Who was Lee Radziwill? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Caroline Lee Radziwiłł, Caroline Lee Bouvier

Died At Age: 85

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Herbert Ross (m. 1988; div. 2001), Michael Temple Canfield (m. 1953; annulled 1962), Prince Stanisław Albrecht Radziwiłł (m. 1959; div. 1974)

father: John Vernou Bouvier III

mother: Janet Lee Bouvier

siblings: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, James Lee Auchincloss, Janet Auchincloss Rutherfurd

children: Anna Christina Radziwill, Anthony Radziwill

Socialites Interior Designers

Died on: February 15, 2019

City: New York City

U.S. State: New Yorkers

More Facts

education: Sarah Lawrence College, Miss Porter's School

awards: Knight of the Legion of Honour

Recommended For You

1

Where did Lee Radziwill live during her later years?

Lee Radziwill lived in New York City during her later years.
2

What was Lee Radziwill known for in addition to her famous family connections?

Lee Radziwill was known for her career as an interior decorator and socialite.
3

Did Lee Radziwill write any books during her lifetime?

Yes, Lee Radziwill wrote a memoir titled "Happy Times".
4

What fashion brands did Lee Radziwill collaborate with or work for?

Lee Radziwill worked as a brand ambassador for Giorgio Armani and other fashion houses.
5

Which famous events did Lee Radziwill attend during her lifetime?

Lee Radziwill attended events such as fashion shows, art exhibitions, and charity galas.

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Sarah Lawrence College

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Career

Lee Radziwill started her career as an actress in the 1960s. She starred as heiress Tracy Lord in the 1967 production of the play ‘The Philadelphia Story’. A year later, she got featured in the television adaptation of the movie Laura. After receiving negative reviews regarding her work, Radziwill ditched acting. She then began working as an interior designer. In 1972, she embarked on The Rolling Stones American Tour along with Truman Capote. The following year, she asked documentary filmmakers The Maysles Brothers to make a movie on the Bouvier family. The film, ‘Grey Gardens,’ was released in 1976 and went on to become a masterpiece in the documentary genre. In 2006, the documentary was adapted as a musical of the same name.

For some years, Lee Radziwill also served as a public relations executive for the famous designer Giorgio Armani.

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Personal Life

Lee Radziwill was born as Caroline Lee Bouvier on March 3, 1933 in Southampton, New York, USA to stockbroker John Vernou Bouvier III and his wife Janet Norton Lee. She was raised alongside her older sister, Jacqueline, who later went on to marry the future President John F. Kennedy. Radziwill’s father, who was known as “Black Jack,” was a womanizer and a heavy drinker. His bad habits resulted in his broken marriage with Radziwill’s mother. However, he was extremely affectionate toward his daughters and always encouraged them to work hard to achieve the best.

Lee Radziwill studied at the famous boarding school, Miss Porter's. Following her parents’ divorce, her mother went on to marry Hugh D. Auchincloss. Through their marriage, Radziwill got two half-siblings and three stepsiblings.

Coming to the her love life, she first married Michael Temple Canfield in 1953. The couple divorced in 1959 and their marriage was annulled in 1962. After this, Radziwill married Prince Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwill on March 19, 1959 and became Princess Stanislaw Albrecht Radziwiłł. They had two kids, Princess Christina and Prince Anthony, before ending their marriage in 1974. In September 1988, Radziwill became the second wife of film director Herbert Ross. The couple divorced shortly before Ross’ death in 2001.

Lee Radziwill died on 15 February 2019, at the age of 85, in her New York home.

Facts About Lee Radziwill

Lee Radziwill was known for her impeccable sense of style and was considered a fashion icon in the 1960s.

She was a talented interior decorator and had a keen eye for design, often creating elegant and sophisticated spaces.

Radziwill was fluent in several languages, including French, Italian, and Spanish, which allowed her to easily navigate different cultures and social circles.

She had a passion for travel and adventure, often jet-setting around the world to explore new destinations and immerse herself in different cultures.

Radziwill was a respected author and wrote several books, showcasing her wit and intelligence beyond her socialite status.

Lee Radziwill Biography

You wanted to know

Where did Lee Radziwill live during her later years?

What was Lee Radziwill known for in addition to her famous family connections?

Did Lee Radziwill write any books during her lifetime?

What fashion brands did Lee Radziwill collaborate with or work for?

Which famous events did Lee Radziwill attend during her lifetime?