10 fun and interesting Katharine Hepburn facts

1. One of the most iconic actresses of all time

Katharine Hepburn, one of the most iconic actresses of all time, was born on May 12, 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut. She was born into a prominent family, with her father being a prominent doctor and her mother a suffragette and a strong advocate for women's rights. She was the second of six children and was raised in a progressive household that encouraged her to pursue her dreams. She went on to become one of the most celebrated actresses of the 20th century, winning four Academy Awards and numerous other awards throughout her career.

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2. A Passion for Sports, the Arts

Katharine Hepburn was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying both tennis and golf. She also had a passion for art, and her oil paintings were so highly regarded that in 2004, they were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Her works of art were a testament to her creative spirit and her love of the arts.

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3. A Pioneer Who Refused to Be Constrained

Katharine Hepburn was a trailblazer who refused to be constrained by society's expectations of women. She was headstrong and spirited, and she followed her own path, doing whatever she felt was right, regardless of what others thought. She was a true pioneer, paving the way for generations of women to come.

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4. Legendary Performer Wins Four Academy Awards

Katharine Hepburn is a legendary performer who has won an impressive four Academy Awards for Best Actress in a Film. Her first award was for her role in the 1933 movie Morning Glory, and it would take an incredible 34 years before she won her next Oscar for her performance in Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. She went on to win two more Academy Awards for her roles in On Golden Pond and The Lion In Winter, cementing her place as one of the most talented actresses of all time.

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5. Katharine Hepburn, 94, makes final film appearance

In 1994, Katharine Hepburn made her final film appearance in the romantic drama Love Affair. The movie, which starred Annette Bening and Warren Beatty, was a remake of the 1939 classic of the same name. Hepburn played the role of a wise and witty grandmother who helps the two main characters find their way back to each other. Her performance was praised by critics and audiences alike, and she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role.

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6. 25 Years of Friendship: Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy

Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy were more than just co-stars; they were companions for over 25 years. The two first met on the set of Woman of the Year in 1942 and went on to star in nine films together, including Adam's Rib, Pat and Mike, and Desk Set. Their relationship was kept largely private, but it was clear to those around them that they had a deep and lasting bond.

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7. The Highest-Paid Young Actress on Broadway

In 1932, Katharine Hepburn made history by becoming the highest-paid young actress on Broadway, earning an unprecedented $1,500 a week. This was an extraordinary sum of money for the time, and it marked a major milestone in the career of the legendary performer.

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8. An outspoken atheist

Katharine Hepburn was an outspoken atheist, famously declaring that she did not believe in a higher power. She was known for her strong opinions and her refusal to conform to societal norms, and her atheism was no exception. She was a vocal advocate for the separation of church and state, and she often spoke out against religious dogma. Her atheism was a major part of her identity, and she was unapologetic about it.

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9. Iconic Actress Katharine Hepburn Dies at 96

Katharine Hepburn, the iconic actress, passed away on June 29, 2003 at the age of 96 in her family home in Connecticut. Her final resting place is the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford, where she was laid to rest in her family plot.

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10. Iconic actress Katharine Hepburn's final request honored

Katharine Hepburn, the iconic actress who had a long and successful career in film, requested that upon her death there be no memorial service. Her wishes were respected, but to honor her legacy, the lights of Broadway were dimmed for one minute during her burial service. This was a fitting tribute to her impact on the film industry, and a reminder of her lasting influence on the world of cinema.