Early Life and Background
Spencer Bonaventure Tracy was born on April 5, 1900, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to John Edward Tracy, a truck salesman, and Caroline (née Brown), a schoolteacher. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family and was the second of four children. The Tracy family moved to New York when Spencer was a teenager, and it was in New York that Spencer’s passion for acting began to develop.
Tracy attended De La Salle Institute, where he showed a strong interest in acting, though his academic performance was not particularly outstanding. Later, he studied at Ripon College in Wisconsin, where his interest in the theater deepened. After college, he worked briefly in New York before being introduced to the world of professional acting.
He enrolled at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1922, a decision that would shape the course of his career. After graduating, Tracy began performing in New York’s theater scene, and his early work in Broadway productions helped him develop his craft.
Early Career in Hollywood
Tracy’s Hollywood debut came in 1930, when he was cast in the film “The Last Mile”. However, it was not until 1931 that Tracy’s career began to gain traction, when he was signed by Fox Studios and appeared in a string of supporting roles in films like “Up the River” (1930) and “The Party’s Over” (1934).
Despite facing some early struggles in Hollywood, Tracy’s talent and range as an actor eventually caught the eye of director John Ford, who cast him in a leading role in the film “The Power and the Glory” (1933). From there, Tracy’s career continued to flourish, and he became a prominent figure in Hollywood, gaining recognition for his compelling performances in both comedies and dramas.
Rise to Stardom and Career Highlights
The 1930s and 1940s were the defining decades of Spencer Tracy’s career. His versatility as an actor, paired with his distinctive stoic yet empathetic style, made him one of Hollywood’s leading men.
Tracy’s collaborations with some of the greatest directors and actors of his time solidified his reputation as one of the finest actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Here are some key milestones in his career:
- “San Francisco” (1936): Tracy starred alongside Clark Gable and Jeanette MacDonald in this romantic drama about the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. His performance as Father Tim Mullin earned widespread acclaim.
- “Captains Courageous” (1937): Tracy won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Manuel Fidello, a Portuguese fisherman, in this adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s novel. This role is often regarded as one of his finest.
- “Boys Town” (1938): In one of his most iconic roles, Tracy played Father Flanagan, a Catholic priest who founded the Boys Town orphanage. His heartfelt performance won him another Academy Award nomination and solidified his status as a beloved actor.
- “Judgment at Nuremberg” (1961): Tracy’s portrayal of Judge Dan Haywood in this courtroom drama, set against the backdrop of the Nuremberg Trials, earned him an Academy Award nomination and is considered one of his finest performances. The film also featured Burt Lancaster, Marlene Dietrich, and Maximilian Schell.
- “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967): This film marked one of Tracy’s last major roles. His performance as a father grappling with his daughter’s decision to marry a Black man in the 1960s was praised for its sensitivity and depth. It would also become Tracy’s final film role, as he passed away before filming was completed. Sidney Poitier, playing the fiancé, and Katharine Hepburn, playing his wife, rounded out the iconic cast.
Personal Life
Spencer Tracy was known for his deep love for acting, which often took precedence over his personal life. However, his personal relationships were also marked by his enduring bond with actress Katharine Hepburn. Despite being married to Louise Treadwell (his wife from 1923 until his death in 1967), Tracy’s long-term romantic relationship with Hepburn was well-known, though the two never married.
Tracy’s relationship with Hepburn is legendary, and they starred in nine films together, with “Adam’s Rib” (1949) and “Pat and Mike” (1952) being some of their most memorable collaborations. Hepburn once famously said that Tracy was “the greatest man I ever met,” and despite their complicated personal lives, their professional relationship was one of great mutual respect.
Tracy also had two children with his wife Louise: a son, John Tracy, and a daughter, Susie Tracy.
Tracy’s health was often a challenge throughout his life, and he struggled with alcoholism, a problem that he battled for much of his adult life. His personal struggles were frequently hidden from the public, and he continued to work despite his declining health.
Death
Spencer Tracy passed away on June 10, 1967, at the age of 67, just days after completing filming for “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” The film was released posthumously, and Tracy’s final performance was hailed as a fitting tribute to his career. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Spencer Tracy’s net worth was estimated at approximately $50 million, a substantial sum for an actor during his time. Tracy’s wealth was derived from his long and successful film career, his various roles in television, and the royalties from his many films.
He had a significant income from box office earnings, as he was one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. Additionally, his films continued to generate revenue through syndication and reruns, contributing to his long-term financial success.
Despite his wealth, Tracy lived a relatively modest lifestyle and was known for his humility and work ethic. He was not one to flaunt his success, often preferring to live a life away from the public eye.
Legacy
Spencer Tracy’s legacy as an actor remains significant, and his contributions to American cinema are still celebrated today. Known for his naturalistic acting style, his ability to convey complex emotions, and his consistent dedication to his craft, Tracy is considered one of the greatest actors in the history of Hollywood.
He was posthumously honored with two Academy Awards (one for his role in “Captains Courageous” and another for his role in “Boys Town”). His work continues to influence generations of actors, and his films are regularly studied in film schools around the world.
In 1966, the American Film Institute ranked him among the 50 Greatest American Actors in its list of “AFI’s 100 Years…100 Stars.”
Tracy’s authenticity, humanity, and longevity in the business of acting have inspired countless performers and have earned him a place as one of the all-time greats in film history.
