The one movie role that saved Katharine Hepburn from her own grief
Losing a loved one is never easy, and having to mourn in secrecy adds an even heavier burden. Grief, by its nature, often needs to be shared to be understood and processed, making it possible to begin moving forward. For many, immersing themselves in work becomes a clear and structured way to transition from a life with their loved one to one without them. With this in mind, Peter O’Toole sought to lift Katharine Hepburn’s spirits by offering her a unique role she couldn’t turn down.
In 1968, Hepburn’s longtime acting partner and secret lover, Spencer Tracy, passed away. Because Tracy was married and their affair had been kept hidden as much as possible, Hepburn was unable to publicly mourn his death. Hepburn’s position as one of the most celebrated actors of her generation had already been confirmed, but it ensured that any scandal would be front-page news for weeks. However, legendary Lawrence of Arabia star Peter O’Toole knew of Hepburn’s situation and was determined to pull her out of her private mourning.
Although the two actors had not worked together previously, and Hepburn was 25 years his senior, O’Toole admitted to looking up to Hepburn. Of course, she was one of the most powerful performers of her day, and it landed with O’Toole. He later admitted, “I loved her, no question, in the proper platonic sense but, yes, I loved her.” Because of his admiration of Hepburn, O’Toole was determined to get her to sign on as Eleanor of Aquitaine in the 1968 film The Lion in Winter, in which he starred as Henry II.
O’Toole stated: “It was literally the week that Tracy died, and I found out where she was, the mistress who couldn’t mourn publicly, so I sent her the script with a little note.”
Surprisingly, he added, “She phoned up right away and said: [O’Toole holds an imaginary phone and mimics Hepburn’s voice] ‘I might as well do it before I die’.”
This matter-of-fact response indicated Hepburn’s broader attitude and reputation as a straightforward and strong individual, traits often present in her characters as well. It would be part of the reason that she was so right for the part. Because of her portrayal of strong characters and her independent lifestyle, Hepburn was the epitome of the modern woman of her time. Unsurprisingly, Peter O’Toole sought her out for the role of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Equally unsurprisingly, the performances of O’Toole and Hepburn were both met with acclaim and the film was well regarded on the whole. O’Toole’s position as a movie agent for the picture would not only make the film better but snag Hepburn one of most coveted records. Hepburn went on to win both an Academy Award and a Bafta for ‘Best Actress’ for her performance in the film, making her the only actor to have four Oscars for acting.
Though it is impossible to know exactly what Hepburn was feeling the moment the note dropped on her doormat and she was offered a way out of her grief, O’Toole’s plot to end her mourning period was at least successful in its outcome. Her willingness to take on a new project and her commitment to the work, not to mention her Best Actress accolades, are proof positive of her strength in working through grief.
