Blue plaque honours Cary Grant in home city

A blue plaque commemorating Hollywood icon Cary Grant has been unveiled in his home city.

The North By Northwest actor's plaque has been installed at his early childhood home in Bishopston, Bristol, where lived with his parents.

Born Archie Leach in Horfield in 1904, the star escaped a poverty-stricken childhood to join an acrobatic troupe aged 14.

Barbara Jaynes, Mr Grant’s widow, said: “He cherished the memories of his early years, and I can only imagine the joy he would have felt knowing that his roots would be commemorated in such a meaningful way."

Historic England’s national blue plaque scheme highlights people and communities whose history has been hidden or forgotten.

The new plaque honours Mr Grant on the 120th anniversary of his birth.

The leading man forged a film career spanning four decades in the United States but regularly returned to Bristol to visit his mother Elsie.

Arts and Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson were among those attending the unveiling at 50 Berkeley Road.

Ms Jaynes said: "Cary often spoke fondly of his childhood in Bristol, where his journey began.

"Cary's charisma, talent, and charm captivated audiences worldwide, yet he always remained grounded and proud of his origins.

"He would have been delighted to see his childhood home recognized, serving as an inspiration for future generations to 'dream big' and pursue their passions.

“This national blue plaque is a beautiful tribute to his humble beginnings and the extraordinary path he forged in Hollywood and beyond."

Sir Chris said: "With impeccable style, charisma and talent as vast as the Atlantic, Cary Grant embodied the silver screen star persona better than many of his American peers.

"As he himself said: 'Everyone wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant.'

"Although the bright lights of Hollywood beckoned, his spirit and determination to succeed were a direct product of his youth in his hometown of Bristol.

"As one of the city's most admired sons, this blue plaque will allow Bristolians to celebrate his legacy, while serving as a reminder to aspiring actors and artists to follow their dreams whatever their circumstances."

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