Hollywood star Tippi Hedren 'unable to remember career' after dementia diagnosis

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By Asiya Ali

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Hollywood icon Tippi Hedren is reportedly battling dementia and "can't remember her career," according to representatives.

The 94-year-old actress, who initially started out as a model, rose to fame after starring as Melanie Daniels in Alfred Hitchcock's 1963 masterpiece The Birds, which focuses on a series of sudden and unexplained violent bird attacks on the people of Bodega Bay, California, over a few days.

Hedren was heavily praised for her role as she won a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year, and even starred in the late filmmaker's 1964 psychological drama Marnie, acting alongside Sean Connery.

The veteran actress is the mother of Melanie Griffith, whom she shared with advertising executive Peter Griffith, and is a grandmother to Jesse Johnson, Alexander Bauer, Stella Banderas, and Fifty Shades of Grey actress Dakota Johnson.

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Tippi Hedren rose to fame after starring as Melanie Daniels in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds, Credit: Bettmann / Getty

According to the Daily Mail, Spanish journalist Gustavo Egusquiza reported that he learned of Hedren's dementia diagnosis after he requested an interview with her.

In response, her team said the actress "is no longer able to be interviewed due to health reasons," explaining: "She has dementia, and is unable to remember her career at all," as cited by the outlet. "She just turned 94, so unfortunately, time has taken its toll," they added.

Egusquiza described the news - which was first reported in Spanish publications on Tuesday (February 27) - as "devastating news for Tippi Hedren’s fans worldwide".

"Unfortunately, her agent confirmed to me that Tippi is dealing with dementia and is unable to remember her career. It is a difficult situation for her and her family," he added to the publication.

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Hedren with her granddaughter Dakota Johnson at the premiere of Amazon Studios Suspiria in 2018. Credit: David Livingston / Getty

The retired actress, who was honored for her work with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2003, celebrated turning 94 in January, with her daughter posting a sweet tribute.

"Yesterday Mom aka MorMor turned 94!! Always up for a party! Happy Birthday, Mama Tippi," the 66-year-old Working Girl actress penned on Instagram.

Alongside the birthday wishes, Melanie shared a snap of her mom donning a pink cardigan and beaded necklace. In the second, she was also enjoying some cake while wearing a pair of novelty glasses emblazoned with 'cake time!'.

Throughout the years, The Birds actress maintained a close relationship with her daughter, even sharing the screen with her several times.

When the Lolita star was awarded the timeless beauty award at the 2nd Annual Hollywood Beauty Awards in Los Angeles in 2016, she dedicated the recognition to her famous mother.

"Really, I would like to say that this should be for my mom, who’s right there," she told the audience, per PEOPLE. "She is the timeless beauty. So Mom, I’m going to take this on your behalf. I love you."

Melanie also told The Hollywood Reporter during a 2017 interview with Hedren, Dakota, and her ex-husband, Don Johnson, that her mother's experiences inspired her, sharing:  "She became an example of what to never let happen in my life. Hopefully, I've passed that on to Dakota - to be strong in your work and in yourself."

Featured image credit: Greg Doherty / Getty