Did Katherine Hepburn like Robert Mitchum?

Asked by: Isidro Nikolaus II  |  Last update: March 16, 2026
Score: 5/5 (36 votes)

No, Katharine Hepburn did not like Robert Mitchum, and they famously clashed during the filming of Undercurrent (1946), with Hepburn reportedly telling him he couldn't act and Mitchum considering her a snob, though she later admitted she might have been mistaken about him. Their dynamic was one of mutual dislike, with Hepburn criticizing his talent and Mitchum feeling she was stuck-up.

What did Katharine Hepburn say about Robert Mitchum?

Katharine Hepburn famously told Robert Mitchum during the filming of Undercurrent (1946) that he "can't act" and "if you hadn't been good-looking you would never have gotten a picture at all," reflecting their poor working relationship and her dismissive view of his talent at the time, though Mitchum later downplayed it, and some say she regretted it later. 

Who was Robert Mitchum's favorite leading lady?

Robert Mitchum's favorite leading lady, with whom he shared a deep, lifelong friendship and immense professional respect, was Deborah Kerr, calling her "the best, my favorite" and stating he'd "do anything just to be in her presence," a sentiment reciprocated by Kerr, who saw the "soul of a poet" in him. They starred together in four films, beginning with Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957).
 

Did Katherine Hepburn and Robert Mitchum get along?

He and Hepburn did not get along and she publicly disparaged his acting abilities. He in turn thought she was one royal snob. Years later Hepburn did admit to making a mistake about Mitchum, I don't think he ever forgave her.

Who was Katharine Hepburn's greatest love?

Katharine Hepburn was deeply in love with her longtime co-star Spencer Tracy, with whom she had a passionate, secret, 26-year romance from 1941 until his death in 1967, despite him never divorcing his wife. Their relationship began on the set of Woman of the Year, blossomed into one of Hollywood's most iconic partnerships, and was characterized by deep affection, mutual support (especially through Tracy's alcoholism), and a bond that transcended societal norms.
 

The True Identity of Katharine Hepburn Is Finally Revealed in 2025, And It’s Not What You Think

30 related questions found

Did Jane Fonda like Katharine Hepburn?

Jane Fonda had a complex relationship with Katharine Hepburn, feeling both intimidated and respectful; they weren't friends, but Fonda admired Hepburn's seriousness about being an elder stateswoman in Hollywood and her dedication to teaching younger actors, even while finding her "prickly" and competitive on the set of On Golden Pond. Fonda learned valuable lessons about professionalism from Hepburn's demanding nature, though Hepburn initially told Fonda she didn't like her and wasn't glamorous enough.
 

Did Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn like each other?

Yes, Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn got along wonderfully, forming a deep, lifelong friendship built on mutual respect, admiration, and affection, despite their age gap, with Hepburn later saying he understood her deeply and Grant considering her one of his favorite co-stars. Their bond, solidified while filming Charade, extended beyond the movie, with Hepburn delivering a heartfelt tribute to him at the Kennedy Center Honors, calling him a true friend.
 

Who was the love of Robert Mitchum's life?

Robert Mitchum was famously married to his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Spence, for nearly 60 years (1940-1997), despite his numerous on-set affairs with major stars like Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth, and Shirley MacLaine, who had a years-long relationship with him, but Dorothy remained his constant, managing his rebellious image and their family life. Mitchum often praised Dorothy, acknowledging her strength and calling her the center of his life, even while having other intense romantic connections.
 

Who was Cary Grant's favorite actress?

Cary Grant didn't have just one favorite, but often cited a core group of exceptional leading ladies he deeply admired, especially Grace Kelly, whom he called the "best actress" he ever worked with, praising her serenity and talent, alongside Ingrid Bergman, Deborah Kerr, and Audrey Hepburn, viewing them as truly exceptional women in the industry.
 

Why did Humphrey Bogart not like Audrey Hepburn?

Humphrey Bogart didn't like Audrey Hepburn during the filming of Sabrina due to several factors: he felt miscast as her older love interest (originally for Cary Grant), clashed with director Billy Wilder, was jealous of Hepburn's romance with co-star William Holden, and found her "green" (inexperienced) and slow with lines, leading to many takes, though Hepburn felt he never showed overt dislike.
 

Did Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman like each other?

Yes, Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman not only got along but developed a deep, lifelong friendship and mutual admiration, forming one of Hollywood's most iconic pairings in films like Notorious (1946) and Indiscreet (1958), with their off-screen respect enhancing their on-screen chemistry.
 

Who is considered the most beautiful Hollywood actress of all time?

The Most Beautiful Actresses of All Time

  • Ornella Muti. Actress. ...
  • Jane Seymour. Actress. ...
  • Nicole Kidman. Actress. ...
  • Claudia Cardinale. Actress. ...
  • Sophia Loren. Actress. Soundtrack Arabesque (1966) ...
  • Demi Moore. Actress. Producer. ...
  • Christina Applegate. Actress. Producer. ...
  • Natalie Wood. Actress. Music Department.

Who was the love of Shirley MacLaine's life?

Shirley MacLaine has had many significant relationships, but often pointed to her husband of 28 years, businessman Steve Parker, as a pivotal connection, despite their famously open marriage, while also citing deep, romantic interests in complex figures like actor Robert Mitchum and Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, though she never married them. She viewed Steve Parker as a destined, deeply connected love, even as they lived separate lives for much of their marriage, with Parker in Japan and MacLaine in Hollywood, which allowed her numerous other affairs, including with Yves Montand and Danny Kaye.
 

What disability did Katherine Hepburn have?

Katharine Hepburn lived with Essential Tremor (ET), a progressive neurological disorder causing involuntary shaking in her hands, head, and voice, often mistaken for Parkinson's disease but distinct from it. This inherited condition, which she managed with great strength, became noticeable in her later films, like On Golden Pond, impacting daily tasks but not defining her legendary career. 

What actor refused to work with John Wayne?

Clint Eastwood famously refused to work with John Wayne, rejecting a potential collaboration after Wayne criticized Eastwood's darker, more nihilistic westerns like High Plains Drifter, leading to a mutual dislike and preventing them from ever starring together despite Wayne's initial attempts to find a project. Wayne also rejected roles in films like High Noon and Dirty Harry, and Katharine Hepburn initially refused to work with him due to his conservative politics, though she eventually did.
 

Did Hepburn go to Tracy's funeral?

No, Katharine Hepburn did not attend Spencer Tracy's funeral in 1967, choosing to stay away out of respect for his wife, Louise, and their family, though she did spend private time with his body and helped carry his casket to the hearse before the service, honoring their complex, decades-long relationship while maintaining discretion.
 

Did Doris Day and Cary Grant like each other?

Doris Day and Cary Grant had a professional, amicable relationship but weren't close friends, with Day noting Grant was reserved, leading to little "give-and-take" personally despite their on-screen chemistry in That Touch of Mink. Grant was known for his private nature, making personal connections difficult, though Day respected him as a pro.
 

Who is the hardest actor to work with?

There's no single "most difficult" actor, as reputations vary, but names frequently cited for being challenging to work with due to diva behavior, script interference, or on-set clashes include Katherine Heigl, Bruce Willis, Val Kilmer, Shia LaBeouf, and classic cases like Chevy Chase, known for public feuds and abrasive conduct, and Clint Eastwood (though not heavily featured here). Difficulties often stem from personality clashes, demanding behavior, or conflicts with directors and co-stars, with some actors like Jared Leto known for extreme method acting, and others like Wesley Snipes creating friction with directors. 

Who was Hitchcock's favorite leading lady?

Alfred Hitchcock didn't have just one favorite, but Grace Kelly is often cited as his ultimate muse and favorite for her elegance, talent, and iconic "icy blonde" persona, while Tippi Hedren became a later obsession, and Ingrid Bergman was another key favorite who starred in three films, though Kelly often tops the lists for her unique collaboration. 

Was Robert Mitchum faithful to his wife?

Mitchum's personal life was as intriguing as his on- screen persona. He married Dorothy Spence in 1940, and the couple remained together for 57 years, despite Mitchum's well-documented infidelities and brushes with scandal. Together, they had three children: James, Christopher, and Trini.

Which film did Marilyn Monroe refuse to appear in?

Marilyn Monroe refused several films, most notably The Girl in Pink Tights (1954) due to unfair salary against Frank Sinatra and script issues, leading to a major contract dispute and her formation of Marilyn Monroe Productions. She also turned down roles in films like The Blue Angel remake, Goodbye Charlie, and famously, Breakfast at Tiffany's, with author Truman Capote wanting her for Holly Golightly. 

What were Robert Mitchum's last words?

He valued love, honesty, and humor, and those values stayed with him to the end.” Though Mitchum left this world, his final days were a testament to a life well-lived, surrounded by those he cherished most. His parting words to his family carried a mix of humor and truth: “Don't mourn too long I'll be in good company.”

Did Jane Fonda like Katherine Hepburn?

Jane Fonda had a complex relationship with Katharine Hepburn, feeling both intimidated and respectful; they weren't friends, but Fonda admired Hepburn's seriousness about being an elder stateswoman in Hollywood and her dedication to teaching younger actors, even while finding her "prickly" and competitive on the set of On Golden Pond. Fonda learned valuable lessons about professionalism from Hepburn's demanding nature, though Hepburn initially told Fonda she didn't like her and wasn't glamorous enough.
 

Who was Cary Grant's last love?

Cary Grant's last partner, and fifth wife, was Barbara Harris (later known as Barbara Jaynes), whom he married in 1981; she was a British public relations agent, and their peaceful, loving relationship lasted until Grant's death from a stroke in 1986, bringing him great happiness in his later years.
 

Did Humphrey Bogart not like Audrey Hepburn?

Fun facts: * Bogart did not get along with either of his co-stars Audrey Hepburn or William Holden, whom he nicknamed “smiling Jim”. He also said the Audrey was quite untalented and could not act.