Spencer Tracy

Date of Birth: April 5, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: June 10, 1967

Biography

Spencer Tracy was an American actor, known for his naturalistic style and versatility. Born on April 5, 1900, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tracy’s career spanned over four decades, during which he became one of Hollywood’s most revered actors. He started his acting journey in the theater before transitioning to film in the early 1930s. Tracy quickly gained acclaim for his performances, earning nine Academy Award nominations and winning two for Best Actor for his roles in “Captains Courageous” (1937) and “Boys Town” (1938). Tracy’s collaborations with actress Katharine Hepburn in nine films are legendary, both for their on-screen chemistry and off-screen romance. Despite facing personal challenges, including struggles with alcoholism and a complicated relationship with his faith, Tracy remained dedicated to his craft. He continued to deliver powerful performances until his death on June 10, 1967. Tracy’s legacy endures as one of the greatest actors in the history of American cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Spencer Tracy

1. Spencer Tracy was the first actor to win back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor.

2. Tracy and Katharine Hepburn never married but had a long-term relationship that lasted 26 years.

3. He was known for his meticulous preparation and often memorized entire scripts, not just his lines.

4. Tracy served in the U.S. Navy during World War I but never saw combat.

5. Despite his success, Tracy was a private person and rarely gave interviews.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Spencer Tracy

1. “Acting is not an important job in the scheme of things. Plumbing is.”

2. “This mug of mine is as plain as a barn door. Why should people pay 35 cents to look at it?”

3. “There were times when my pants were so thin, I could sit on a dime and tell if it was heads or tails.”

4. “Know your lines and don’t bump into the furniture.”

5. “I’m tired of pretending that everything’s fine just so I can please everyone else.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Spencer Tracy’s net worth was estimated to be around $50 million (adjusted for inflation).

Children

Spencer Tracy had two children with his wife Louise Treadwell: John Ten Broeck Tracy and Louise Treadwell Tracy. John was born deaf, which led his mother to found the John Tracy Clinic, an institution for the education of deaf children.