Cary Grant Archibald Alec Leach was an English American Actor. His good looks, debonair style, and flair for romantic comedy made him one of the most popular stars in Hollywood. He often played the role of a handsome bachelor. He often portray characters who were much younger than his age. In 1999, the American Film Institute named him the second-greatest male actor of the Golden Age of Hollywood Cinema.
He received numerous accolades for his wonderful performances including Academy Awards For Best Actor, Academy Honorary Award, and Kennedy Center Honors. He became attracted to the theater at a young age when he visited Bristol Hippodrome. Grant initially appeared in crime films and dramas but late gained fame in romantic comedy movies. He retired from acting in 1966 and pursued numerous interests in the business. He died due to a stroke at the age of 82.
| Birth | 18 January 1904 |
| Birth Name | Archibald Alec Leach |
| Other Name | Cary Grant |
| Occupation | Actor, Businessman |
| Years Active | 1922- 1966 |
| Citizenship | United States,United Kingdom |
| Spouses | Barbara Haris, Dyan Cannon, Betsy Drake, Barbara Hutton, Virginia Cherril |
| Death | 29 November 1986 |
Early Life:
Grant was born as Archibald Alec Leach on January 18, 1904, in the northern Bristol suburb of Horfield. He was the son of Elias James Leach and Elsie Marie Leach. His father worked as a cloth presser in a factory and her mother was a seamstress. Grant was partially Jewish. He had an unhappy upbringing, his father was an alcoholic and his mother was in depression.
Grant’s mother was mentally ill and Grant’s experience with her mother influences his relationships with other women in later life. His mother was sent to Glenside Hospital when he was 9 years old. Later his father told him that his mother died. Grant recovered that his mother is alive at the age of 31.
Education:
Grant made friends who were a troupe of acrobatic dancers known as The Penders. Grant was trained as a stilt walker and began touring with them. In 1915, Grant was offered a scholarship to attend Fairfield Grammar School in Bristol. He was quite good in academic subjects but he was more interested in games. On March 13, 1918, he was expelled from school to continue his career in entertainment with the troupe.
Personal Life:
Grant was one of the wealthiest stars in Hollywood. He owned houses in Beverly Hills, Malibu, and Palm Springs. He was a chain smoker but quit smoking in the 1950s through hypnotherapy. He claimed that he did everything in moderation except love. Some people believe that he had a homosexual relationship with Randolph Scott.
Relationship:
Grant was married five times. He wed Virginia Cherrill on February 9, 1934, but divorced the following year. He began a relationship with actress Phyllis Brooks. In 1942, He married Barbara Hutton, one of the wealthiest women in the world. The marriage ended on August 14, 1962.
Grant married Dyan Cannon on July 22, 1965, in Las Vegas. The couple had a daughter Jennifer who is his only child. The couple divorced in 1967. On April 11, 1981, Grant married Barbara Harris. He had no successful relationships with his wives and girlfriends.
Spouses:
Grant, the British-American actor, was married a total of five times throughout his life. Here are his spouses in chronological order.
- Virginia Cherrill: Grant’s first wife was Virginia Cherrill, an American actress known for her role in the film “City Lights.” They were married from 1934 to 1935.
- Barbara Hutton: Grant’s second wife was Barbara Hutton, an American socialite and heiress. They were married from 1942 to 1945.
- Betsy Drake: Grant’s third wife was Betsy Drake, an American actress and screenwriter. They were married from 1949 to 1962.
- Dyan Cannon: Grant’s fourth wife was Dyan Cannon, an American actress and director. They were married from 1965 to 1968. They have a daughter named Jennifer Grant.
- Barbara Harris: Grant’s fifth and final wife was Barbara Harris, a British hotel PR executive. They were married from 1981 until Grant’s death in 1986.
Also Read: James Stewart Biography
Children:
Grant had one child, a daughter named Jennifer Grant. She was born on February 26, 1966, during Grant’s marriage to Dyan Cannon. Jennifer Grant followed in her parents’ footsteps and pursued a career in acting, appearing in various television shows and films. While Jennifer Grant is Cary Grant’s only biological child, he also had a stepson, Lance Reventlow, from his marriage to Barbara Hutton.
Career:
He made a contract with Paramount in 1932. The studio changed his name to Cary Grant and he legally adopt this name in 1941. Grant first appeared in several short films and low-budget movies on Paramount. He attracted the attention of different producers as a wealthy playboy.
As An Actor:
Grant builds a persona of sophisticated charm and humor intelligence. He is widely regarded as one of the most handsome men in Bollywood. He was an ingratiating and non-threatening sex symbol. Grant became a star when director Mae West chose him for a leading role in his successful films.
Cary Grant Famous Movies in Order:
- North By Northwest
- His Girl Friday
- The Philadelphia Story
- Notorious
- Charade
- Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
- The Awful Truth
- Arsenic And Old Lace
- To Catch A Thief
- That Touch of Mink
- Gunga Din
- An Affair To Remember
- Penny Serenade
- Operation Petticoat
- None But The Lonely Heart
Death:
Grant died on November 29, 1986, due to a stroke. He was 82 years old. No funeral ceremony was conducted for him following his request.
Awards And Honors:
- Kennedy Center Honors (1981)
- Academy Honorary Award (1970)
- David di Donatello Award (1960)
Net Worth:
Cary Grant, the renowned British-American actor, had a highly successful career in Hollywood, spanning several decades. While it is challenging to determine an exact figure for his net worth, various sources estimate it to be in the range of $60 million to $80 million at the time of his death in 1986.
FAQS:
- How Tall is Cary Grant?
Cary Grant was reported to be around 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall. However, it’s important to note that height measurements can vary, and this figure may not be entirely precise.
- What is the Net Worth of Cary Grant at his Death?
Cary Grant’s net worth was estimated to be $60 million at the time of his death in 1986. This is equivalent to about $130 million in today’s dollars.
- Where is Cary Grant Buried?
Cary Grant is not buried anywhere. His ashes were scattered at sea off the coast of California in 1986. Grant died of a stroke on November 29, 1986, in Davenport, Iowa, while rehearsing for a one-man show. He was 82 years old. His body was cremated and his ashes were scattered at sea by his wife, Barbara Harris.
- What is the Weight of Cary Grant?
Cary Grant was often described as maintaining a slender build throughout his career. However, specific weight figures are not widely available or documented.
- Did Cary Grant Serve in the Military?
No, Cary Grant did not serve in the military during World War II. While many actors and individuals of that era did serve, Grant did not enlist in the military. He was not a part of any military service or armed forces during the war.
