Cary Grant was one of Hollywood's most iconic leading men, with a career spanning over three
decades.
Grant was married five times, but his only child was Jennifer Grant, born in 1966 to
his fourth wife, Dyan Cannon.
Grant passed away in 1986 at the age of 82, leaving behind an estate worth an estimated
$60 million.
Join Facts Verse as we present: She’s Cary Grant’s Daughter, Now She Has Millions
Cary Grant, one of Hollywood's most iconic leading men, passed away on November 29, 1986.
He was born Archibald Alexander Leach on January 18, 1904, in Bristol, England.
Grant's childhood was far from glamorous.
His mother was sent to a mental institution when he was just nine years old, and his father
was an alcoholic who abandoned him.
Grant found solace in the theater and began performing in vaudeville shows at the age
of 14.
In 1920, Grant moved to the United States and began his acting career on Broadway.
He made his film debut in 1932 in the movie "This is the Night."
It wasn't until the 1930s that Grant became a household name, starring in films such as
"Topper" and "The Awful Truth."
Grant's career spanned over 30 years, and he appeared in over 70 films.
He was known for his suave demeanor, impeccable style, and his ability to play both comedic
and dramatic roles.
Some of his most famous films include "North by Northwest," "Bringing Up Baby," and "To
Catch a Thief."
On November 29, 1986, Grant passed away at the age of 82 from a stroke.
He was living in Davenport, Iowa, at the time of his death, where he had been rehearsing
for a one-man show.
Grant had a special connection to Iowa, as his third wife, Betsy Drake, was from the
state.
In the years since his death, Grant's legacy has continued to live on.
He is remembered as one of the greatest actors of all time and an icon of Hollywood's Golden
Age.
In 1999, the American Film Institute named him the second greatest male star of Classic
Hollywood Cinema, behind only Humphrey Bogart.
Grant's influence can still be seen in modern-day Hollywood, with actors such as George Clooney
and Ryan Gosling often being compared to him.
His films continue to be beloved by audiences of all ages, and his style and charm remain
timeless.
According to many historians, the death of Cary Grant on November 29, 1986, marked the
end of an era in Hollywood.
While he may be gone, his legacy lives on through his films and the countless actors
he has inspired.
Cary Grant will always be remembered as one of the greatest icons of Hollywood's Golden
Age.
On December 3, 1986, a day before what would have been his 83rd birthday, Grant's will
was filed in the Santa Monica Probate Court.
The will, which was executed on July 8, 1981, named his fifth wife, Barbara Harris, as the
executor and sole beneficiary of his estate, which was estimated to be worth $60 million.
Under the terms of the will, Grant's daughter, Jennifer Grant, from his fourth marriage to
actress Dyan Cannon, was left out of his estate.
This decision was reportedly based on a strained relationship between Grant and Jennifer, who
was just 20 years old at the time of his death.
Reports also indicated that Grant had made provisions for his other daughter, Jennifer's
half-sister, to receive a monthly allowance of $2000 for the rest of her life.
Additionally, Grant's longtime companion and secretary, Maureen Donaldson, was left $10,000
in his will.
The will also included instructions for the disposal of Grant's remains.
He requested that his body be cremated and his ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean,
off the coast of California.
Grant's wishes were carried out on December 4, 1986, in a private ceremony attended by
his family and close friends.
While the contents of Grant's will may have come as a surprise to some, it was reported
that he had been very clear about his wishes and had consulted with his attorneys and financial
advisors extensively before executing the document.
It was also noted that Grant had a history of being very private about his personal life
and affairs, and it was not uncommon for him to keep his family at arm's length.
In the years since his death, Grant's estate has continued to generate income through licensing
deals and merchandise sales.
His image and likeness have been used in advertisements for everything from watches to coffee, and
his films are still popular among audiences of all ages.
At the end of the day, Jennifer Grant ended up inheriting a good deal of her father’s
fortune, though the specific amount has never been revealed.
Grant's personal life was marked by a series of marriages and relationships.
He was married five times and had several high-profile romances throughout his life.
However, it was his fifth marriage that brought him the most happiness and fulfillment.
Grant married Barbara Harris in 1981, and the couple remained together until his death
in 1986.
Grant's relationship with Harris was unlike any other in his life.
He had finally found true love and happiness, and it was due in large part to his role as
a father.
As mentioned, Grant had his daughter with his second wife.
He was a devoted father to Jennifer and played an active role in her life.
Grant was known for his dashing good looks and his effortless charm, but he was also
a deeply caring and nurturing parent.
He saw fatherhood as one of the most important roles of his life and took it very seriously.
He was involved in every aspect of Jennifer's life and was committed to being a positive
influence for her.
Grant's love for fatherhood was evident in everything he did.
He was a devoted husband, father, and advocate for children's rights.
He even founded the Cary Grant Foundation for Children's Charities, which supports a
variety of organizations dedicated to helping children.
In a 2011 interview with NPR, Jennifer Grant opened up about what it was like growing up
as Cary Grant's daughter.
She talked about the challenges she faced as the child of a Hollywood icon, as well
as the fond memories she has of her father.
One of the biggest challenges Jennifer faced was the constant attention and scrutiny that
came with being Cary Grant's daughter.
She recalled how people would often approach her father in public, asking for autographs
and photos, and how this made her feel like "an accessory" to his fame.
Despite this, Jennifer said that her father was always "very protective" of her and her
siblings.
He would shield them from the paparazzi and try to keep their lives as normal as possible.
For example, he would take them on camping trips and teach them how to catch fish, which
Jennifer said were some of her fondest memories.
Jennifer also talked about how her father's fame affected her relationship with him.
She said that when she was growing up, she didn't fully understand whom he was or what
he had accomplished.
It wasn't until she saw him in some of his most classic movies that she realized how
talented he was.
Regardless of all the acclaim that he received during his lifetime, Jennifer said that her
father was always very humble and down-to-earth.
He never talked about his fame or his accomplishments, and he always put his family first.
Jennifer also talked about how her father's legacy has influenced her own life.
She said that she has always tried to live up to his example of kindness and integrity,
and that she has always been proud to be his daughter.
Overall, Jennifer's interview with NPR provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of one
of Hollywood's biggest stars.
It shows that even someone as famous and accomplished as Cary Grant was still just a father trying
to do what was best.
Jennifer Grant was born on February 26, 1966.
She grew up in a privileged environment, attending private schools and being exposed to the Hollywood
lifestyle.
Despite this, she has led a relatively private life compared to other celebrity children.
In terms of her own career in the entertainment industry, Jennifer Grant has acted in numerous
TV shows, including "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Friends," "CSI: Miami," and "The Love Boat:
The Next Wave."
She has also acted in films such as "My Daughter's Secret Life" and "Going Shopping."
In addition to her acting career, Jennifer Grant has also written a memoir titled "Good
Stuff: A Reminiscence of My Father, Cary Grant," in which she shares her memories of her father.
The book provides readers with an intimate look into the personal life of one of Hollywood's
most iconic actors.
The book was published in 2011, only a year after Jennifer's father had passed away.
Fans and critics alike, who appreciated the personal insights into the life of one of
Hollywood’s most iconic stars, received the book positively.
Jennifer Grant's writing was praised for its honesty and vulnerability, as she shared her
memories of growing up with Cary Grant as a father and the impact he had on her life.
The book is structured as a series of vignettes, each one focusing on a specific memory or
aspect of Cary Grant's life.
Through Jennifer's recollections, readers get a glimpse into the man behind the Hollywood
legend.
The book covers a wide range of topics, including Grant's relationships with his wives and children,
his personal struggles, and his enduring legacy as a film star.
One of the most interesting revelations in the book is the fact that Cary Grant was not
always the suave, confident leading man that he portrayed on screen.
Jennifer Grant shares stories of her father's insecurities and vulnerabilities, as well
as his lifelong struggle with the trauma of being abandoned by his mother as a child.
"Good Stuff: A Reminiscence of My Father, Cary Grant" is a touching tribute to one of
Hollywood's greatest stars, written by someone who knew him best.
Jennifer Grant is also actively involved in various charitable organizations, just like
her father was during his own lifetime.
These charities include both the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the International
Medical Corps.
Jennifer Grant has had an interesting life, growing up in the shadow of her famous father
and carving out her own career in the entertainment industry while also giving back to society.
Though there was initially some trouble with Cary Grant’s will, the actor’s daughter
ended up getting what she deserved.
Now it’s time to hear from you: did you know that Cary Grant only had one daughter
over the course of his five marriages, and that she was almost left out of his will?
Comment down below!