Kate Remembered

By: A. Scott Berg

Narrated by: Tony Goldwyn

Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

For seven decades Katharine Hepburn played a leading role in the popular culture of the 20th century, reigning as an admired actress, a beloved movie star, and a treasured icon of the modern American woman. She also remained one of the most private of all the public figures of her time.

In 1983, at the age of 75, her career cresting, the four-time Academy Award-winner opened the door to biographer A. Scott Berg, then 33, and began a special friendship, one that endured to the end of her illustrious life.

Here are the stories from those countless intimate conversations, and much more. In addition to recording heretofore untold biographical details of her entire phenomenal career and her famous relationships with such men as Spencer Tracy and Howard Hughes, Kate Remembered also tells the amusing, often emotional story of one of the most touching friendships in her final years. Scott Berg provides his own memories of Katharine Hepburn offstage: quiet dinners in her town house in New York City; winter swims (she swam, he watched) in the Long Island Sound at Fenwick, her home in Connecticut; weekend visits with family members and dear friends...even some unusual appearances by the likes of Michael Jackson and Warren Beatty. Finally, Kate Remembered discusses the legendary actress's moving farewell, during which her mighty personality surrendered at last to her failing body, all the while remaining true to her courageous character.

Kate Remembered is a book about love and friendship, family and career, Hollywood and Broadway, all punctuated by unforgettable lessons from an extraordinary life.

©2003 A. Scott Berg (P)2003 Putnam Berkley Audio and BBC Audiobooks America

Critic reviews

"Sharp, funny, and poignant." (New York Times)

"Engrossing...leave it to Hepburn to make a grand exit." (Newsday)

"Intimate, thoughtful, and considerate...an intensely personal book." (Salon.com)

Although we are in different Orbitz politically what a wonderful person she was

It’s a great book I listen to it every day until I finished which didn’t take long. They don’t make them like her anymore and I wish they did. I have watched all of her movies and will watch them over and over, I will also listen to this book again. Fantastic

Fantastic!

Wonderful written book, wonderfully read book, fantastic topic! Katharine Hepburn was an amazing woman & icon! She was fabulous!

Excellent

I thoroughly enjoyed this well written book. A. Scott Berg interjects the story of Katharine Hepburn's life and career with anecdotes of his own personal friendship with the legendary actress, giving the book a wonderful balance.

Sparkling in all fronts!

Astounding prose and observation and a brilliant reading by Tony Goldwyn. Truly one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. An amazing tribute to Katherine Hepburn.

Best ever

Written about a most unique individual with great love and enormous humor. Loved every minute of it.

Fabulous!!

I loved every minute of this excellent story. The reader, Scott Berg is amazing. He really was Kate. He sounded just like her and told her story beautifully. I will look for more books read by him. I was sad to reach the ending. What a tribute!

Fascinating look at Hepburn’s final years.

Hearing well regarded actor Tony Goldwyn narrate “Kate Remembered” brings authenticity and a bit of excitement to Berg’s words. I was caught off guard when I heard Goldwyn narrate Hepburn’s words in a Hepburn like tone but he pulls it off! Highly recommend.

An enjoyable time

This was such a fun listen, so much credit to Tony Goldwyn. I wish the whole story was less closeted. You can hear that Kate has a lesbian side of her life, and that the author is gay, but you have to listen carefully!

3 ways to love this excellent story

1. Kate herself, unlike any woman of her time and place, ditto for her life.
2. Scott Berg's wonderful writing and detailed memories of their unexpected friendship, which drew him into her life, home and family for decades.
3. Tony Goldwyn's narration, who beautifully captures all sides of Kate and her speaking style, along with Berg's compassionate and at times amused, amazed and also frustrated observations. Here is someone whose family was deeply connected to Kate and the author, perfect as narrator

Worth a listen

Although it begins a little slowly, this is a fascinating look at Hepburn through the eyes of someone who knew her well in later life. It's not the usual celebrity bio, in that it focuses on Hepburn's strong friendships and her relationship with her family as well as the Hollywood years. The narrator does a good job of evoking the voices of Hepburn and others.