Extraordinary Women

Positioning herself at the forefront of Chinese politics, first lady Madame Chiang Kai-Shek played a pivotal role in establishing her country’s position on the world stage. Educated in America, she was vital in attracting support from foreign powers during the Sino-Japanese War and World War II. But a scandalous affair nearly ended her career and threatened to destroy her reputation.

Her name is synonymous with luxury and style. But the early life of Coco Chanel was far from glamorous. Born into the poorhouse and abandoned in an orphanage, her steely ambition drove her to create an iconic, global fashion brand in a male dominated industry. But her success was marred by rumors of wartime collaboration with the Nazis and a string of disastrous love affairs.

Branded a gold digger, and even a Nazi-sympathizer, Wallis Simpson was a twice-divorced American who had already led a colorful life when she embarked upon one of the most talked-about marriages of the 20th century. In 1936, Edward VIII gave up the British throne to marry her. The couple were forced to live in exile and endure relentless snubs from the Royal Family for the rest of their lives.

Austrian born Hedy Lamarr burst onto the world stage mired in controversy. Her film Ecstasy was considered so racy it was condemned by the Pope. She moved to Hollywood where a string of romantic intrigues brought her to the attention of the scandal sheets. But she led a double life. Her hatred of Nazis drove her to invent a system that forms the basis of today’s wireless communication.

She became known as one of the most beautiful and celebrated actresses of Hollywood’s golden era. But the early life of Audrey Hepburn was deeply tragic. She endured the horrors of the Nazi-occupation in wartime Holland. Then after a string of iconic films, she dedicated herself to charity work, never forgetting her suffering during the war, or the humanitarian groups who saved her.

Her life was like a fairytale. But all fairytales have a dark side. Determined to impress her distant father, Grace Kelly threw herself into a modeling career before turning to acting, soon becoming a star. Her star rose even higher with her marriage to Prince Rainier of Monaco, but rumors plagued the relationship. Grace’s mysterious death brought a tragic end to the life of a Hollywood icon.