SyncX

Celebrating Katharine Hepburn's Birthday In Photos

Use Arrow Keys to Navigate

View Gallery

42 Slides

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

1

1911

katharine hepburn at age fourBettmann//Getty Images

Katharine Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907 in Hartford, Connecticut. Here, she proves that her sense of style started at a young age, as she dons a hat and peacoat at the age of 4.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2

1921

katharine hepburn at age fourteenBettmann//Getty Images

The actress poses for a portrait at the age 14 in a classic black shirt and a simple necklace. After high school, she attended Bryn Mawr College near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is where she caught the acting bug.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

3

1932

pinterestGetty Images

After college, she acted on Broadway in New York City for several years. But her big break came when a 25-year-old Hepburn signed a studio contract with RKO pictures and starred in her first film, A Bill of Divorcement. Here, the actress looks the part of a Hollywood leading lady, wearing a cap sleeve satin dress for one of the film's promotional shoots.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4

1933

Edward Steichen//Getty Images

Hepburn reclines on a chaise lounge in an off-the-shoulder black evening gown. The actress is preparing for her role in the Broadway play, The Lake.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5

1934

pinterestGetty Images

The Hollywood actress gives a glamorous profile shot in 1934. With her hair pulled back into a black cloth turban, Hepburn only gives glimpse of a patterned scarf around her neck.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

6

1934

Lusha Nelson//Getty Images

The young actress poses on an iron lawn chair while wearing a frilly chiffon checkered evening gown.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

1934

pinterestGetty Images

Hepburn looks chic as she poses for a portrait in 1934. The actress paired a slim long sleeve black top with a white chiffon scarf and a layered jewel necklace.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

8

1934

Keystone-France//Getty Images

Stepping out in New York City, the newly found Hollywood star wears a striking double-buttoned jacket over a matching dress. Hepburn topped off the look with a black fascinator.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9

1935

Bettmann//Getty Images

Hepburn models a quilted gold pajama robe during a photoshoot in 1935. The actress paired the look with open toed heels and a wide leg pant, which would soon become her signature.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

10

1935

Bettmann//Getty Images

While studying her script on the set of Sylvia Scarlett, Hepburn dresses in menswear for her role. The actress, who favored pants throughout her career, paired slacks with a sports coat, bowtie, and fedora.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

11

1935

Ernest Bachrach//Getty Images

Hepburn smokes a cigarette while wearing an embroidered high collared coat in 1935.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

12

1935

American Stock Archive//Getty Images

In a glamorous shot, Hepburn models a low-cut evening gown. The white chiffon dress steals the show with buttoned sleeves and an intricate sequin design.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

13

1935

Hulton Archive//Getty Images

Hepburn serves up a sporty chic look as she plays a tennis match in 1935. The actress adheres to court dress code, wearing a white jumper over a white short sleeve turtleneck.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

14

1935

John Kobal Foundation//Getty Images

Hepburn leans against a column on an elegant veranda. The actress wears a billowing striped evening gown, complete with a high neck bow tie for a dramatic touch.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

15

1935

New York Daily News Archive//Getty Images

Hepburn looks polished as she departs a plane in New York City in 1935. The actress, who carries a script, among other personal items in her arms, wears a white collared shirt underneath a fitted black overcoat.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

16

1936

Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images

While posing for a publicity photoshoot for the film Mary of Scotland, Hepburn wears a beret with a tall feather pinned to the side. The actress pairs the accessory with a high collared jacket, oversized broach, and sleek leather gloves.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

17

1937

ullstein bild Dtl.//Getty Images

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

18

1938

pinterestGetty Images

Hepburn gives the camera a sultry stare while reclining in a draped ensemble. The actress had just released one of her most beloved films, Bringing Up Baby.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

19

1938

Keystone//Getty Images

The actress on set with her pet poodle in 1938. Hepburn kept things casual in a black turtleneck, slacks, and a wool blazer with a patterned pocket square.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

20

1938

pinterestGetty Images

Hepburn is photographed from above to showcase the full pleated skirt on her evening gown. The actress's frame is complimented by the unique belt on the dress.

Headshot of Jennifer Algoo

Jennifer Algoo is the Visuals Director at Harper's BAZAAR.  She is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts and has previously worked at Patrick McMullan Co. as well as completing internships at Martha Stewart Weddings, Vogue and CosmoGirl! Magazine.   Jennifer covers royal, celeb and art content as well as overseeing all visual assets on BAZAAR.com.  When she's not obsessing over the royals you can find her attempting to solve cold cases as an armchair detective, traveling and experimenting with new recipes.  

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qa3RqZyrq5KWx6Kt0WeaqKVfmMKtwNSrnGielZbBtr7ErGagbWZugXC3wK2fmqqZo7JutMSpma6qnmQ%3D

Reinaldo Massengill

Update: 2024-05-28