The Hollywood queen, Katharine Hepburn, dies

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. (AP) — Katharine Hepburn, an icon of feminist strength and spirit who brought a chiseled beauty and patrician bearing to such films as “The Philadelphia Story” and “The African Queen,” died yesterday. She was 96.

Miss Hepburn died at 2:50 p.m. at her home in Old Saybrook with family by her side, said Cynthia McFadden, a friend of Miss Hepburn and executor of her estate. Miss Hepburn, who had been in declining health in recent years, died of old age, Miss McFadden said.

The lights will dim on Broadway at 8 p.m. today in her honor, said Patricia Armetta-Haubner, a spokeswoman for the League of American Theaters and Producers.

“I think every actress in the world looked up to her with a kind of reverence and a sense of ‘Oh boy, if only I could be like her,’” actress Elizabeth Taylor said in a statement.

During her 60-year career, she won a record four Academy Awards and was nominated 12 times, which stood as a record in the acting categories until Meryl Streep surpassed her nomination total in 2003. Her Oscars were for “Morning Glory,” 1933; “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” 1967; “A Lion in Winter,” 1968; and “On Golden Pond,” 1981.

Despite her success, Miss Hepburn always felt she could have done more. “I could have accomplished three times what I’ve accomplished,” she once said. “I haven’t realized my full potential. It’s disgusting.”

But, she said, “Life’s what’s important. Walking, houses, family. Birth and pain and joy — and then death. Acting’s just waiting for the custard pie. That’s all.”

Miss Hepburn, the product of a wealthy, freethinking New England family, was forthright in her opinions and unconventional in her conduct.

She dressed for comfort, usually in slacks and a sweater, with her red hair caught up in a topknot. She married once, briefly, and her name was linked to Howard Hughes and other famous men, but the great love of her life was Spencer Tracy. They made nine films together and remained close companions until Mr. Tracy’s death in 1967.

Miss Hepburn’s third movie, “Morning Glory,” brought her first Oscar and a string of parts followed, including Jo in “Little Women” and the madcap socialite of “Bringing Up Baby.”

A theater-chain owner branded her and other stars “box-office poison” after several of Miss Hepburn’s roles received a cool reception from critics, and her film career waned.

Undaunted, Miss Hepburn acquired the rights to a comedy about a spoiled heiress, and, after it was rewritten for her, took it to the New York stage. “The Philadelphia Story” was a hit.

She returned to Hollywood for the 1940 film version, which featured James Stewart and Cary Grant. Once again, she was a top star, with a contract at MGM.

Her first film with Mr. Tracy was “Woman of the Year,” in 1942. Legend has it that when they met she commented, “I’m afraid I’m a little big for you, Mr. Tracy.” His reply: “Don’t worry, I’ll cut you down to size.”

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