (they divorced in 1961). She gave birth to her only child, future star Melanie Griffith, on August 9, 1957.

Tippi Hedren's early years

Alfred Hitchcock discovered Hedren in a commercial and cast her in the famous movie The Birds (1963). Her performance in the film earned her the Golden Globe award. Her next film was playing the title role in Hitchcock's Marnie (1964), where she played a challenging and difficult role of a frigid, habitual thief. The film wasn't as big a hit as The Birds, and her professional relationship with Hitchcock ended with mutual bitterness and disappointment.

Hedren married her agent, Noel Marshall in 1964 (they divorced in 1982). Together, they collected big cats and other wildlife for the film Roar (1981), which they starred in and produced. The film took 11 years and $17 million to make, but it only made $2 million worldwide. However, the film was a turning point in Heden’s life; she became actively involved in animal rights, as well as a wide variety of humanitarian and environmental causes.

In 1985 Hedren married her third husband, businessman Luis Barrenecha (they divorced seven years later). In 2002, she became engaged to veterinarian Martin Dinnes, but after six years and no wedding, the couple called it quits.

Hedren has devoted much of her life to charitable causes. Today, at age 93, she is still active in philanthropy and enjoys spending time with her daughter, actress Melanie and her granddaughters Dakota Johnson and Stella Banderas.

Here, a look back at Tippi Hedren movies through the years.

1. The Birds (1963)

Tippi Hedren movies started with her breakthrough role in Alfred Hitchcock's psychological horror-thriller, The Birds. Released in 1963, the film showcased Hedren in the role of Melanie Daniels, a socialite who finds herself in a small coastal town where birds inexplicably turn violent. Hedren's nuanced portrayal earned her critical acclaim, and the movie became a classic in the suspense genre.

The Birds stands as a testament to Hedren's ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously. The film's success catapulted her into stardom, but it also marked the beginning of a complex relationship with Hitchcock.

Related: The Best Movies of 1963: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of the Top Films Turning 60!

2. Marnie (1964)

Following the success of The Birds, Hitchcock cast Hedren in Marnie, a psychological thriller released in 1964. The film delves into the life of Marnie Edgar, a young woman with kleptomania and a troubled past. Hedren's performance received mixed reviews, as the film's subject matter and Hitchcock's direction raised eyebrows. Sean Connery played the role of Mark Rutland, a wealthy businessman and Marnie's employer.

3. A Countess from Hong Kong (1967)

Directed by Charlie Chaplin, A Countess from Hong Kong featured Hedren alongside Marlon Brando. Released in 1967, this romantic comedy-drama revolves around a stowaway countess. While not a major commercial success, the film has gained recognition for its legendary director and cast.

Related: Marlon Brando Young : A Look Back at the Hollywood Bad Boy of the ’50s and ’60s

4. Roar (1981)

While Hedren's career experienced a lull in the 1970s, she returned to the big screen in 1981 with Roar, a unique film that marked a departure from mainstream cinema. Directed by her then-husband Noel Marshall, the film is a family adventure centered around a man living with untamed animals in Africa. It also starred her daughter, Melanie Griffith.

5. Pacific Heights (1990)

Tippi Hedren movies continued in the 1990's film Pacific Heights in which she played opposite her daughter Melanie Griffith. Michael Keaton was also part of the cast in this psychological thriller. The movie explored the dark side of renting out property, with Hedren adding a layer of intrigue to the storyline.

6. I Heart Huckabees (2004)

The independent black comedy film I Heart Huckabees was directed and produced by David O. Russell. This existential comedy, follows a pair of detectives (played by Dustin Hoffman and Lily Tomlin), hired to investigate the meaning of the life of their clients. This all-star cast included not only Tippi Hedren, but also Jude Law, Jason Schwartzman, Mark Wahlberg, and Naomi Watts.

7. Dead Write (2007)

Dead Write is a drama directed by Michael Connell and starring Rachel Hunter, June Squibb and Tippi Hedren. The movie is about a mentally unstable woman who drives her husband to infidelity and catches him in the act.

8. Return to Babylon (2013)

The movie Return to Babylon is a 2013 black-and-white film about the silent film era. It was directed by Alex Monty Canawati. It stars an impressive cast including Jennifer Tilly,  Ione Skye, Debi Mazar and Tippi Hedren.

9. The Ghost and the Whale (2017)

This movie stars Monica Keena as Dr. Sweetie Jones, Tippi Hedren as Tippi, and Jonathan Pryce as Whale. The movie takes place in the town Bodega Bay. A man goes to sea with the love of his life and returns alone. The mystery deepens when the man is exonerated in her disappearance, while a reporter stirs the pot of suspicion and the wrath of a vengeful family.

For more Hollywood legends, click through the links below!

19 Doris Day Movies That Show Just How Talented the Starlet Really Was

John Wayne Movies: 17 of The Duke’s Greatest Films, Ranked