The two Hollywood icons, Audrey Hepburn and Katharine Hepburn, have ruled millions of hearts for decades and even the new generation hasn’t forgotten about them.
These two beautiful ladies were fashion influencers when Instagram was not a thing! Their sense of style, charisma, and fashion keeps coming in every generation.
They were the Queens of Old Hollywood and television. However, one confusing question remains: were Katherine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn related to each other? This confusion arises as the two beauties share similar maiden names. We will learn whether they were related to each other below.
Who was Katharine Hepburn to Audrey Hepburn?
The answer is no; the Hollywood icons did not share bloodlines or were related to each other in any way. Though their surname has roots in Europe’s England and Scotland, they did not share a family lineage.
Katharine Hepburn was purely American, whereas Audrey Hepburn was Belgian. Not only did they share the same surnames, but they were also in the same profession for which fans and followers were bound to question their relationship. Although they were in the same profession, they never worked together in movies or films.
Things to Know about Katharine Hepburn
Katharine Houghton Hepburn was born on the 12th of May, 1903, in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, and was the second of her parents’ six children. Her interest in acting did not take place until she completed her graduation in history from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.
As soon as she discovered her acting passion, the icon went to Broadway, where a movie scout found her. Hepburn’s professional movie career in Hollywood started in her late 20’s in 1932.
She did more than 30 films and numerous tv shows and commercials in her lifetime and was the boss lady of Hollywood until she died in 2003.
Things to Know about Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Kathleen Ruston, also known as Audrey Hepburn, was born on the 4th of May, 1929, in Ixelles, Brussels, Belgium. She was not only an actress but a fashion icon of the black and white era.
Apart from her acting career, Hepburn was also a humanitarian who always looked up to the needy. She flew to the USA in the 1950s to get into Hollywood. As usual, her charm and boldness won many hearts at that time.
Before she entered Hollywood, the icon changed her surname from Ruston to Hepburn. The actress died in her Switzerland home in 1993.
Final Thoughts
Katharine Hepburn and Audrey Hepburn were not related to each other. First of all, their surnames don’t match in reality. It was Audrey who changed her maiden name. Nonetheless, the actresses never even worked with each other.
We have to admit, these two ladies were not only beautiful and charismatic, but bold as well.
Katharine Hepburn FAQ
1. Who was Katharine Hepburn? Katharine Hepburn was an iconic American actress known for her fierce independence, spirited personality, and distinctive acting style. Born on May 12, 1907, in Hartford, Connecticut, Hepburn’s career spanned over six decades, during which she received numerous accolades for her work in film, television, and theater.
2. How did Katharine Hepburn begin her acting career? Hepburn’s acting career began in the theater. After graduating from Bryn Mawr College in 1928, she found early success on Broadway. Her stage work led to a contract with RKO Radio Pictures, and she made her film debut in “A Bill of Divorcement” (1932), which was a hit and made her an instant star.
3. What are some of Katharine Hepburn’s most famous films? Katharine Hepburn’s filmography includes an array of critically acclaimed and beloved movies. Some of her most famous films are “Morning Glory” (1933), “The Philadelphia Story” (1940), “Woman of the Year” (1942), “The African Queen” (1951), “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967), “The Lion in Winter” (1968), and “On Golden Pond” (1981).
4. How many Academy Awards did Katharine Hepburn win? Katharine Hepburn won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, more than any other actor in the history of the Oscars. Her wins were for “Morning Glory” (1933), “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967), “The Lion in Winter” (1968), and “On Golden Pond” (1981).
5. What was Katharine Hepburn known for off-screen? Off-screen, Hepburn was known for her distinctive fashion sense, preferring trousers over dresses at a time when it was unconventional for women. She was also famous for her independent lifestyle and her long-term relationship with actor Spencer Tracy, with whom she made nine films.
6. Did Katharine Hepburn write any books? Yes, Katharine Hepburn authored a few books, including her autobiography, “Me: Stories of My Life,” published in 1991. The book provides insights into her personal life, her family, her career, and her relationship with Spencer Tracy.
7. How did Katharine Hepburn impact the film industry and women in cinema? Hepburn had a significant impact on the film industry and is often cited as a trailblazer for women in cinema. She broke stereotypes with her strong-willed on-screen characters and her off-screen persona, challenging the traditional expectations of women both in Hollywood and in society at large.
8. When did Katharine Hepburn pass away? Katharine Hepburn passed away on June 29, 2003, at the age of 96, at her home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Her legacy as one of the greatest actresses in the history of American cinema continues to endure.
9. Where can I learn more about Katharine Hepburn’s life and career? To learn more about Katharine Hepburn’s life and career, you can read her autobiography, “Me: Stories of My Life,” watch documentaries about her, or explore her extensive filmography. Numerous biographies and film history books also provide detailed insights into her contribution to cinema and her role as a cultural icon.
