10 Katharine Hepburn Quotes That Reveal Her Wit & Wisdom: “Life Is Hard. After All, It Kills You”

Katharine Hepburn became a Hollywood icon for her roles as charismatic, self-possessed women in classic films like Bringing Up Baby , The Philadelphia Story and The African Queen . With her crisp way of speaking and simultaneously glam and androgynous fashion sense, she projected a captivatingly modern aura that still feels fresh and inspiring today.

The Oscar-winning actress wasn’t just beloved for her singular performances in everything from screwball comedies to tearjerkers, she was also known for her real-life intelligence and boldness. While Hepburn fiercely guarded her privacy, and never wanted to be confined by people’s expectations, when she did speak to the press, she always had pearls of wisdom to share. Here are 10 of our favorite Katharine Hepburn quotes.

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1. “I strike people as peculiar in some way, although I don't quite understand why. Of course, I have an angular face, an angular body and, I suppose, an angular personality, which jabs into people.”

As one of the first actresses to regularly wear pants and shun Hollywood convention, Hepburn was a trailblazer, and she fully embraced all the qualities that set her apart from her contemporaries.

2. “I'm a personality as well as an actress. Show me an actress who isn't a personality, and you'll show me a woman who isn't a star."

Hepburn knew that her headstrong personality was essential to her stardom, and it's a major part of why her films remain so compelling.

3. “We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers — but never blame yourself. It's never your fault. But it's always your fault, because if you wanted to change you're the one who has got to change.”

Hepburn wasn’t afraid to give some tough love, and this quote is worlds away from the average celebrity platitude.

4. “If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased.”

Have you ever had trouble staying true to yourself? Then this clever line from the actress definitely bears repeating.

5. “In some ways I've lived my life as a man, made my own decisions. I've been as terrified as the next person, but you've got to keep a-going; you've got to dream.”

Hepburn may have been a powerful presence, but she admitted to having moments of vulnerability and worked to keep an optimistic spirit.

6. “Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then.”

The star, who had a long personal and professional partnership with Spencer Tracy , offered an amusing take on the battle of the sexes.

7. “I wear my sort of clothes to save me the trouble of deciding which clothes to wear.”

Hepburn was all about dressing for comfort and ease, and her fashion philosophy is one worth following.

8. “No one does it alone. Your success belongs to the people who are holding you up. I can only say that I am the product of adorable people. I’ve been so lucky, just lucky.”

Hepburn never forgot where she came from, and was happy to pay tribute to those who supported her as she rose to stardom.

9. “I don’t care how afraid I may be inside — I do what I think I should.”

The actress was a model for living with integrity and following one’s moral compass — even when that was a challenge.

10. “Life is hard. After all, it kills you.”

Only Katharine Hepburn could get away with such bluntness!

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