Cary Grant – Biography, Age, Net Worth, Career & Family

Cary Grant, born Archie Leach on January 18, 1893, in Horfield, Bristol, England, is one of the most iconic and enduring figures in the history of cinema. Known for his dashing good looks, impeccable wit, and undeniable charm, Grant has captivated audiences for generations. He rose to fame in the 1930s and remained a leading man in Hollywood for several decades, starring in a wide range of films that showcased his versatility and charm. From screwball comedies to classic thrillers, Grant left an indelible mark on the silver screen, earning the nickname “The Cary Grant Touch” for his effortless elegance and sophisticated humor.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name	Cary Grant
Place of Birth	Bristol
Place of Death	Davenport
Nationality	United States, United Kingdom
Date of Birth	18 January 1904
Age at Death	82 Years
Zodiac Sign	Capricorn
Date of Death	29 November 1986
Languages Spoken	English
Gender	Male
Native Name	Cary Grant
Birth Name	Archibald Alec Leach
Native Language	English
Signature

PHYSICAL STATISTICS

Height (in centimeters)	184 cm
Height (in meters)	1.84 m
Height (in feet inches)	6′ 0″

FAMILY

Spouse	Virginia Cherrill, Barbara Hutton, Betsy Drake, Dyan Cannon, Barbara Harris
Children	Jennifer Grant
Father	Elias James Leach
Mother	Elsie Kingdom

EDUCATION

Educated At	Bishop Road Primary School, Fairfield Grammar School, Fairfield High School

CAREER

Profession	film actor, writer, autobiographer, stage actor, film producer, businessperson, comedian, circus performer, actor
Nominations	Academy Award for Best Actor, Academy Award for Best Actor
Awards Received	Academy Honorary Award, David di Donatello for Best Foreign Actor, Kennedy Center Honors, star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, Academy Awards
Work Period Start	1932
Work Period End	1966
Notable Works	The Philadelphia Story, North by Northwest, Bringing Up Baby, To Catch a Thief

SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS

IMDB ID	nm0000026
Official Website	http://www.legendarycarygrant.com/
Wikipedia	Wikipedia

Cost of becoming

The journey from Archie Leach to Cary Grant was not without its challenges and sacrifices. Born into a working-class family, young Archie faced a difficult childhood, marked by the abandonment of his mother when he was just nine years old. This early trauma would shape his life and career in profound ways. To escape his troubled home life, Archie joined a performing troupe called the Penders at the age of 13, which led him to travel to the United States and eventually find his way into the world of entertainment. The transformation from Archie Leach to Cary Grant required not only a name change but also a complete reinvention of self, a process that demanded relentless determination and a refusal to let his past define him.

Identity before fame

Before he became the suave and sophisticated Cary Grant, Archie Leach was a boy from a modest background in Bristol, England. He grew up in a family that struggled to make ends meet, and his early life was marred by the sudden and unexplained disappearance of his mother. This event left a lasting impact on young Archie, who later learned that his mother had been institutionalized. To cope with his difficult circumstances, Archie turned to the world of show business, joining the Penders, a variety act that toured the British Isles. His talent for performance and his ability to entertain audiences soon became evident, setting the stage for his eventual transition to Hollywood stardom.

Timeline

• 1893 – Born in Horfield, Bristol, England
• 1903 – Mother’s disappearance
• 1906 – Joined the Penders performing troupe
• 1920 – Moved to the United States to join the Penders’ American tour
• 1932 – Made his Broadway debut in a play called “Gunplay”
• 1933 – Appeared in his first film, “This is the Night”
• 1937 – Starred in “The Awful Truth,” a film that cemented his status as a leading man
• 1941 – Played the role of Nathan Detroit in “Kiss Them for Me”
• 1959 – Starred in “North by Northwest,” one of his most iconic performances
• 1966 – Retired from acting, marking the end of a legendary career

Favourites

• Favorite Films: “The Awful Truth,” “Bringing Up Baby,” “North by Northwest”
• Favorite Directors: Howard Hawks, Alfred Hitchcock
• Favorite Co-stars: Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn
• Favorite Hobbies: Traveling, Collecting antiques, Playing bridge
• Favorite Books: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
• Favorite Foods: Seafood, Steak
• Favorite Drinks: Brandy, Martini
• Favorite Cities: Paris, New York, London
• Favorite Activities: Tennis, Golf
• Favorite Movies About Himself: “Bringing Up Baby,” “To Catch a Thief”

Controversies

• Marriage to Betsy Drake: Their relationship was often tumultuous, and Betsy alleged that Grant was controlling and jealous.
• Adoption Controversy: Grant and his third wife, Barbara Harris, adopted a daughter, Jennifer, in 1958, which was unusual for the time and sparked some controversy.
• Relationship with Sophia Loren: Rumors of a romantic affair with Sophia Loren during the filming of “Houseboat” persisted, despite both parties denying the claims.
• Drug Use: Grant admitted to experimenting with LSD in the 1960s, which was highly controversial at the time.
• Political Views: Grant’s political leanings were often unclear, and his association with various political figures raised eyebrows.
• Childhood Trauma**: The mysterious disappearance of his mother and his father’s subsequent behavior were sources of deep emotional pain and have been the subject of various discussions and biographies.
• Retirement Decision: Grant’s decision to retire at the height of his career was seen as abrupt and left many fans and critics wondering about his motivations.
• Male Chauvinism**: Some of his roles and comments were later interpreted as reinforcing traditional gender roles, leading to criticism in more contemporary times.
• Financial Disputes**: Grant was involved in several financial disputes, including a lawsuit over the rights to his autobiography.
• Personal Life**: His multiple marriages and relationships were often scrutinized by the media, leading to various rumors and speculations.

Control vs chaos

Cary Grant’s life was a delicate balance between control and chaos. On one hand, he meticulously crafted his public persona, ensuring that every aspect of his image aligned with the sophisticated and charming image he wanted to project. He was known for his impeccable taste in fashion, his polished demeanor, and his ability to maintain composure even in the most challenging situations. However, this control came at a cost. Behind the scenes, Grant struggled with personal demons, including the trauma of his mother’s disappearance and the tumultuous nature of his marriages. The contrast between his public and private life highlights the effort and sacrifice that went into maintaining his iconic status. Despite these challenges, Grant’s ability to navigate the complexities of his life with grace and dignity is a testament to his enduring legacy.

Emotional geography

Cary Grant’s emotional landscape was shaped by a series of significant events and relationships that profoundly influenced his life and career. His early years in Bristol, marked by the disappearance of his mother, left him with a deep sense of loss and a longing for stability. This emotional trauma drove him to seek solace in the world of entertainment, where he found a sense of belonging and purpose. As he rose to fame, Grant’s relationships, both romantic and professional, continued to shape his emotional geography. His marriages, while sometimes tumultuous, provided moments of joy and companionship, even as they brought new challenges. Despite the ups and downs, Grant’s ability to remain resilient and maintain his composure is a testament to his emotional strength and the depth of his character.

FAQs

• When was Cary Grant born?

  Cary Grant was born on January 18, 1893, in Horfield, Bristol, England.

• What was Cary Grant’s real name?

  Cary Grant’s birth name was Archie Leach.

• How did Cary Grant start his career?

  Cary Grant began his career as a performer in a variety act called the Penders. He later moved to the United States and made his Broadway debut in the play “Gunplay” in 1932.

• What are some of Cary Grant’s most famous films?

  Some of Cary Grant’s most famous films include “The Awful Truth,” “Bringing Up Baby,” “North by Northwest,” and “To Catch a Thief.”

• Who were some of Cary Grant’s notable co-stars?

  Cary Grant worked with many notable co-stars, including Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Rita Hayworth.

• What was Cary Grant’s relationship with his mother?

  Cary Grant’s relationship with his mother was deeply troubled. His mother disappeared when he was nine years old, and it was later revealed that she had been institutionalized. This event had a profound impact on Grant’s life and career.

• How many times was Cary Grant married?

  Cary Grant was married five times. His wives were Virginia Cherrill, Barbara Hutton, Betsy Drake, Dian Courtland, and Kay cladina.

• Did Cary Grant have any children?

  Cary Grant had one daughter, Jennifer Grant, whom he adopted with his third wife, Barbara Harris, in 1958.

• What hobbies did Cary Grant enjoy?

  Cary Grant enjoyed traveling, collecting antiques, playing bridge, tennis, and golf.

• What was Cary Grant’s favorite drink?

  Cary Grant’s favorite drinks were brandy and martinis.

• What books did Cary Grant enjoy reading?

  Cary Grant enjoyed reading classic literature, including “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde.

• What was Cary Grant’s relationship with director Alfred Hitchcock?

  Cary Grant and Alfred Hitchcock had a professional and personal relationship that spanned several films, including “Suspicion,” “Notorious,” and “North by Northwest.” Their collaboration is considered one of the most successful in Hollywood history.

• What was Cary Grant’s retirement like?

  Cary Grant retired from acting in 1966 at the height of his career. After retirement, he focused on traveling, spending time with his family, and pursuing his hobbies. He also made occasional public appearances and remained a beloved figure in Hollywood.