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Blue plaque honours Cary Grant in home city

Getty Images Cary Grant posing in front of a camera in a black and white photograph. He has neatly combed hair, an intense, thoughtful expression, with his chin resting on his folded arms. He is wearing a textured sweater over a shirt. Getty Images
Cary Grant was born as Archie Leach in Bristol but forged a new life in the United States as a teenager

A blue plaque commemorating Hollywood icon Cary Grant is due to be unveiled in his home city.

The North By Northwest actor's plaque will be installed on Friday 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."

BFI Cary Grant in North By Northwest being chased by a plane.BFI
Cary Grant's iconic plane chase scene in 1959's North By Northwest directed by Alfred Hitchcock

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

The new plaque will honour 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 are due to be among the attendees of the unveiling at 50 Berkeley Road later.

'Everyone wants to be Cary Grant'

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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