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An Uncommon Woman: Katharine Hepburn

Actress Katharine Hepburn was known for her strong, independent spirit. Her acting career of multiple decades included stage, film, and television work. Katharine Hepburn was an actress who strived to deliver her best performance with each project. Her unique presence and style on film made her an enduring actress whose work continues to be enjoyed by generations.

In 1907, Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born in Hartford, Connecticut. She was born into a wealthy family; her father was a successful physician. Katharine's determined mother worked to give women the right to vote. Throughout her childhood, intellectual curiosity and a positive attitude were instilled in Katharine. This athletic, spirited young woman became interested in acting during her time at Bryn Mawr College. After graduating, she worked on the Broadway stage in a variety of roles. Soon, a play entitled, A Warrior's Husband, brought her to the attention of Hollywood.

Katharine Hepburn's film work began with the 1932 production called A Bill of Divorcement. The popularity of the film earned her a contract and she went on to act in several more films in the next few years. Some of those films include Little Women, Alice Adams, and Morning Glory. She won an academy award for her work in Morning Glory in 1933. As Katharine Hepburn was experiencing success on film, her independent nature began to clash with the dictates of Hollywood during that era. For instance, she wore slacks and little make-up at a time when actresses were expected to look their formal best at all times. She was also an actress who freely spoke her mind. After a few poorly received films, Katharine made a successful new beginning with a 1940 film entitled, The Philadelphia Story.

Katharine Hepburn had a long-term relationship with Spencer Tracy who she worked with in films such as Adam's Rib and Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? They never married. The actress continued to work for years on stage and in film. In the 1970s and 80s she landed some television roles as well. She went on to write a book about her life entitled, Me: Stories of My Life published in 1991. A whole new generation of film fans had the opportunity to see Katharine Hepburn's acting work in a movie called, Love Affair, in 1994. She died in 2003 at the age of 96.