Cary Grant to be honoured in his home city of Bristol

A blue plaque commemorating Hollywood icon Cary Grant is to be unveiled today in Bishopston, in his home city of Bristol.

Arts and Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson are due to be among the attendees of the unveiling at 50 Berkeley Road.

Historic England’s national blue plaque scheme, which highlights people and communities whose history has been hidden or forgotten, honours Grant on the 120th anniversary of his birth.

Born Archie Leach in Horfield in 1904, the star escaped a poverty-stricken childhood to join an acrobatic troupe aged 14. Grant would go on to forge a film career spanning four decades in the US, defined by his charm, wit and charisma.

As a performer, he excelled in all genres, especially screwball comedy and thrillers, making his mark as a romantic leading man and a box office favourite, starring in such classics as Bringing Up Baby (1938), His Girl Friday (1940), Arsenic And Old Lace (1944), Notorious (1946), To Catch A Thief (1955), North by Northwest (1959) and Charade(1963).

He died in 1986 at the age of 82.

Barbara Jaynes, 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.” 

Jaynes added: “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.” 

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said: “We are delighted to unveil a plaque to film star Cary Grant, at his early childhood home in Bristol. His iconic performances are part of film history but before his meteoric rise to fame in Hollywood, he had humble origins.” 

“Through this blue plaque we can physically memorialise and celebrate this remarkable actor’s connection to Bristol, a UNESCO city of film, and we hope it inspires generations to follow their dreams too.”

As for Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant MP, he also highlighted how a working-class boy from Bristol who became one of the brightest movie stars Hollywood has ever known:  “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.”  

Additional sources • Historic England