Born
Archibald Leach on January 18th 1904 in Horfield, Bristol, he
became a Junior Air Raid Warden during the First World War
whilst in the Boy Scouts. Expelled from school in 1918, he
joined the Pender Troupe touring Britain for two years until
in 1920 he was selected, with a few others in the troupe, to
perform in America.
When
the troupe returned home two years later, having finished all
their engagements, Archie stayed behind, surviving by doing
'walk-on' parts in various shows until in 1927 he got his
first part on Broadway in Hammerstein's "Golden Dawn". After
managing to secure a part in a short film, "Singapore Sue"
being made by Paramount, he was given a contract by them. Cary
Grant was born.
In
February 1934 Cary married Virginia Cherrill after a long
hot/cold relationship, during which time he lived with
Randolph Scott. The marriage was short-lived and they were
divorced just thirteen months later. Cary moved back with
Randolph.
During
the Second World War Cary worked (secretly) for British
Intelligence investigating the pro-nazi element of Hollywood
including, it is believed, Barbara Hutton who he later
married. He became an American Citizen in June 1942, marrying
Barbara the following month. They divorced in 1945.
On
Xmas Day 1949, Cary married Betsy Drake. He was 45yrs and she
26yrs. They separated in 1958 and were divorced in 1962. It
was during this marriage that Cary's use of LSD (for a
psychological disorder) was revealed.
Marrying once more, in July 1965, this time to Dyan Cannon
thirty-three years his junior, Cary became the oldest
first-time father in Hollywood with the birth of Jennifer
Grant. Alas, in March 1968 this marriage too ended in divorce.
Cary died, following a stroke, on November 29th 1986 in
Davenport, Iowa.
Between 1931 and 1985, Cary Grant appeared in eighty-four
films.
Search as I may, I have not located any pictures of that
famous pink poodle. Anyone seen it?
Born
Archibald Leach on January 18th 1904 in Horfield, Bristol, he
became a Junior Air Raid Warden during the First World War
whilst in the Boy Scouts. Expelled from school in 1918, he
joined the Pender Troupe touring Britain for two years until
in 1920 he was selected, with a few others in the troupe, to
perform in America.
