Being Katharine Hepburn: A Star's Unique Take on Life

Heather has a Bachelor's Degree in English from Moravian College and has been freelance writing for more than 12 years.

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.

Comments

Umesh Chandra Bhatt from Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India on December 16, 2019:

I saw her movie 'Holiday'. She acted magnificently. I still remember her sharp acting. Being a Carry Grant fan I saw that movie but she impressed most.

Thanks.