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Spencer Tracy: A Life from Beginning to End
Spencer Tracy was a man who truly immersed himself in his craft. Ever since he was a boy, he dreamed of making his way to the big screen to play larger-than-life roles, and he didn’t stop until he made that dream a reality.
Tracy brought a whole string of box office hits to the golden age of film; still, his life wasn’t perfect. The actor struggled with alcohol addiction, and due to infidelity, his marriage at home would be strained. After separating from his wife, he kept in place a long-term relationship with actress Katharine Hepburn until the day he died. Yes, Spencer Tracy had his difficulties in life, but they by no means outshine his triumphs, which include being the first person to win two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
Acting at College
Struggling as an Actor
Hollywood Success
Tracy during World War II
Health Issues
Late Life and Death
And much more!
Tracy brought a whole string of box office hits to the golden age of film; still, his life wasn’t perfect. The actor struggled with alcohol addiction, and due to infidelity, his marriage at home would be strained. After separating from his wife, he kept in place a long-term relationship with actress Katharine Hepburn until the day he died. Yes, Spencer Tracy had his difficulties in life, but they by no means outshine his triumphs, which include being the first person to win two consecutive Academy Awards for Best Actor.
Discover a plethora of topics such as
Acting at College
Struggling as an Actor
Hollywood Success
Tracy during World War II
Health Issues
Late Life and Death
And much more!
- GenresBiographyNonfiction
43 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2022
44 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Hourly History
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 3, 2023
Didn't know too much about him, I think the only movie of his that I've seen is "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner".
Some things I learned that I didn't know:
-He had a much more turbulent life than I thought (alcohol, drugs, depression). Separated but never divorced his wife
-It seems he was really respected as an actor and very hard working. He still holds the joint record for most Best Actor Oscar nominations with Laurence Olivier.
-He must have been quite charming as he had affairs with numerous of the top leading ladies of the time.
-He died quite young - age 67 - he had rather poor health.
I already knew about the Hepburn thing, it really is fascinating and mysterious. What did she see in him that she was happy to be a mistress despite being so rich, famous and accomplished? Maybe she just didn't want to be tied down in a conventional marriage? Very curious.
From a movie fan perspective he really didn't act in many movies that are considered classics apart from Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. The Screwball Comedies from the 30s are respected but not really in the Cinema Canon. So he probably gets overlooked a bit compared to people like Jimmy Stewart who starred in more classics that people still watch like Rear Window, Vertigo, It's a Wonderful Life.
Some things I learned that I didn't know:
-He had a much more turbulent life than I thought (alcohol, drugs, depression). Separated but never divorced his wife
-It seems he was really respected as an actor and very hard working. He still holds the joint record for most Best Actor Oscar nominations with Laurence Olivier.
-He must have been quite charming as he had affairs with numerous of the top leading ladies of the time.
-He died quite young - age 67 - he had rather poor health.
I already knew about the Hepburn thing, it really is fascinating and mysterious. What did she see in him that she was happy to be a mistress despite being so rich, famous and accomplished? Maybe she just didn't want to be tied down in a conventional marriage? Very curious.
From a movie fan perspective he really didn't act in many movies that are considered classics apart from Guess Who's Coming to Dinner. The Screwball Comedies from the 30s are respected but not really in the Cinema Canon. So he probably gets overlooked a bit compared to people like Jimmy Stewart who starred in more classics that people still watch like Rear Window, Vertigo, It's a Wonderful Life.
March 16, 2023
Who knew....After just watching quote judgment at Nuremberg”, I decided to pick up this hourly history about Spencer Tracy. I became aware of Mr. Tracy and many of his films while I was still in high school. I remember seeing him in the movie “woman of the year”, and “inherit the Wind”. I knew that he had made six or seven movies with Katharine Hepburn, one of my favorites was “guess who’s coming to dinner” also starring Sidney Poitier.
This hourly history gave me so much more insight into the man and into his career, it also dropped several names of other actors and actresses that he made some very successful and some other not quite so successful movies.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to read these hourly mysteries, especially when I find one that is about either a time, a place, event, or a person that I am interested in.
This hourly history gave me so much more insight into the man and into his career, it also dropped several names of other actors and actresses that he made some very successful and some other not quite so successful movies.
I am very grateful for the opportunity to read these hourly mysteries, especially when I find one that is about either a time, a place, event, or a person that I am interested in.
February 10, 2023
I have always loved watching Spencer Tracy’s movies because his acting is so natural.
The book covers his rise to stardom and struggles along the way. His long term relationship or affair with Kathryn Hepburn is well known but I was surprised to learn about his. many infidelities.
We gain some insight into his character and personal life but most of the book covers his career.
The book covers his rise to stardom and struggles along the way. His long term relationship or affair with Kathryn Hepburn is well known but I was surprised to learn about his. many infidelities.
We gain some insight into his character and personal life but most of the book covers his career.
April 12, 2024
Is there anyone in Hollywood that lives a moral life?
I keep reading biographies about Hollywood stars comma trying to find one that leads a happy and moral life. I haven't found one yet. But I will keep looking.
This book told me everything I needed to know about Spencer Tracy. May God Rest is soul.
I keep reading biographies about Hollywood stars comma trying to find one that leads a happy and moral life. I haven't found one yet. But I will keep looking.
This book told me everything I needed to know about Spencer Tracy. May God Rest is soul.
February 20, 2022
Although like many other actors and actresses Spency Tracy had multiple affairs, he held his convictions and stayed married to his wife. She is a strong woman to tolerate his indiscretions. Clearly he loved her.
August 7, 2022
Read Katherine Hepburn biography first?
A troubled man and good actor. Cheated on his wife, battled with alcoholism. Doubted his talent and wanted to quit after every flop. But what a talent he was in the right role.
A troubled man and good actor. Cheated on his wife, battled with alcoholism. Doubted his talent and wanted to quit after every flop. But what a talent he was in the right role.
December 31, 2022
Spencer Tracy: Resilient in Life and on Screen
An interesting and educational take on the life of Spencer Tracy and the parts he played on stage and the big screen. It depicts his struggles in both areas and his ability to rebound. His life was a novel in itself.
Rich Koeppel
An interesting and educational take on the life of Spencer Tracy and the parts he played on stage and the big screen. It depicts his struggles in both areas and his ability to rebound. His life was a novel in itself.
Rich Koeppel
December 6, 2023
A Gifted Man
I believe everyone loved the parts Spencer played. He was an incredible career that lasted for decades. He had his ups and downs but ended on top.
His affair with his friend lasted for many years.
The world missed his strong acting career , and missed him terribly.
I believe everyone loved the parts Spencer played. He was an incredible career that lasted for decades. He had his ups and downs but ended on top.
His affair with his friend lasted for many years.
The world missed his strong acting career , and missed him terribly.
February 21, 2022
A good introduction to the life of Spencer Tracy.
March 1, 2022
An interesting read
Yes he was an actor, in fact a popular one -- BUT
on the other hand, certainly walked through the pot-holes that seem common for show business folks
Yes he was an actor, in fact a popular one -- BUT
on the other hand, certainly walked through the pot-holes that seem common for show business folks
March 3, 2022
Short and Sweet
For a short biography, this was a pretty good one. Hopefully it will entice readers to explore the life of Spencer Tracy in greater detail.
For a short biography, this was a pretty good one. Hopefully it will entice readers to explore the life of Spencer Tracy in greater detail.
March 12, 2022
Wow!
I have always enjoyed his films. Was real surprised, that he was unfaithful to his wife. With several actresses. His main love, Katherine Hepburn.
Sad, that he died so young.
I have always enjoyed his films. Was real surprised, that he was unfaithful to his wife. With several actresses. His main love, Katherine Hepburn.
Sad, that he died so young.
March 29, 2022
Troubled and Confused
Success can not bring you happiness if your not.
Fame and fortune and beautiful women and yet just one bad review away from depression.
Success can not bring you happiness if your not.
Fame and fortune and beautiful women and yet just one bad review away from depression.
July 6, 2022
Short book. I didn't notice it was 40 plus pages long. Well written. Interesting life. Recommended to all.
October 30, 2023
Interesting man
The story is very easy to read. Some of the sections could have been better. All in all a good book.
The story is very easy to read. Some of the sections could have been better. All in all a good book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews