Katharine Hepburn, often regarded as the unparalleled luminary of Hollywood, once articulated that "if you endure long enough, you are venerated like an ancient structure."
Nevertheless, Hepburn was already held in high esteem from her youth. Unapologetically true to herself, she exuded rebellion, independence, and an indomitable spirit, earning a reputation as a formidable woman. Her allure and sophistication were as noteworthy as her acting prowess. In 1981, thanks to her role in "On Golden Pond," Hepburn solidified her status as the most decorated actress in the annals of Hollywood, a distinction that remains unchallenged to this day.
Over her illustrious six-decade-long cinematic journey, Hepburn graced successful productions such as "The African Queen," "The Philadelphia Story," and the three other films that earned her the coveted Oscar statuette: "Morning Glory" (1933), "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967), and "The Lion in Winter" (1968).
Fueled by ambition and unyielding tenacity until her final days, Hepburn consistently eschewed complacency, fervently pursuing self-improvement. Her guiding principle was unwavering: make choices autonomously and remain true to oneself. "Given all the opportunities I had, I could have accomplished more, and with greater accomplishments, I could have been remarkable," she once mused. Indeed, Hepburn was highly discerning when selecting her film projects, participating in just fifty carefully chosen works.
A Diva in Trousers
Katharine Hepburn was a trailblazing star, her professional autonomy mirroring her unapologetically unique personality. Her resolute independence, feminist ethos, and avant-garde spirit led her to openly cohabitate with a woman, forgo makeup on many occasions, and exchange glamour for the comfort of a men's suit. She donned trousers when it was considered audacious for a woman to do so, and she fiercely battled the commercial demands of film studios that tightly controlled actors at the time. Nevertheless, none of this diminished her status as a fashion icon with an irresistible allure and an androgynous allure.
These characteristics made her the perfect choice for the film "Sylvia Scarlett" (1936), in which Hepburn disguises herself as a man and even shares a kiss with a woman. Despite having been married briefly, after her divorce, she declared her aversion to remarrying, a vow she upheld. While it's true that she could not marry her longtime partner, actor Spencer Tracy, as he was already married.
Hepburn starred alongside Hollywood legends like Cary Grant, James Stewart, John Wayne, and Peter O'Toole, among others. At the age of eighty, she authored a memoir titled "How The African Queen Was Filmed: Or How I Went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall, and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind," which became a resounding bestseller. This was followed by her celebrated autobiography, "Me: Stories of My Life," in 1991.
In 1994, while filming the television movie "One Christmas," she officially announced her retirement from acting. From that point onward, she withdrew from public life due to her declining health. Skin cancer and Parkinson's disease plagued her in her later years, though they didn't diminish her remarkable longevity. "Life is what truly matters: the simple joys of walking, relishing the comforts of home, cherishing family, and acknowledging the cycle of life from birth to death," she remarked. Acting, to her, was merely waiting for a cream pie, which is why she lived life with profound intensity.
"On Golden Pond" (1981)
Tonight, on "Días de Cine Clásico de La 2," one of the final films featuring Katharine Hepburn, "On Golden Pond," will be broadcast. It's a poignant portrayal of old age that seamlessly blends drama and comedy with authenticity and simplicity. The film chronicles the lives of Norman Thayer (played by Henry Fonda) and his wife Ethel (portrayed by Katharine Hepburn), two elderly individuals embarking on their summer retreat at "Golden Pond," an idyllic abode they acquired years ago. Norman has cherished profound memories in this place, yet the relentless advance of age has made his demeanor cantankerous, preventing him from savoring his twilight years.
The couple has a daughter named Chelsea (depicted by Jane Fonda), who has avoided visiting her parents for years due to her strained relationship with Norman. This year, however, she has a change of heart and decides to pay them a visit. She also takes the opportunity to introduce her parents to her boyfriend, who has a son named Billy. These vacation days serve as a catalyst for the family to reflect upon their dynamics and forge a newfound, closer, and more genuine connection.
