Katharine Hepburn Centenary: The First Lady of Cinema - Page 2

In her 40s she appeared in possibly her most famous role as Rose Sayer opposite Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen. The film was shot on location in Africa, causing discomfort for most of the cast and crew, Hepburn included. She would later write about the experience in her book, The Making of The African Queen or How I went to Africa with Bogart, Bacall and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind. In 1975 she starred in the critically mauled Rooster Cogburn with John Wayne, effectively a western version of The African Queen.

All told she received twelve Oscar nominations, a feat only bettered by Meryl Streep, and holds the record for the most wins by an actress, taking the trophy on four occasions. On top of those already mentioned she won for The Lion in Winter (sharing the award with Barbara Streisand for Funny Girl, the only time the result has been tied) and On Golden Pond for which Henry Fonda won the best actor award.

She continued acting well into her 80s, making her final acting appearance in the TV movie One Christmas in 1994. She died of natural causes on June 29, 2003, at the age of 96, leaving behind a body of work that has rarely been equaled. She refused to play the Hollywood game, doing things her own way and not afraid to speak her mind.

Here are a few choice Hepburn quotes:

"I often wonder whether men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then."

“Acting is the most minor of gifts and not a very high-class way to earn a living. After all, Shirley Temple could do it at the age of four.”

“If you’re given a choice between money and sex appeal, take the money. As you get older, the money will become your sex appeal.”

"If you want to sacrifice the admiration of many men for the criticism of one, go ahead, get married."

“Life is hard. After all, it kills you.”

Over the next few days I’ll be reviewing both The African Queen and Rooster Cogburn.

Article Author: Ian Woolstencroft

Ian Woolstencroft was brought up on a diet of John Wayne movies and Marvel Comics and still has a passion for both. Now as a blogcritic he finally understands what Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben meant when he said ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ …

Visit Ian Woolstencroft's author page — Ian Woolstencroft's Blog