Katharine Hepburn (1907-2003) – Actress
Katharine Hepburn was an American actress known for her fierce independence and spirited personality. As a leading lady in Hollywood for more than 60 years she appeared in a range of genres, from screwball comedy to literary drama. Hepburn received four Academy Awards for Best Actress and in 1999 she was named by the American Film Institute as the greatest female star in Hollywood history. Upon her death President George W. Bush said Hepburn “will be remembered as one of the nation’s artistic treasures.”
Hepburn’s Will directed that her remains be cremated, her ashes interred in a family plot at a Hartford cemetery, and no funeral or memorial service to be held. Her Will, signed in January 1992, and a six-page codicil dated March 1994 stated that her personal belongings would be distributed to family, friends, and charitable organizations at the discretion of her executors though guided by her wishes which she made known to them. Hepburn’s memorabilia collections, i.e., four Oscars, costumes, scripts, photos, etc., were auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York. The event garnered $5.8 million, which Hepburn willed to her family. Part of Hepburn’s 7.17 acre waterfront estate in Old Saybrook, Connecticut was sold and a portion was designated to be turned over to an environmental or conservative organization that will protect the lot from development and maintain the space for the benefit of the general public.
We honor Katharine Hepburn for her forethought and good business sense to plan her estate in advance of her death. If you want to be a Legacy Champ in your own special way, then contact The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. for a free initial consultation on estate planning, trust planning, and/or probate issues.
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