Page "Spencer Tracy" Paragraph 47

While making Woman of the Year in September 1941, Tracy began a relationship with Katharine Hepburn.

The actress became devoted to him and their relationship lasted until his death 26 years later.

Tracy never returned to live in the family home, although visited regularly.

The MGM moguls were careful to protect their contract stars from controversy, and Tracy wished to conceal his relationship with Hepburn from his wife, so it was hidden from the public.

The couple did not live together until the final years of Tracy's life.

In Hollywood, the intimate nature of the Tracy-Hepburn partnership was an open secret.

Angela Lansbury, who worked with the pair on State of the Union, later said: " We all knew, but nobody ever said anything.

In those days it wasn't discussed.

" Tracy was not someone to express his emotions, but friend Betsy Drake believed he " was utterly dependent upon.

" The infidelity continued, including an affair with Gene Tierney during the making of Plymouth Adventure in 1952.

Neither Tracy or his wife ever pursued a divorce, despite their estrangement.

He told Joan Fontaine, " I can get a divorce whenever I want to, but my wife and Kate like things just as they are.

" Louise, meanwhile, reportedly commented: " I will be Mrs. Spencer Tracy until the day I die.

" Hepburn did not interfere and never fought for marriage.