Pop quiz: What do Cher and Sam Waterston have in common?

Not much, we realize, but there is this: They have both been chosen to receive the Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award.

The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center bestowed the prize on Cher in a virtual event last year, and it will give this year’s award to Waterston in a live gala Sunday at the theater in Old Saybrook.

The award is given each year to someone who embodies the spirit, independence and character of Hepburn.

Waterston worked with Hepburn back in 1973, when they co-starred in a TV version of Tennessee Williams’ “The Glass Menagerie.”

Waterston stated in a press release from the Hepburn Center, “There is no way to overstate the impact she had on us as young actors when we did 'The Glass Menagerie' ... And it continues to this day, both her general advice about showing up, being ready to go, and ‘bringing it’ about each movie. Her advice to me is now a permanent part of my actor’s toolkit.”

He also said that getting this award is meaningful “especially because I knew her, worked with her, and admire her. And also because I was here before when the USPS produced a stamp honoring her and because Connecticut is my home. I’m flattered to be honored by this award.”

Waterston has had quite a storied acting career. He was nominated for an Oscar for “The Killing Fields” and for six Emmys. He, of course, starred in “Law & Order,” and, more recently, in “Grace and Frankie.”

Spirit of Katharine Hepburn Award Gala, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dessert, with performance by singer Kat Edmonson, and the award presentation to Waterston; $150-$250; (860) 510-0453.