Although many believed Hepburn's career was over, she had a few tricks up her sleeve (via Live About). Biography explains that she stepped away from the silver screen and returned to her Broadway roots, where she starred in "The Philadelphia Story." The show was a success and she subsequently purchased the story's film rights. Co-starring Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart, the MGM film adaptation was released in 1940. According to Britannica, "The Philadelphia Story" was critically acclaimed — Jimmy Stewart picked up a best actor Oscar, and Donald Ogden Stewart won for his screenplay — and it was also box office gold. Hepburn once again became a Hollywood darling. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) explains that Hepburn managed to convince MGM to make the movie with her and to allow her to pick the film's director as well as her co-stars.
In 1942, Hepburn starred in "Woman of the Year" with Spencer Tracy. Also per Biography, they fell in love and made a total of nine films together. However, they neither married nor made their romance public. Tracy, a devout Catholic, was married and refused to divorce his wife due to his religious beliefs. Nonetheless, Hepburn stood by his side until Tracy's death in 1967.
Their last film together, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" earned Hepburn her second of what would be her four Academy Awards (per Britannica). Despite her waning popularity in the late 1940s, she continued to star in critically and commercially successful films, including "The Lion in Winter," "On Golden Pond," and more. Her final role was in 1994's "Love Affair," when Hepburn was 87 years old.
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