Katharine Hepburn’s Birth Date and Current Age
Katharine Hepburn was born on May 12, 1907. She would be 118 years old if alive as of 2025; she died on June 29, 2003, at the age of 96. This profile clarifies how her age is determined, corrects common misconceptions, and shows how to reference her age reliably using verified dates.
Why Birth Date Accuracy Matters
Consistent use of Hepburn’s confirmed birth date supports reliable age calculations for biography, copyright, estate, and historical research. Establishing a single authoritative date reduces confusion from typographical errors and conflicting sources.
Confirmed Biographical Details
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Katharine Houghton Hepburn | Biographical records |
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1907 | Birth certificate, authoritative biographies |
| Place of Birth | Hartford, Connecticut, USA | Biographical records |
| Date of Death | June 29, 2003 | Obituaries, official records |
| Age at Death | 96 years | Calculated from above dates |
Age at Key Career Milestones
- 1932, Arrival in Hollywood: About 25 years old
- 1933, Breakthrough with Morning Glory: About 26 years old
- 1968, Academy Honorary Award: About 61 years old
- 1981, Final Film Role in On Golden Pond: About 74 years old
How to Calculate Her Age at Any Given Date
To determine Hepburn’s age on or before June 29, 2003, subtract 1907 from the year and adjust for whether the birthday had passed by the target date. After June 29, 2003, her age is static at 96. Example: On May 12, 1987, she turned 80; on December 31, 1987, she remained 80 until the next birthday.
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Misreported birth years occasionally appear due to typographical errors or informal sourcing. Rely on primary documents such as birth certificates and reputable biographies to confirm that Hepburn was born in 1907 and was 96 at death. Her age should not be conflated with contemporaries or revised by unverified claims.
Reliable Sources and Verification Tips
For trustworthy data, consult the Library of Congress, the Social Security Death Index, and major biographies by reputable publishers. Cross-reference at least two independent, authoritative sources to confirm dates and calculated ages.
Quick Reference Summary
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 12, 1907 | Primary anchor for age |
| Age at Death | 96 years | Died June 29, 2003 |
| Calculated Age in 2025 | 118 if alive | Hypothetical; not applicable |
| Place of Birth | Hartford, CT | Consistent across sources |