Kate - An Uncommon Woman
Katherine Hepburn is an American screen legend. She holds the record for the most (four) Best Actress Oscar wins, with twelve nominations. That more than one nomination for every four films she stared in.
From comedy to drama, romance to action, she could do it all and did it successfully for over 6 decades.
During the beginning of her career she earned the nickname “Katharine of Arrogance” for refusing to sign autographs for fans. Her outspoken style and anti-Hollywood attitude along with a series of box office flops turned audiences off.
But she made a few good career choices, such as turning down the role of Scarlet in Gone With the Wind; fearing she didn’t have enough sex appeal. And in another smart move, Carry Grant introduced her to billionaire playboy Howard Hughes and after a three-year relationship, she convinced him to help her buy the movie rights to a Broadway play she had successfully stared in, The Philadelphia Story. Her film career took off after she received her first Academy Award nomination in 1940 for her role in the film version.
After teaming up with Spenser Tracy in Woman of the Year in 1942, they quickly became one of Hollywood’s most famous teams.
Some of her more famous and now classic movies include Adam’s Rib, Pat and Mike, Desk Set and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, all co-staring with Tracy, The African Queen (see trailer below), Bringing Up Baby (see second clip), and On Golden Pond.
The exhibit One Life: Kate, A Centennial Celebration at the National Portrait Gallery chronicles the myth, life and career of Kate Hepburn. The exhibit includes her four Oscar statuettes, photos and video clips from her life and her films, as well as movie posters and memorabilia.
One Life: Kate, A Centennial Celebration
National Portrait Gallery
Eighth and F Streets, NW,
Washington, DC 20001 (map it)
Hours - Daily 11:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., through June 1, 2008
Admission - Free
Nearest Metro subway station
Parking - Metered street and paid garage parking is available in the area.
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1 opinion for Kate - An Uncommon Woman
January Carnival of Travelers: I Heart Art
Jan 8, 2008 at 1:05 pm
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