Cary Grant, the quintessential Hollywood icon of the mid-20th century, not only mesmerized audiences with his impeccable performances but also intrigued the public with his romantic life. His charm, handsome looks, and charismatic presence made him a subject of endless fascination. Throughout his career, his relationships and marriages often seemed like scenes straight out of a Hollywood movie. From high-profile marriages to passionate romances and enduring friendships, Grant’s love life captivated the public’s attention and fueled much speculation. This article explores the complex web of Cary Grant’s romantic escapades, shedding light on the women who were significant in his life and addressing the enduring rumors about his sexuality, particularly from the perspective of his daughter.
Cary’s First Two Marriages
Cary Grant’s first marriage was to Virginia Cherrill, an American actress famed for her role in Charlie Chaplin’s silent film “City Lights.” They met in the early 1930s and, despite their different backgrounds, fell in love and married in 1934. Grant, originally from England and rising in Hollywood, and Cherrill, making her mark in the film industry, seemed like a match made in Tinseltown. However, their union was brief and fraught with difficulties. Their different lifestyles and interests quickly caused friction. Cherrill, involved in social circles, and Grant, focused on his career, found it challenging to bridge their differences. This led to their separation and eventual divorce in 1935, barely a year after they wed.
Grant’s second marriage to Barbara Hutton was even more high-profile and intensely scrutinized. Hutton, an heiress to the Woolworth fortune and one of the wealthiest women in the world, met Grant at a party in 1934. Their relationship, marked by media fascination, culminated in a lavish wedding in 1942. Despite their mutual attraction, their marriage faced significant challenges. The stark contrast in their backgrounds and Hutton’s immense wealth put a strain on their relationship. Grant struggled with the expectations and lifestyle that came with Hutton’s fortune. Despite efforts to adapt, including becoming a U.S. citizen, their marriage ended in divorce in 1945 after three tumultuous years. Reports suggested that Grant’s desire for a simpler, more grounded life contributed to their split.
Cary and Betsy
Grant’s marriage to Betsy Drake represented one of the most stable periods in his personal life. They met in the early 1940s while working on the film “Every Girl Should Be Married” (1948) and developed a friendship that blossomed into romance. Unlike his previous high-profile marriages, Grant sought a more settled and domestic life with Drake. In 1949, they married in a private ceremony in Las Vegas. Their relationship was marked by emotional intimacy and shared interests, such as travel and psychotherapy. Drake introduced Grant to the world of therapy, which they both explored for personal growth.
During their marriage, they appeared together in three films: “Every Girl Should Be Married” (1948), “Room for One More” (1952), and “People Will Talk” (1951). These collaborations strengthened their bond both personally and professionally. Despite their deep connection, they divorced in 1962 after 13 years together, citing personal differences but remaining amicable. Drake later married actor William Windom, while Grant continued his Hollywood career and had other relationships.
Cary and Dyan
Grant’s marriage to Dyan Cannon was another significant chapter in his life. They met in the early 1960s and married in 1965 in a lavish ceremony. Their marriage was passionate but faced challenges, notably their significant age difference. Despite their differences, they had a daughter, Jennifer Grant, in 1966. Their relationship was marked by intense moments but also clashes in personality and lifestyle. They divorced in 1968 but maintained a positive co-parenting relationship for their daughter. Both continued successful careers in Hollywood, and their marriage remained a notable part of Grant’s personal history.
Sexuality Rumors
Throughout Cary Grant’s life, rumors about his sexuality circulated in Hollywood and the media. Despite his charm and numerous relationships with women, persistent speculation suggested he may have had relationships with men. These rumors were fueled by the pressures of maintaining a certain public image during Hollywood’s studio era. Grant was very private about his personal life, avoiding discussions about his sexuality in public, which only added to the speculation.
After Grant’s death in 1986, various accounts from ex-wives and friends provided conflicting views on his sexuality, making it difficult to establish a definitive understanding. His daughter, Jennifer Grant, has addressed these rumors in interviews and her memoir “Good Stuff: A Reminiscence of My Father, Cary Grant.” She stated, “If you’re around your parents a lot, you see them in ways that almost no one else does. And I never saw a hint of that.” She believes she would have picked up on any indication if her father were interested in men but noted she wouldn’t have cared if he was. Jennifer also mentioned that Grant enjoyed being called gay, as it made women want to prove the assertion wrong.
In conclusion, Cary Grant’s romantic life was as captivating as his screen presence, filled with high-profile marriages, intense romances, and deep friendships. His personal life continues to intrigue and inspire, with his daughter Jennifer offering a unique perspective on the man behind the legend. Despite the rumors and speculation, Grant’s enduring legacy as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors remains untarnished, celebrated for his remarkable talent and undeniable charm.
