Cary Grant Biography: Net Worth, Children, Movies, Age, Wife, Cause Of Death

Cary Grant was a renowned English-American actor who was celebrated for his charisma and impeccable comedic timing.

He starred in more than 76 films from the 1930s to the 1960s, establishing himself as one of the leading figures of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Some of his most iconic films include Bringing Up Baby (1938), The Philadelphia Story (1940), and North by Northwest (1959), the latter directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Throughout his career, Grant received two Academy Award nominations and was honoured with an honorary Oscar in 1970.

Profile

• Full Name: Archibald Alec Leach
• Stage Name: Cary Grant
• Born: January 18, 1904
• Death date: November 29, 1986
• Age: 82 years old
• Birthplace: Horfield, Bristol, England, United Kingdom
• Nationality: English-American
• Occupation: English-American actor
• Height: 1.84 m
• Parent: Elias James Leach ,Elsie Maria Leach (née Kingdon)
• Siblings: John William Elias Leach
• Spouse: Virginia Cherrill ​(m. 1934–1935), Barbara Hutton (m. 1942–1945), Betsy Drake ​(m. 1949–1962), Dyan Cannon ​​(m. 1965–1968), Barbara Harris ​(m. 1981)
• Children: Jennifer Grant
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $60 million

Early Life And Education

Archibald Alec Leach, better known as Cary Grant, was born on January 18, 1904, in Horfield, Bristol, England, to Elias James Leach and Elsie Maria Leach (née Kingdon).

His father worked as a tailor’s presser in a clothes factory, while his mother was a seamstress. Tragically, his older brother, John William Elias Leach, passed away from tuberculous meningitis just two days before his first birthday.

Grant attended Bishop Road Primary School and earned a scholarship to Fairfield Grammar School in Bristol.

However, he was expelled at 14 due to his mischievous behaviour. Following his expulsion, he pursued an entertainment career and joined Bob Pender’s troupe, opting to forgo further formal education.

His early exposure to the world of show business marked the beginning of his illustrious career. He is of English ethnicity, though his religious beliefs are not widely known.

Career

Cary Grant’s career began in the 1920s when he performed on Broadway in various musicals. His transition to film came with his debut in This Is the Night (1932), but his breakthrough role was in She Done Him Wrong (1933), where he starred opposite Mae West.

This film established him as a prominent leading man in Hollywood. Initially, Grant succeeded in crime films and dramas such as Blonde Venus (1932) and She Done Him Wrong (1933).

However, it was his roles in romantic screwball comedies that truly defined his career, including The Awful Truth (1937), Bringing Up Baby (1938), His Girl Friday (1940), and The Philadelphia Story (1940), many of which are regarded as among the greatest comedy films of all time.

In addition to his comedic roles, Grant starred in adventure films like Gunga Din (1939) and the dark comedy Arsenic and Old Lace (1944).

He also appeared in dramatic films such as Only Angels Have Wings (1939), Penny Serenade (1941), and None but the Lonely Heart (1944). The latter two earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Actor.

His versatility as an actor allowed him to seamlessly transition between genres, becoming known for his charm, comedic timing, and ability to portray lighthearted and dramatic characters.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Grant formed a close working relationship with legendary director Alfred Hitchcock. Hitchcock cast him in four films: Suspicion (1941), Notorious (1946), To Catch a Thief (1955), and North by Northwest (1959).

Grant took on darker, more morally complex characters in these suspenseful dramas, showcasing a side of him that challenged his usual suave, charming persona.

These roles demonstrated his range and ability to tackle more nuanced and ambiguous characters, a departure from his previous romantic leads.

In the latter part of his career, Grant focused on romantic films, with notable performances in Indiscreet (1958), Operation Petticoat (1959), That Touch of Mink (1962), and Charade (1963).

He became celebrated for balancing dignity with self-awareness, particularly in comedies. His legacy endures through iconic films like An Affair to Remember (1957) and Charade (1963).

Cary Grant retired from acting after Walk, Don’t Run (1966) to focus on family life and passed away on November 29, 1986, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood and film history.

Social Media

Cary Grant does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Cary Grant was married five times throughout his life. His first marriage was to Virginia Cherrill in 1934, but it ended in 1935.

He married Barbara Hutton in 1942, and their union lasted until 1945. His third marriage was to actress Betsy Drake from 1949 to 1962.

Grant’s fourth marriage was to actress Dyan Cannon, from 1965 to 1968. Finally, he married Barbara Harris in 1981, and they remained together until he died in 1986.

Grant’s relationships were often described as tumultuous, with several ex-wives later portraying him as controlling.

Despite these challenges, he had one daughter, Jennifer Grant, with Dyan Cannon. Jennifer wrote about their life together, offering insight into their family dynamics.

In addition to his marriages, Cary Grant’s close friendship with actor Randolph Scott was the subject of speculation. Rumours about their relationship have persisted over the years, though the true nature of their bond remains a topic of debate.

Cary Grant died on November 29, 1986, at 82, in Davenport, Iowa. He suffered a massive stroke during rehearsals for a performance titled A Conversation with Cary Grant and collapsed backstage.

Despite showing signs of illness, he continued rehearsing before being taken to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he died later that night.

Filmography

• Susannah (1930)
• This Is the Night (1930)
• Blonde Crazy (1931)
• The Devil and the Deep (1931)
• She Done Him Wrong (1933)
• The Woman I Love (1933)
• Alice in Wonderland (1933)
• Topper (1937)
• His Girl Friday (1940)
• The Philadelphia Story (1940)
• My Favorite Wife (1940)
• Suspicion (1941)
• Penny Serenade (1941)
• Mr. Lucky (1943)
• Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
• Monkey Business (1952)
• Dream Wife (1953)
• To Catch a Thief (1955)

Net Worth

At the time of his death in 1986, Cary Grant’s estimated net worth was $60 million, which is approximately $130 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Known for his iconic roles in classics such as North by Northwest and The Philadelphia Story, Grant’s wealth primarily came from his successful film career and real estate investments, establishing him as one of the highest-paid actors of his era.