The great American actress Katharine Hepburn has died at 96. Authorities in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, say Hepburn died at home this afternoon. Hepburn's health problems have included hip replacement surgery and tremors similar to Parkinson's disease. Though Dorothy Parker once remarked that the lean, athletic actress "ran the gamut of emotions from A to B," Hepburn won a record four Academy Awards. Her last was for "On Golden Pond" with Henry Fonda in 1981. Other memorable Hepburn films include "The Philadelphia Story" and "The African Queen." Hepburn's book about making "The African Queen" with Humphrey Bogart and director John Huston made her a best-selling author at 77. A 1999 survey of screen legends by the American Film Institute ranked her Number One among actresses. There will be no memorial service for the actress.Cynthia McFadden, who was a friend and executor of Hepburn's estate, says Hepburn wanted it that way. Burial will be private. Broadway will pay tribute, however, by dimming the lights at 8 p-m Tuesday. McFadden says Hepburn died of old age in her Connecticut home, surrounded by family. She says it was a "sad day" but a "celebration" of Hepburn's life as well. Hepburn had been in declining health in recent years. Hepburn is survived by a sister, a brother and 13 nieces and nephews.
Legendary Actress Katharine Hepburn Has Died at Age 96.
Katherine Hepburn died in her home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, according to the executor of her estate and town authorities.
