Judy Norton - Remembering Katharine Hepburn: A Conversation with John Dayton 

I'm a huge Katharine Hepburn fan and I gotta say, this story of John Dayton is so sweet and fascinating. I never heard of this story, but I'm glad I did. Thank you very much for sharing, Judy.

"Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don't do that by sitting around." - Katharine Hepburn

Welcome back John Dayton !!!! Thank you for sharing such great stories. Hi Judy. You guys are so much fun together. Katherine Hepburn had a beauty and charisma that lasted a lifetime. Thank you guys very much.

John Dayton is one of the best you have interviewed (several times).

Such fascinating stories John. If you have not already written a book of all your experiences you definitely should! I am a huge fan of Turner Classic Movies and watching all the movies from the 40s and 50s. You would be a wonderful host with all of your recollections of a time a lot of people still enjoy. Thank you Judy for this conversation, I really do enjoy Johns interviews!

Miss thewaltons

I just love these stories about vintage 1970's/80's Hollywood. I enjoy John Dayton so much - what an interesting life. Back when television and movies were worth watching! I would love to know what John's thoughts are about how Hollywood and the movies of today have changed. Katherine Hepburn - such a treasure!

Cool story, so nice that John got to meet her and make friends. Reminds me of a story that a docent told me at Kitty Hawk. It was the 100th anniversary in 2003 of the Wright Brothers first flight and their were a lot of dignitaries attending the special programs. He was assigned to Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon. They got to talking and Neil brought up that he admired Andy Griffith. The docent asked Neil if he would like to meet Andy. Armstrong replied, “You’ve got to be kidding!” It turns out that the docent was friends with Andy and that he lived nearby in Manteo, North Carolina. Andy answered the phone and told the docent to bring Neil over. That is what happened, Andy Griffith and Neil Armstrong had a wonderful conversation. Neil was happy as a lark and was thrilled to meet his hero. I was thrilled to hear this story. John must have felt the same way with Kate.

Katharine Hepburn is a favorite of mine as well!What an amazing person she was! Thank you both for the video!

Great story Mr. Dayton, thank you

Katharine Hepburn...What an actress & a strong confident woman who did it her way. I don't think she ever gave a bad performance. A once in a lifetime iconic genuine STAR!

Oh my goodness, I need more of this story, I'm loving it! John is such a wonderful story teller, I am invisioning everything as he speaks. Love Katherine Hepburn, but I would love to hear other stories with the stars he knew! I do love a good story!!! So glad that you decided to post this, Judy!!! ❤️

Loved hearing about him meeting such a legend!😊

I can listen to John and any story he has to tell. I love reading his memories on other people’s webpages (directors and stars) - he tells a good story. Enjoying this feature of yours!

Wonderful to hear John Dayton talking about the great Katherine Hepburn. He is a gifted storyteller. What amazing memories of a legend and a true Hollywood Star.

Thank you Judy and John for this deep dive regarding Katharine Hepburn. Kate Hepburn has long been one of my favorites! I had the pleasure of seeing Ms Hepburn live in a play at the Dorothy Chandler pavillion in LA In 1976. She was in a play entitled "A Matter of Gravity". She was absolutely delightful Kate was one of the best in the business. Her legacy lives on in the extensive body of work she left behind.

16 years is like forever

Oh John Dayton....you must absolutely positively write a memoir. Thank you so much for sharing these precious memories and stories with Judy and her viewers. I sat glued to the screen delighted. Apparently so was Judy! A book of these extraordinary people and places and meetings would make for an Instant best seller. Think about it. Again thanks to you both for being such day brighteners.

Loved Katherine Hepburn in "On Golden Pond". Her very proper New England American accent was beautiful (reminiscent of Patricia Neal)--she lived to the wonderful age of 96💖. Burt Reynolds was in the classic Deliverance (with a great ensemble cast) which I still watch from time to time👍. My mom loved Angela Lansbury in Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Grey way back in the 40's.

Judy, what a wonderful segment about cinema royalty. John, my family and I loved Evening Shade, not only because it was a show the whole family could watch it had one of the most eclectic casts on television. The actors were a joy to watch, with such accomplished resumes. Sadly, it is no longer shown in syndication. My friend was attending a Broadway play in the early nineties, and at the intermission he saw Miss Hepburn sitting without her assistant two rows behind him. He got up the courage and told her how much he enjoyed her work in the theater and cinema. She acknowledged him and smiled and he returned to his seat. As the theater darkened, her assistant returned. John, I remember those New York winters and I dressed similarly to yourself. We don't have winters like that anymore only five inches of snow this year I miss meeting associates at The Plaza for drinks and having tea and sconces at the Waldorf. You are such a fascinating gentleman, and I want to thank you for your contributions to the media.

Judy and John, this was so Amazing!! These wonderful stories of people who we all miss so much! Love Katherine Hepburn, Burt, and Angela. These sweet personal stories mean so much. Again, John, thank you for such sweet memories!! ❤❤❤

Hi! Judy, I Love Katherine Hepburn. She is an Amazing actress❤. She made alot of movies, but the one I Love is "On Golden Pond" with Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda.❤

This was a nice surprise! It made me want to know even more about John Dayton-how he ended up becoming a producer, etc. I really loved Katherine Hepburn... what an interesting, talented person! Anyway, thanks for posting this, Judy. Looking forward to Part 2. 😊

Thanks so much Judy for this wonderful interview with John and his great stories. It's stories like this that are so real and so good that if they are not told, they would most likely be lost forever. You can tell John that I am sitting here wanting more and more. Yes, he is THAT good of a story teller. ......Russell D.

Really loved this interview as Katharine Hepburn is also my favorite actress BAR NONE. I had to blink two or three times to make sure your caption really said Remembering Katharine Hepburn as it so astonished me because for the last two weeks I had been looking for some reason for any little tidbit or rarity about her or with her giving interviews, etc or stories about her on youtube and it just seemed so much serendipity that you would show up with John Dayton and that he would share very picturesque memories of her. TRULY delightful, Judy Norton. Thank you so much for this beautful reminiscence in her honor. It was also fun to hear about Burt Reynolds. What a happy way to start out the new week and so near to Easter, thinking of the calla lilies and "Kate". Enjoyed the bits about Angela Lansbury too. I remember when Katharine Hepburn was one of the Kennedy Center honorees Angela Lansbury was kind of the hostess of the presentation about her. At the end of the presentation Angela Lansbury blew an airy kiss to Katharine Hepburn seated in her box who then rose to the general applause and saluted Angela Lansbury. At one point I had read a beautiful biography about her called A Remarkable Woman as well as her own memoir "ME" and all the stories from John about knowing her later in life rang completey true to all the stories I had found about her over the years. Her affectionate abruptness especially. Wish John Dayton would be back for further stories and that he would write a book about his sixteen year friendship with her to add brillantly to her "lore". So thrilled you posted all this and put into gear this wonderful idea of yours. Much appreciated.

Judy, thank you for the stories from John Dayton about meeting Katharine Hepburn. They were quite interesting and show Kate was very much as she appeared to be on her TV movie All About Me (1993). John Dayton was the Producer on the TV movie One Christmas (1994) with Miss Hepburn and more great actors like Julie Harris, Swoosie Kurtz and Henry Winkler. I bet he has some great stories about making that movie with Katharine Hepburn, even if it wasn't with Burt Reynolds, and it was her final film appearance. So please let him tell about that if he wants to.

Katharine Hepburn is awesome. Great actress.

Love THIS! Thanks for sharing Judy. Katherine Hepburn is my favorite actress of all time. ❤

He's so cute when he talks about her! So enamored by her amazing lightheartedness....

"The African Queen" is my favorite Katherine Hepburn movie. If that was the only movie she had ever made, what a truly amazing contribution to American culture it was. Lucky for us all, she had many brilliant film roles in her tremendous career. She was a fierce, beautiful, and supremely talented lady. Thank you for having John Dayton share his memories of her. This was entertaining.

Love Love Love these kinds of stories.

I just love listening to John speak. He has so many fascinating stories. ❤

What a treat to hear John's first-hand account of Hollywood mega-stars like Angela Lansbury and Katherine Hepburn. I loved Ms. Hepburn's performance in "On Golden Pond."

When I saw that this was going to be about Katherine Hepburn my first reaction was that I didn't remember her ever being on the Waltons. Wouldn't it have been great if she had. John is so fortunate to be able to call people like Katherine Hepburn and Burt Reynolds friends!

That’s a great story! Working with Burt Reynolds was probably a treat too!

Katherine Hepburn definitely was a legendary performer and still is many years after her death 😊 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Wow Judy what a pleasant surprise. Your channel really is evolving in a great direction. Variety is the spice of life. Most certainly spiced things up with this segment. I often wondered who your favorite stars were and how they may have influenced you. Star's illuminating stars could hear the enthusiasm in you voice when referring to Kate. John Dayton if your reading this thanks for your contributions what a wonderful experience your adventures are, definitely something to talk about. I never heard of you untill you came to Judy's behind the scenes and shared your stories, now I'll never forget you. Look forward to spotting you on the Waltons and wherever else you appeared. Always fun to make new friends ! That go's for you too Judy, you also feel like a old friend cause I was there watching from the beginning of your journey on the Waltons. Here we are in a whole new area enjoying the upside of social media. Thanks again to both of you.

Thank ❤you so much.❤

John Dayton really knows how to tell a story. His bright and funny narrative had me picturing Ms. Hepburn (she never told me to call her "Kate," so I won't) just as I always have in my mind's eye. What a hoot. Thank you again, Judy for sharing more of your conversations with John with us. He always makes me laugh and think, as do you. Judy, please tell John how much his story was enjoyed. Thank you again for giving us another delightful video.

Great! Thank you, both! I’m moved by so much about Ms. Hepburn, too, even more than her talent though I enjoy that greatly. From her early tragedy (loss of her brother); expectations upon her; her determination, perseverance… In her own words, you can see her deep vulnerability under her (protective?) bravado - though she was brave in ways (I believe) she masked. I highly recommend the book she wrote about the adventure of making “The African Queen”; later she said she never knew if Spencer Tracy loved her, though she sacrificed greatly for his freedom, comforts and his health; and a *fascinating* set of interviews when she visited Dick Cavett show that bravado first (as she directs & changes the set & more … determining whether she wants to proceed), to the melting of that dominant mien to ultimately allow so much of her sensitivity and desire for connection to be witnessed. I’m thankful for her. Go, Judy :) Flexibility! & Connections! A little like swimming in the Atlantic at 5am year-round, as Ms. Hepburn was reported to do: You’re embracing what life may next offer ✨~

Awesome 👌

What wonderful memories John has. Thank you for sharing them with us. 😊

This was so very interesting! Thank you for getting John to share his memories with you and all of use as well. You do a terrific job interviewing, we look forward to whatever comes next!

WOW, all I can say is WOW! That must have been such an honor for John to meet and possibly work with Katherine Hepburn, an amazing woman. If she was able to do that hike at 84 she could do anything. Just needed a little persuasion.

I loved this. How wonderful of you to let him walk down memory lane again about his friendships and meetings with these stars that many of us love. You could see and hear the emotion, love, and excitement in his voice being able to talk about it all. Katharine Hepburn was one of the greats for sure. I always heard that you knew exactly where you stood with her and John proved that talking about her. Really enjoy your videos and this was a special treat. Thank you and John both.

My aunt Joy had one of those old wax recordings from the 1940s that someone had done of my grandmother playing the piano like she used to for the silent movies at theaters in Portland Oregon. And aunt Joy was also on the recording as a teenager being funny and doing her Katharine Hepburn impression. She copied it onto cassette tape and sent to to me back in the 90s. I copied it later to CD. Glad I have that. Nice interview.

Very enjoyable to hear about Kate Hepburn..one of my favorites as well. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing ❤️ She’s Is a legend of Hollywood and screens. My parent’s and my grandparents' all-time favorite actress! Katherine Hepburn is truly a legend. In the making It was an honor to have learned all about her acting career and her life in general. Rest in peace, Katherine Hepburn. ✝️

John, I am sorry I wrote such a long comment, but your memories bring me back to a happier time. Judy, I recently came across a you tube video with you and your colleagues at a CBS event in 1978.I feel that time has stood still, you all look so youthful today. Thank you for all of your hard work.

Great stories from Mr. John. Thank you Ms Judy.

Loved the video as Kate Hepburn and Cary Grant were my 2 favorite actors, thank you both Judy💐

That was amazing to hear. I love hearing these kind of stories. Thanks John and thank you Judy for bringing this to us. 👍🏻

Best story ever about meeting Katharine Hepburn! Thank you Judy and John!

This was great.I loved Kate. She was a consummate actor. She was brilliant in Guess who’s Coming to Dinner. I shall turn in for part two of this.. I really want to know which movie he made for her. Thanks, Judy. Not sure if you celebrate or not, but I hope you and yours have a wonderful Easter.

I remember going to watch Hooper in 1978 at the cinema when I was 13 years old, what memories. I think my favourite Katherine Hepburn movie was African Queen, watched it on tv in the 70's. This was something different Judy so thank you for this and best wishes to you from your waltonian superfan in a cool England😉

Thanks for doing this one, Judy! I love hearing these old Hollywood stories! And thanks to John!

Judy and John thanks for sharing. I loved Katherine Hepburn in the African queen with Humphrey bogart

Thank you again Judy and John! John is a treasure trove of wonderful memories!

Judy, the greatest actress and personality in the history of Hollywood--none other than Katharine Hepburn. I sent her letters in the 90s to her house in NYC. She sent me an autographed note in the mail in 1995.

omg!! John Dayton, please write a book! Your stories are marvelous! ❤❤

I love Katherine Hepburn. She was the epitome of Hollywood grace and dignity. And, she starred in one of my all-time favorite movies with my favorite actor, John Wayne - Rooster Cogburn.

You have such a nice way about you, John! It's easy to see why The Walton's and others depended upon you! I liked Miss Hepburn in Love Among the Ruins. I'm not quite familiar with many of her earlier films, except she was always so very pretty. Angela Lansbury seems from your description to be a very down-to-earth, kind person, and so very talented too! I enjoyed your stories and hope you'll share more! You have a treasure trove of wonderful memories! Bless Walton's everywhere! Have a good week! 🧡💐✨

❤❤❤❤

I admired Katherine Hepburn.This is wonderful. Thank you John and Judy

Burt was a good actor in Canninball Run

👏👍

I loved Katherine .. a woman of strength and character and what a amazing actress. Judy so happy you liked her as well. She was so fascinating. I admire women like her and Angela Lansbury so much . Great ladies all of you Judy.👏🏻♥️

I think it’s totally awesome how you worked with Burt Reynolds.

Katherine Hepburn was just amazing trail blazer with her slacks. 😂 Thank you Judy for sharing with us. ❤

Judy, this is a beautiful change of pace. The great Kate Hepburn was one of the all-time great actresses and personalities. John's relation of how the former CEO of CBS said you could put Kate down in a chair and have her read the telephone book for two hours was delightful. I would've watched that film. But I especially loved how she could still wear out somebody half her age even with a healing broken ankle. That was the Kate I loved growing up. I can't wait for Part 2 of this interview with John about Kate. Can't wait to hear about the filming of the movies they did! Thank you so much Judy and John!

Hi Judy! It’s so great to hear from John again! I loved hearing all about this :) I sadly didn’t know who Katharine was but she sounded so wonderful. Thank you for sharing with us. And I hope you have an amazing day ❤ Love, Jamie ~ huge Waltons fan ✨

He was quite handsome . Oh my ! I remember one of last the movies she acted in .It was TV movie .I can't remember what it was called but she brilliant in it.She went with a family .I want go into great detail .But she change the families lives and they change hers .Awesome movie .

Wow, John could be a guest star on TCM! Thank you for that special treat!

I really enjoyed this, thanks for posting! I’m such a fan of Katharine Hepburn’s! I was just rewatching The Philadelphia Story on TCM recently. Her performance is one of my favorites of all time. They also showed Sylvia Scarlett, which was a flop at the time, but has a cult following now. It was fabulous and Hepburn was outstanding!

I’ll say it again, John is so sweet. I love his story of meeting “Kate”. She sounds like she was a handful! Mary

Hi Judy, I absolutely loved Katherine Hepburn. For many years, I lived not far from Old Saybrook CT where she had a home. I never had the luck of spotting her, but did visit Old Saybrook and it's a lovely place. There is a theater there named for Ms. Hepburn. Cheers and thank you 🍀

I really like listening to ask Judy and I really liked that interview about with cat about the guy that interviewed Katharine Hepburn I just like all the things that you do so keep up the good work have a great day and I really like the walls too bye bye

About "The Philadelphia Story": One evening, sitting by the fire sipping our Scotch and water, we chatted about the film...wonderful story, I'll share those memories the next time Judy and I do a Zoom.

Today, I celebrate my 1 year Anniversery of my job at a seinor Center.

Love this!! Thank you for all your great content

I absolutely loved Katharine Hepburn!! In fact, my favorite movies to watch are those from the 1930s, 40s and 50s!! I love the Golden Days of Hollywood and had so many favorite actors from back then. I love the simplicity of the old movies and their tastefulness, unlike some of the drivel of today where my intelligence is insulted and many of the scenes are less than stellar and quite embarrassing. Today's movies lack the that a lot of the old movies engendered. Anyway, it was a pleasure to listen to John's recollections. Thanks for sharing!!

a true icon loved watching her your scarf is so pretty Katherine always someone i admired another great video

I thoroughly enjoy your conversations with John Dayton! He is such a great storyteller. ❤

Love your stories of all my favorites as they were also for my mother...❤❤🌹🌹💞⭐

That sure was an interesting conversation with John Dayton. Katherine Hepburn is a favorite of mine along with Spencer Tracy. John is such a good storyteller.

Hi Judy I like listening to the stories

💙🔥💙Thank you John and Judy.

Just love this video! Thank you John for sharing your stories of working with Katharine Hepburn! I really liked her later TV movies especially The Man Upstairs.

That was so interesting I loved Katherine Hepburn she was quite the actor I’ve seen her in many many movies

John and Judy - I loved this!! What a story, from beginning to end - John, your memories are so clear! Thank you for sharing these amazing recollections. I could listen for hours! (I remember that show "Evening Shade" well, by the way - I thoroughly enjoyed it.)

Judy Now I understand your love for your painting because of Kate so Wonderful and Have a Very Happy Easter!✝️

Oh I LOVED this episode of your “show” Judy. I really liked Katherine Hepburn as well so this was so enjoyable. Thank you

Great story about the iconic Katharine Hepburn.

Love to hear more about KH and other celebs from that era!

Just watched this video again. Just great behind the scene stories about Katharine Hepburn! I have so many questions about the TV movies The Man Upstairs and This Can't Be Love.

So glad my shift change so I can see them again Hi from lutz Florida USA

What a treasure! Thanks for sharing this. As always, your show is delightful.

Katherine was beautiful in so many movies

Wonderful segment with John Dayton. Very interesting and entertaining!

Wow! After John said, "And that's how I met her." That would be a party highlight story for me if it ended there. Look forward to the next parts.