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Katharine Hepburn

Katharine Hepburn
Reading Level
     edHelper's suggested reading level:   grades 6 to 8
     Flesch-Kincaid grade level:   7.49

Vocabulary
     challenging words:    memoir, suicide, truthful, suffrage, summertime, relationship, broaden, glamorous, acknowledge, refused, wealthy, philadelphia, general, fans, version, lasted
     content words:    Katharine Hepburn, Bryn Mawr College, RKO Radio Pictures, John Barrymore, Academy Award, Her Yankee, New York City, Philadelphia Story, Spencer Tracy, Golden Pond

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Katharine Hepburn
By Mary L. Bushong 		  
1     If you made a list of the greatest actresses for theatre, film, and TV, one name would stand out at the top of each list; the name of Katharine Hepburn. Her road to success was difficult at times, but her diverse career was characterized by this quote, "If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased."
 
2     Katharine was born on May 12, 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut. Her father was a wealthy surgeon and her mother a leader in the movement for women's suffrage. They encouraged Katharine to constantly broaden her mind, be truthful in everything she said, and to stay physically fit. She learned those lessons so well, they carried on into her adult life.
 
3     After finishing Bryn Mawr College in 1928, she began her acting career. She started with bit parts in plays and finally had her first Broadway hit in 1932 with "The Warrior's Husband." That got her noticed by RKO Radio Pictures, and they invited her to Hollywood. Her first film role was alongside John Barrymore that same year in "A Bill of Divorcement." She won her first Academy Award for her third film, "Morning Glory," a year later.
 
4     Katharine Hepburn was a different kind of Hollywood actress from any who went before her. Her Yankee accent and independent spirit carried over into the characters she played. She also refused to dress like a glamorous movie star of the times, preferring to wear casual clothes instead.
 
5     When Katharine returned to the New York City stage in 1933, the play flopped. Critics were unmerciful in their dislike for her. While her fans continued to go to her movies, the theatre owners labeled her as "box office poison." Her films were not doing well, and they were certain her career was over.

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