Cary Grant, born Archibald Alec Leach on January 18, 1904, in Bristol, England, was an English-American actor known for his debonair demeanor, comic timing, and distinctive Mid-Atlantic accent. He grew up in an impoverished family, with a troubled childhood marked by his mother's absence and his father's alcoholism.

At 16, he joined the Pender Troupe and toured the United States, eventually deciding to stay in New York City, where he made a name for himself in vaudeville during the 1920s. Moving to Hollywood in the early 1930s, he initially appeared in crime films and dramas but gained renown for his performances in romantic screwball comedies such as "The Awful Truth" (1937), "Bringing Up Baby" (1938), "His Girl Friday" (1940), and "The Philadelphia Story" (1940).

His career spanned over three decades, during which he starred in numerous iconic films. He worked closely with director Alfred Hitchcock, appearing in four of his films: "Suspicion" (1941), "Notorious" (1946), "To Catch a Thief" (1955), and "North by Northwest" (1959).

His performances in these films showcased his versatility, as he took on darker, morally ambiguous characters that challenged his screen persona. His other notable films include "Gunga Din" (1939), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944), "Only Angels Have Wings" (1939), "Penny Serenade" (1941), and "None but the Lonely Heart" (1944), for which he received Academy Award nominations for Best Actor.

His personal life was complex. He was married five times, to Virginia Cherrill, Barbara Hutton, Betsy Drake, Dyan Cannon, and Barbara Harris. He had one daughter, Jennifer Grant, with Dyan Cannon.

His relationships were often tumultuous, and he struggled with insecurities and issues stemming from his childhood. He retired from acting in 1966 but remained active in the business world, serving on the board of directors for Fabergé and other companies.

His lifestyle reflected his sophisticated and polished public image. He was known for his impeccable style and elegance, both on and off the screen. Despite his fame, he maintained a sense of humility and often downplayed his success.

He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Academy Honorary Award in 1970 for his unique mastery of the art of screen acting and the Kennedy Center Honors in 1981.

Cary Grant passed away on November 29, 1986, in Davenport, Iowa, from a cerebral hemorrhage.