Remembering That Trailblazing Firecracker Katharine Hepburn

Grave foto by Gary Firstenberg.

American actress Katharine Hepburn had a long and successful career in film and theater. Known for her intelligence, wit, and unconventional style, Hepburn won four Academy Awards, more than any other actress in history. She was also nominated for 12 other Oscars, and won numerous other awards, including four Golden Globes and a Tony.

This week Nevada Bob Gordon and his photographer Gary Firstenberg were in New England. One of their stops was the gravesite of Ms. Hepburn who was born in 1907 and lived into the 21st century, passing in late June 2003. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, she was the daughter of a doctor and a suffragette. 

Cate Blanchett played Ms. Hepburn in The Aviator, the DeCaprio film about Howard Hughes. You got a glimpse of the real Hepburn as well as the soil from which she spring.

A tomboy growing up, Hepburn loved sports and outdoor activities. She also loved to read and write.

She made her Broadway debut in 1928 when she was 21, and her film debut in 1932. She quickly became one of the most popular actresses in Hollywood, starring in some of the most iconic films of the 20th century, including "Morning Glory" (1933), "The Philadelphia Story" (1940), "The African Queen" (1951) and "On Golden Pond" (1981). (My dad very much disliked all the swearing in that last one.)

Hepburn was an independent spirit who was not afraid to speak her mind, often challenging the status quo. She was also a lifelong feminist and used her platform to advocate for women's rights.

Hepburn retired from acting in 1994, died in 2003 at the age of 96. She's remembered as one of the great actresses of all time. 

Here are seven quotes for today's take-away.

If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.

What in the world would we do without our libraries?

If you need a helping hand, you can find one at the end of your arm.

Everyone thought I was bold and fearless and even arrogant, but inside I was always quaking.

Acting is the most minor of gifts and not a very high-class way to earn a living. After all, Shirley Temple could do it at the age of four.

You politicians remain professional because the voters remain amateur.