Tippi Hedren’s Struggles with Director Alfred Hitchcock Unveiled by Dakota Johnson

During an episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Awards Chatter” podcast, Johnson, aged 32, disclosed that Hitchcock severely impacted Hedren’s career and subjected her to terror due to her refusal to engage in a romantic relationship with him.

Despite these challenges, Hedren remained steadfast in supporting her granddaughter as she ventured into the acting industry.

The renowned Fifty Shades of Grey actress emphasized her grandmother’s resilience, noting that Hitchcock orchestrated obstacles that hindered Hedren’s professional advancement, yet he evaded any repercussions for his actions.

Hedren, who is also the mother of actress Melanie Griffith, collaborated with Hitchcock on notable films such as The Birds in 1963 and Marnie in 1964.

In her memoir titled Tippi, released in 2016, the veteran actress, aged 91, detailed instances of s–ual assault by Hitchcock during the production of both movies.

She recounted enduring harsh conditions insisted upon by Hitchcock while filming a pivotal scene in the 1963 horror-thriller.

Hedren revealed that Hitchcock would surveil her residence using his driver and once made inappropriate advances towards her during their work on The Birds.

Additionally, she narrated an unpleasant encounter in a limousine where Hitchcock attempted to compel her to kiss him, describing it as a distressing experience.

She chose not to disclose the assaults at that time due to the absence of terms like “s–ual harassment” and “stalking” in the early 1960s.

The situation escalated when they collaborated on Marnie, with Hedren recalling an incident where Hitchcock intruded into her dressing room and behaved inappropriately, which she described as both s–ual and perverse.

Contrary to Hedren’s claims, actress Louise Latham, who co-starred with her in Marnie, expressed skepticism about the allegations, indicating that she did not witness any mistreatment by Hitchcock on set and believed Hedren’s portrayal of the director was inaccurate.

In an interview with NPR in 2016, Hedren highlighted how Hitchcock wielded his power to manipulate her career, preventing her from pursuing other opportunities in the industry.

Despite the hardships faced, Hedren conveyed to her daughter, Griffith, and granddaughter, Johnson, the importance of standing up against abuse and exploitation.

She shared that apart from the challenges, her experiences in Hollywood were largely positive.

Johnson reiterated the need to address power imbalances in all industries, emphasizing the importance of not tolerating such behavior.

Reflecting on her grandmother’s influence, she praised Hedren’s strength and elegance in handling adversity.

If you or someone you know has experienced s–ual assault, seek support from the National s–ual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org for assistance.