THE LEGACY OF KATHARINE HEPBURN: Fine Art as a Way of Life Maryann Pasda DiEdwardo Memoir The legacy of the late Katharine Hepburn undeniably benefits a twenty-first century audience, because Kate identifies the artistic spirit. As one of the most important women of the twentieth century, Hepburn was an artist who exemplified the independent character, freedom and opportunity available to women as paramount whether she was on stage or in film. As the late Hepburn, she has become a living art spirit with a legacy that acts as a shining example.