Katherine Hepburn: A Hollywood Icon

Early Life

• Progressive Upbringing

  • Parents were progressive, supported women's suffrage.
  • Mother took her to demonstrations.
  • Encouraged her tomboy nature; called herself 'Jimmy'.

• Tragedy

  • Brother Tom's suicide at age 15 deeply affected her.
  • Family was in denial about the nature of his death.
  • Became anxious and distrustful of others.

College and Early Career

• College Life

  • Initially awkward and self-conscious.
  • Joined a drama group, played lead roles.
  • Started relationship with Ludo Ogden Smith.

• Theater Struggles

  • Multiple failed theater roles and firings.
  • Married Ludo Ogden Smith; marriage was brief.
  • Continued pursuing acting despite setbacks.

Breakthrough and Stardom

• First Big Break

  • 1932 role in 'The Warrior's Husband' led to positive reviews.
  • A scout from RKO Studios noticed her; led to screen tests.

• Hollywood Debut

  • Demanded high salary for 'A Bill of Divorcement'.
  • Received long-term contract with RKO after successful debut.
  • Won first of four Oscars within two years.

Personal Life

• Romantic Relationships
  • Scandalous love affair with married director John Ford.
  • Brief marriage to Ludo Ogden Smith; brief relationship with Howard Hughes.
  • Long-term affair with Spencer Tracy, who never left his wife due to religious reasons.

Career Resurgence

• Philadelphia Story

  • Starred in the successful play and its film adaptation.
  • Gained creative control over the adaptation.
  • Post-1938 career rejuvenated with the film's success.

• Woman of the Year

  • Starred with Spencer Tracy; marked beginning of their significant relationship.
  • Their chemistry led to multiple film pairings.

Later Life and Legacy

• Controversies and Speculations

  • Rumors about her sexuality and her relationship with Spencer Tracy.

• Continued Success

  • Remained relevant into old age.
  • Took up Shakespeare and other serious roles.

• Final Years

  • Stepped back to care for ailing Spencer Tracy in the 1960s.
  • Won third Oscar for 'The Lion in Winter'.
  • Lived actively well into her 80s, played tennis daily, took up painting.

• Death and Legacy

  • Suffered from pneumonia and dementia in final years.
  • Passed away in 2003 at her family home in Fenwick, Connecticut.
  • A celebrated figure for her talent, individuality, and groundbreaking career.