Katharine Hepburn has died at the age of 96.

The news was announced by Cynthia McFadden, a friend and executor of her estate.

Hepburn, who had suffered various health problems in recent years, died in Old Saybrook, Connecticut, surrounded by her family.

Ms McFadden said that according to Hepburn's wishes, there will be no memorial service and burial will be private at a later date.

The lights will dim on Broadway in New York at 1am UK time on Wednesday in her honour.

During her 60-year career, she won a record four Best Actress Academy Awards and was nominated 12 times, which stood as a record until Meryl Streep surpassed her nomination total in 2003.

Her Oscars were for: Morning Glory, 1933; Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, 1967; A Lion in Winter, 1968; and On Golden Pond, 1981.

Despite her success, Hepburn always felt she could have done more. "I could have accomplished three times what I've accomplished," she once said. "I haven't realised my full potential. It's disgusting."

But, she said: "Life's what's important. Walking, houses, family. Birth and pain and joy - and then death. Acting's just waiting for the custard pie. That's all."

Hepburn married only once, briefly, and her name was linked to Howard Hughes and other famous men, but the great love of her life was Spencer Tracy. They made nine films together and remained close companions until Tracy's death in 1967.

Source: Press Release