Katharine Hepburn Family Tree: The Story Behind Hollywood's 4-Time Oscar Winner

Katharine Houghton Hepburn (1907–2003), born 12 May 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, and died 29 June 2003 in Old Saybrook, CT, holds the record for most Academy Award Best Actress wins (4) — Morning Glory (1933), Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter (1968), On Golden Pond (1981); 62-year career; 26-year relationship with Spencer Tracy.

The Family's Roots: An Elite Hartford Progressive Family

Father was a surgeon; mother a suffragist.

Her Parents

Father: Dr. Thomas Norval Hepburn (1879–1962) — urological surgeon.

Mother: Katharine Martha Houghton Hepburn (1878–1951) — suffragist, birth-control activist.

Her Siblings

Thomas Houghton Hepburn (1905–1921) — elder brother; committed suicide at 15, discovered by Kate.

Richard Houghton Hepburn (1911–2000); Robert Houghton Hepburn (1913–2007) — doctor; Marion Houghton Hepburn Grant (1918–1986); Margaret Houghton Hepburn "Peggy" (1920–2006).

Her Husband

Ludlow Ogden Smith (m. 12 December 1928, div. 8 May 1934) — Philadelphia businessman.

Her Partner

Spencer Tracy (1900–1967) — actor; 26-year relationship (never publicly acknowledged); Tracy stayed married to his Catholic wife.

The Hepburn Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Dr. Thomas Norval Hepburn (1879–1962).

Mother: Katharine Houghton Hepburn (1878–1951).

Siblings: Thomas (1905–1921 — suicide); Richard (1911–2000); Robert (1913–2007); Marion (1918–1986); Peggy (1920–2006).

Husband: Ludlow Ogden Smith (m. 12 December 1928, div. 8 May 1934).

Partner: Spencer Tracy (1900–1967) — 1941 until his death 1967.

No children.

Katharine Hepburn:

  • Born 12 May 1907, Hartford
  • Bryn Mawr College 1928
  • Broadway 1928-32; Hollywood contract 1932
  • Bill of Divorcement (1932) — Hollywood debut
  • Academy Award Best Actress (4): 1934 (Morning Glory), 1968 (Guess Who's Coming to Dinner), 1969 (The Lion in Winter), 1982 (On Golden Pond) — record
  • Presidential Medal of Freedom: 1980
  • 62-year career; 9 films with Spencer Tracy
  • Died: 29 June 2003, Old Saybrook — age 96

What the Hepburn Family Story Teaches Us

A surgeon father and a suffragist mother. 6 siblings, one of whom (elder brother Thomas) committed suicide at 15. One brief marriage. A 26-year public-secret relationship with Spencer Tracy. No children. A career that produced the record 4 Academy Award Best Actress wins.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Kate story carries the same lesson. Some careers set a record no one has matched in 60 years.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.