Description:

Katharine Hepburn ALS Dated 3 Weeks After Induction into American Theatre Hall of Fame

A 1p autograph letter signed by American actress Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) as "Kate" near the bottom. N.d. but the accompanying transmittal envelope is postmarked December 7, 1979. N.p. but almost certainly New York, New York. Her message is inscribed on the reverse of a vibrantly colored postcard after Manfred Söhl entitled "At Hagenbeck's Zoo" from the Harms Collection. Accompanied by its original transmittal envelope also engrossed in Hepburn's hand. The "K. Hepburn" added to the actress's return address label is secretarial. Expected wear to the postcard including slightly blunted corners and minor writing impressions visible through the postcard front. The envelope is neatly letter-opened at top. The postcard measures 5.75" x 4.125."

Katharine Hepburn conveyed her holiday greetings to Laura Dubman (ca. 1925-1993), the classically trained concert pianist who had worked with Hepburn during the production of the MGM romantic drama "Song of Love" (1947). Hepburn and Dubman (later Fratti) remained friends and correspondents during the following decades, and Hepburn became the godmother of Valentina Fratti.

Hepburn wrote in full:

"Dear Laura - You know you have my love + thoughts at Christmas + other times - so just a wish! Kate."

Hepburn had been formally inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame three weeks earlier, on November 19, 1979. The New York City-based arts organization established in 1972 had selected Hepburn and 50 other theater legends, including Sir Laurence Olivier, Sir John Gielgud, Henry Fonda, and Hume Cronyn, for the award. Inductees--who were also playwrights, directors, producers, and songwriters as well as actors--had been involved in a minimum of five Broadway productions over the span of 25 years or more.

Over Katharine Hepburn's 66-year-long acting career, she would star in dozens of films, television movies, and stage productions. Named the leading female actress of Hollywood Classic Cinema by the American Film Institute, Hepburn also won four Academy Awards (1934's "Morning Glory," 1968's "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," 1969's "The Lion in Winter," and 1982's "On Golden Pond") and racked up eight further Oscar nominations. Hepburn was as comfortable in serious theatrical dramas as she was in screwball comedies or period pieces.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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