Being Katharine Hepburn: A Star's Unique Take on Life
An actress that enjoyed her career and made an impression on many
Not related to Audrey Hepburn; just a coincidental last name
A Hollywood winking reference to two unrelated stars
Who made lasting impacts in the world of cinema for different reasons
Known for being a cinematic pioneer who broke the rules
Took big risk onscreen that either paid off or failed miserably
Went through a period as being labelled "box office poison"
Found a way to rise from the ashes of commercial disappointment
Developed a newfound relevance and ability that went beyond
Simply being a cute and plucky ingenue due to inexperienced youth
Now, a seasoned vet with scores of films under her belt
A survivor of societal conventions that tried to force her into a box
Making her a wife when she had no desire to be one
Too bold of a personality to be domesticated by married life
That marriage failed due to the strain of neither party conforming
Turned to the craft that gave her the most joy and longevity
A four time Academy Award winning actress and critical darling
Always brought a memorable presence onto the big screen
Even in films that were less than perfect motion pictures
Hollywood tried to fit her into a generic mold meant for others
Starlets who were prim and proper by toeing the line
Doing what they were told by intimidating studio bosses and directors
Sure, she was outvoted at times on filmmaking matters she didn't agree with
Made her opinions known to many; even if it defied social norms
Ruffled feathers in the press by simply being herself
Not sticking to a convenient script carefully constructed and memorized
Stuck up for people when it was right and fought hard to do things her way
Brought a sense of rebellious style in wearing pants when others wore dresses
Colored outside the lines every chance she got and enjoyed every minute
Often brought out the best in most of her leading men
And became friendly with most of them by simply being herself
Due to her personality, forced into spinster roles when she got older
Still brought a lot of gravitas to what could've been one note roles
Showcased her talent with the careful balance of strength and vulnerability
With the right amount of sass to make audiences laugh
No matter how sad the onscreen material could be
That was no easy feat, but she always managed to do things her way
On the big screen and in real life.
Made even the most timid of women think that they could carve their own path
Not in the same way; impossible to repeat the past.
