Cary Grant
Biography
Cary Grant (born Archibald Alec Leach; January 18, 1904 – November 29, 1986) was a British-American actor, celebrated for his debonair charm, impeccable comic timing, and sophisticated screen presence. He became one of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men, starring in classics such as Bringing Up Baby (1938), His Girl Friday (1940), Notorious (1946), and North by Northwest (1959). Grant had a difficult childhood, marked by his mother’s institutionalization and his father’s alcoholism. At 16, he joined the Pender Troupe, a group of acrobats, which led him to New York City, where he built a career in vaudeville before transitioning to Hollywood in the early 1930s. His breakthrough came with screwball comedies, where his witty delivery and effortless charisma made him a favorite among audiences. He worked with legendary directors such as Howard Hawks, Alfred Hitchcock, and George Cukor, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and enduring star. Grant was married five times, but his longtime companionship with fellow actor Randolph Scott fueled speculation about his sexuality. The two lived together for over a decade, sharing a home in Los Angeles, which led to rumors that they were romantically involved. While Grant never publicly addressed these claims, some biographers suggest that his relationship with Scott was more than just friendship. Despite the speculation, Grant maintained a carefully curated public image, often portraying the ideal romantic lead opposite Hollywood’s most glamorous actresses, including Katharine Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, and Grace Kelly. Grant retired from acting in 1966, choosing to focus on business ventures and his family. He received an Academy Honorary Award in 1970 and was honored with the Kennedy Center Award in 1981. He passed away on November 29, 1986, at the age of 82. His legacy remains unmatched, with the American Film Institute ranking him as the second greatest male star of Hollywood’s Golden Age. His timeless appeal, effortless sophistication, and enigmatic personal life continue to fascinate audiences and film historians alike.
Personal Details
Also Known As
Movies (50)
Clemence & Alexis
as Archive
2025
True Blue
as (Archive Footage)
2025
The Trouble With Forgetting
as (archive footage)
2024
Grace Kelly – Hollywoods tragische Prinzessin
as Self (archive footage)
2022
Rat Pack
as Self (archive footage)
2022
Sophia Loren, a special destiny
as Self (archive footage)
2019
Hitchcock Confidential
as Self (archive footage)
2019
Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood
as Self (archive footage)
2018
Mel Brooks: Unwrapped
as Self (archive footage)
2018
Becoming Cary Grant
as Self (archive footage)
2017
Trumbo
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
2015
Discovering Audrey Hepburn
as Self (archive footage)
2015
Fascination: Unauthorized Story of Marilyn Monroe
as Self (archive footage)
2012
Metropolis Refound
as Self (archive footage)
2010
1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year
as Self (archive footage)
2009
Once Upon a Time... 'Notorious'
as Self (archive footage)
2009
Behind The Gates: Cary Grant And Grace Kelly
as Self (archive footage)
2009
Hippies
as Self (archive footage)
2007
Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
as Self (archive footage)
2007
On Assignment: 'His Girl Friday'
as Self (archive footage)
2006
On Location with Gunga Din
as Archibald Cutter (archive footage)
2004
Before the Fact: Suspicious Hitchcock
as Self (archive footage)
2004
Cary Grant: A Class Apart
as Self (archive footage)
2004
Cole Porter in Hollywood: True Love
as Self (Archive Footage)
2003
Complicated Women
as Self (archive footage)
2003
Edith Head: The Paramount Years
as (archive footage)
2002
Writing And Casting To Catch A Thief
as Self (archive footage)
2002
Destination Hitchcock: The Making of 'North by Northwest'
as Self (archive footage)
2000
Hitchcock, Selznick and the End of Hollywood
as Self (archive footage)
1999
The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender
as Self (archive footage)
1997
Frank Capra's American Dream
as Self (archive footage)
1997
Ingrid Bergman Remembered
as Self (archive footage)
1996
Mae West and the Men Who Knew Her
as Self (archive footage)
1994
Marilyn: Something's Got to Give
as Self (archive footage)
1990
You're the Top: The Cole Porter Story
as Self (archive footage)
1990
Intimate Portrait: Grace Kelly
1990
Myrna Loy: So Nice to Come Home To
as (archive footage)
1990
Hollywood Heaven: Tragic Lives, Tragic Deaths
as (archive footage)
1990
Cary Grant: A Celebration of a Leading Man
as Self (archive footage)
1988
Happy Birthday, Bob: 50 Stars Salute Your 50 Years with NBC
as Self (archive footage)
1988
Grace Kelly: The American Princess
as Self (archive footage)
1987
All Star Party for Clint Eastwood
as Self
1986
Kraft Salutes the George Burns 90th Birthday Special
as Self
1986
That's Dancing!
as Self (archive footage)
1985
All Star Party for Lucille Ball
as Self
1984
All-Star Party for Frank Sinatra
as Self
1983
Notre Dame de la Croisette
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
1983
Showbiz Goes to War
as (archive footage)
1982
Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid
as (in "Suspicion") (archive footage)
1982
Oops, Those Hollywood Bloopers!
as Self (archive footage)
1982