Friday Spotlight: Tracy & Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn was unlike any actress of her time. A fierce symbol of independence, she cultivated roles for strong female characters that were a reflection of her persona. Hepburn defied convention, making menswear fashionable, always speaking her mind and keeping her personal life private. A spirited woman poised with intelligence and charm, she lived life on her own terms as a woman much ahead of her time.

Spencer Tracy was the all-American actor known for his natural onscreen nature. He never seemed to be acting, and took to roles with a glorious simplicity unmatched in his day. A strong-minded man, he met his match when Katharine Hepburn introduced herself in 1941 on the set of Woman of the Year. This began their legendary love affair that mesmerized audiences on and off the screen for decades.

One of the most intriguing affairs in Hollywood history, Tracy and Hepburn’s 26-year romance was not confirmed to the media until after Tracy’s death in 1967. Tracy, a devout Catholic, remained married throughout their relationship, even though he and his wife lived separate lives. The couple was never seen in public together unless it was for press for a film, which amped up the intense curiosity surrounding their relationship. The public simply adored them and their movies.

From 1941 to 1967, the iconic couple made nine films together, capturing audiences’ hearts with natural chemistry and charm. Their familiarity and passion for each other translated to the screen effortlessly, most memorably in battle-of-the-sexes comedies that showcased Tracy’s laid back demeanor and Hepburn’s fiery persona.

To this day, many argue they have the greatest onscreen chemistry cinema has ever seen. From their first film, Woman of the Year, to their last one, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Spence and Kate never lost that special spark.

Two living legends, they gave the world an affair to remember. Most certainly unconventional and untraditional, Hepburn and Tracy’s relationship is a testament to the power of true love, in which Hepburn said it best:

“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get—only with what you are expecting to give—which is everything.”

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