I’m a few days late, but it’s necessary to pay tribute to one of the best actors in the history of cinema: Spencer Tracy, whose birth date turned 125 on April 5. At a time when cinema was synonymous with recorded theater, Tracy stood out for his ability to play complex roles with impressive naturalness.

He was the first actor to win the Oscar for Best Actor for two years in a row, only in 1993 and 1994 did Tom Hanks equal the feat, but even more than his iconic roles on the screen, it was his troubled love story with actress Katharine Hepburn that kept his name and personal life in the spotlight, including his personal struggle with alcoholism.

Spencer Bonaventure Tracy was born on April 5, 1900, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and had a difficult childhood, including the death of his sister when he was still a child and the stress caused by his father, who worked as a salesman. Tracy was educated in Catholic schools, and during this time, he developed a taste for theater. He studied engineering, but his true passion was always acting and after graduating, he moved to New York and began to seek opportunities in theater.

Tracy’s career in theater began with small roles in low-budget plays until he was discovered by theater director George Abbott and began starring in successful plays. In 1930, Hollywood came knocking.

Hiring a contract with Fox, he made his debut in John Ford‘s Up the River, quickly becoming a relevant name in the film capital, and consolidating himself as one of the industry’s leading actors, mainly due to his realistic acting style, in contrast to the exaggeration and theatricality of many of his contemporaries. Known for his strong temperament and his ability to play complex, multifaceted characters, he did not limit himself to heroic roles, which was another distinguishing feature.

The big turning point in Tracy’s career was precisely his partnership with actress Katharine Hepburn. The two were already stars, but their undeniable chemistry led to a series of hits and the signature “Tracy Hepburn” that was synonymous with quality. Thus, Tracy definitively established himself as one of the greatest actors of Hollywood’s golden age.

In terms of acting style, Tracy was known for his ability to imitate the natural behavior of people in everyday life. He was not the type of actor to be overly dramatic or theatrical; his strength lay in his ability to act in a restrained and genuine way, often dealing with morally complex or frustrated characters, but always in an honest way.

Personal Problems and Alcoholism
Despite his success on screen, Spencer Tracy’s personal life was far from peaceful. The actor suffered from alcoholism for much of his adult life, which hurt his health and behavior. His struggles with addiction were well known and often spilled over into his professional life, as he would often arrive late to film sets or be unable to maintain focus during work.

This alcohol problem had a particularly negative impact on his marriage to his wife, Louise Treadwell, with whom he had two children. Their relationship was strained, and although the couple were legally married, Tracy’s true passion seemed to lie in his partnership with Hepburn. Although his extramarital relationship with Hepburn was long-lasting and intense, Tracy remained married to Treadwell until his death.

Tracy’s alcoholism also took a toll on his physical health. In the last years of his life, he was clearly debilitated and faced serious health problems related to alcohol. In 1967, during the filming of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, he was physically impaired and had difficulty acting.

Relationship with Katharine Hepburn
Spencer Tracy’s relationship with Katharine Hepburn is one of the most fascinating aspects of his life. They formed one of the most iconic pairings in cinema, with a chemistry that was evident both on and off-screen. However, their relationship was turbulent, with many ups and downs, mainly due to Tracy’s alcoholism and his troubled marriage to Louise Treadwell. Tracy and Hepburn had a low-key romance for over 25 years, but he never divorced, and Hepburn, out of respect for him, also kept their relationship a secret from the public.

The actress would later speak openly about the emotional toll of being the “other” and how difficult the situation was, despite her passion for Tracy. However, despite the emotional complexity of their relationship, their partnership on film was remarkably successful, with both being nominated for nominated for several Academy Awards and forming one of the most respected duos in classic cinema.

Recognition and Oscars
Tracy won two Academy Awards for Best Actor: the first in 1937 for his performance in Captains Courageous (1937) and the second in 1942 for How Green Was My Valley (1941). His 1937 win was a recognition of his versatility, while the 1942 Oscar solidified his position as one of the greatest actors of his generation. In addition to the two major awards, he also received several nominations throughout his career, including for roles in Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967).

Personal Flaws and Lasting Impact
Spencer Tracy was not an immaculate figure, and his personal flaws—especially his alcoholism—often overshadowed his personal life. His alcohol addiction affected not only his health but also his ability to maintain stable relationships, such as his marriage to Louise Treadwell. His refusal to leave his wife for Katharine Hepburn was also seen as a character flaw, but this did not diminish the impact of his performance in cinema.

In addition, the fact that he was often seen as a recluse and solitary person in his personal life contrasted with his public image as a heartthrob and moral hero, which made his legacy even more complex.

With a legacy that transcends the silver screen, Tracy was not only a great actor; he was a man with flaws and virtues, but above all, an artist whose humanity resonated uniquely on the screen. And it is this mixture of greatness and fragility that, to this day, makes his memory a constant tribute to the art of acting.