Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907, in Hartford, Connecticut. She was the second of six children in a highly educated and progressive family. Her father, Thomas Norval Hepburn, was a urologist at Hartford Hospital, and her mother, Katharine Martha Houghton Hepburn, was a feminist campaigner. Her upbringing was unconventional, encouraging her to speak her mind.

Katharine Hepburn made her first significant film appearance in the movie 'A Bill of Divorcement,' which premiered on December 26, 1932. The film was directed by George Cukor and also starred John Barrymore and Billie Burke. Hepburn's performance as Sydney Fairchild caught the attention of critics and audiences, marking the start of her long and illustrious film career.

On November 17, 1933, Katharine Hepburn received the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film 'Morning Glory.' It was her first Oscar win and came early in her career, establishing her as a leading actress in Hollywood. In 'Morning Glory,' she portrayed Eva Lovelace, an aspiring actress determined to succeed in the theater world.

'The Philadelphia Story,' one of Katharine Hepburn's most renowned films, was released on June 29, 1940. In this film, Hepburn played Tracy Lord, a wealthy socialite whose wedding plans are complicated by the simultaneous arrival of her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter. The film was a critical and commercial success, reinforcing Hepburn's status as one of the leading actresses of her time.

On December 23, 1951, 'The African Queen' was released, featuring Katharine Hepburn alongside Humphrey Bogart. Directed by John Huston, the film was set during World War I and followed the journey of a riverboat captain and a missionary sister navigating dangerous waters to attack an enemy warship. Hepburn's role as Rose Sayer earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

Katharine Hepburn won her second Academy Award for Best Actress on April 10, 1968, for her role in 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.' In this landmark film, Hepburn portrayed Christina Drayton, a mother dealing with her daughter's interracial engagement. The film was groundbreaking in its approach to themes of race and society. Hepburn's powerful performance was widely praised.

Katharine Hepburn was awarded the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 'The Lion in Winter,' receiving the award on March 25, 1969. This film featured Hepburn as the cunning and articulate wife of King Henry II, played by Peter O'Toole. Her strong performance in this historical drama was instrumental in her record four acting Oscars.

On March 31, 1982, Katharine Hepburn won her fourth Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in 'On Golden Pond,' making her the only actress to have won four Academy Awards for acting. In the film, she portrays Ethel Thayer, a woman dealing with family dynamics and aging alongside her husband, played by Henry Fonda. Her performance was lauded as one of her best.

Katharine Hepburn passed away on June 29, 2003, at her home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. She was 96 years old. Hepburn left behind a remarkable legacy as one of America's most beloved and celebrated actresses, known for her fierce independence, spirited personality, and remarkable career spanning over six decades. Her death marked the end of an era in Hollywood history.