Tracy and Hepburn in a promotional photo for Without Love.

Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003) and Spencer Tracy (1900–1967) were a legendary cinematic couple, both on- and off-screen. They starred in nine films together, and had an affair—an open secret in Hollywood—that lasted 26 years, ending only with Tracy's death.[1][2]

Allegedly when they first met, Hepburn said, "I fear I may be too tall for you, Mr. Tracy"[2][3] or possibly "You know, Mr. Tracy, I'm afraid I'm a bit too tall for you."[4] In one version, Tracy supposedly replied, "Don't worry, I'll cut you down to my size."[5] In another, Joseph L. Mankiewicz reportedly said, "Don't worry, Kate, he'll cut you down to size."[2][3][4]

They were initially cool to each other on their first production together, Woman of the Year, but that quickly dissipated, and within a week, they were calling each other Spence and Kate.[2] Hepburn fell in love with Tracy. A common myth is that as a Catholic, he would not divorce his wife. Under California law in effect at the time, however, his wife, Louise,[1] may have had grounds, but he did not. California did not adopt no fault divorce until January 1, 1970, after his death. (After Louise Tracy's death in 1983, Hepburn finally acknowledged their decades-long affair.[6]) The normally fiercely independent Hepburn accommodated herself to Tracy, including seeing him through his periodic alcoholic relapses.

Tracy died shortly after completing their last film together, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner.

Filmography

YearTitleRoles
TracyHepburn
1942Woman of the YearSam CraigTess Harding
1942Keeper of the FlameStephen O'MalleyChristine Forrest
1945Without LovePat JamiesonJamie Rowan
1947Sea of GrassCol. James B. "Jim" BrewtonLutie Cameron Brewton
1948State of the UnionGrant MatthewsMary Matthews
1949Adam's RibAdam BonnerAmanda Bonner
1952Pat and MikeMike ConovanPat Pemberton
1957Desk SetRichard SumnerBunny Watson
1967Guess Who's Coming to DinnerMatt DraytonChristina Drayton

Biographies about the pair

  • Tracy and Hepburn: an intimate memoir, by Garson Kanin
  • An Affair to Remember: The Remarkable Love Story of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy , by Christopher Andersen

References

  1. 1 2 Hugh Davies (July 12, 2003). "New Hepburn biography examines relationship with Tracy". The Daily Telegraph.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Katharine Hepburn & Spencer Tracy". People. February 12, 1996.
  3. 1 2 "Katharine Hepburn (obituary)". The Daily Telegraph. July 1, 2003.
  4. 1 2 Joseph L. Mankiewicz (2008). Joseph L. Mankiewicz: Interviews. Univ. Press of Mississippi. p. 178. ISBN 9781934110249.
  5. ↑ Ned Sherrin, ed. (2008). Oxford Dictionary of Humorous Quotations. OUP Oxford. p. 211. ISBN 9780199237166.
  6. ↑ Caryn James (June 30, 2003). "Katharine Hepburn, Spirited Actress, Dies at 96". The New York Times.
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