Blue plaque in Bristol honours actor Cary Grant in his home city

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.

He was born as Archie Leach in Horfield in 1904, and later escaped a poverty-stricken childhood to join a circus 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 will honour Mr Grant on the 120th anniversary of his birth.

Mr Grant 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 Homes England chief executive Duncan Wilson are due to be among the attendees of the unveiling at 50 Berkeley Road later.

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.”