One of Hollywood’s most iconic leading men, Cary Grant, captivated audiences with his charm, wit, and timeless appeal. Beyond his legendary screen presence, fans have long been curious about his personal life, primarily his marriages. So, who was Cary Grant married to? The suave actor’s romantic history includes five marriages, each unique and often headline-grabbing. From high-profile unions with Hollywood actresses to his quieter relationships, Grant’s personal life was as fascinating as his film career.
While Grant’s on-screen persona was that of the perfect gentleman, his off-screen relationships revealed a more complex, sometimes turbulent journey in love. Each marriage brought its own set of stories—some glamorous, others controversial—making his personal life a topic of ongoing intrigue.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into who Cary Grant was married to, exploring his five marriages, the women who captured his heart, and how these relationships shaped his life and legacy. Whether you’re a classic cinema enthusiast or simply curious, this guide will give you a detailed look into Cary Grant’s romantic history.
Who was Cary Grant married to?
Cary Grant was married five times. His wives were Virginia Cherrill, Barbara Hutton, Betsy Drake, Dyan Cannon, and Barbara Harris. Each marriage was distinct, ranging from high-profile unions with heiresses to relationships with fellow actors. His final marriage to Barbara Harris lasted until his death, marking his most enduring partnership.
The Five Women Cary Grant Married Who Was Cary Grant Married To
Cary Grant’s marriages captivated public attention throughout his life. His first marriage was to actress Virginia Cherrill in 1934, known for her role in Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights. Their union was short-lived, ending in divorce within a year due to personal differences and media scrutiny. In 1942, Grant married Barbara Hutton, the wealthy Woolworth heiress. Despite their glamorous image, they divorced after three years but remained lifelong friends.
His third marriage to actress and writer Betsy Drake in 1949 marked a quieter chapter. Sharing interests in self-help and spirituality, their bond focused more on personal growth. They divorced in 1962. In 1965, Grant married actress Dyan Cannon, with whom he had his only child, Jennifer Grant, in 1966. Their marriage ended in 1968, but left a lasting impact through parenthood.
Grant’s fifth and final marriage was to Barbara Harris in 1981. Unlike his earlier relationships, this marriage offered stability and companionship. They remained married until Grant died in 1986. Harris provided him with a peaceful, grounding presence in his final years, closing his personal life’s chapter with quiet contentment.
The Women Behind Cary Grant — A Detailed Look at Who Was Cary Grant Married To
Cary Grant’s personal life was as captivating as his film career, with his marriages drawing immense public interest. To truly understand who Cary Grant was married to, we must explore the stories of the five remarkable women who shared his life.
Virginia Cherrill The First Wife in Cary Grant’s Marriage Journey
Cary Grant’s first marriage was to actress Virginia Cherrill in 1934. Known for her role in Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights, Cherrill entered Grant’s life when his career rose. However, their union was short-lived, lasting barely a year. Frequent arguments and relentless media attention strained their relationship, leading to a swift divorce. Despite its brevity, this marriage began Grant’s highly publicized personal life.
Barbara Hutton: A Marriage of Wealth and Friendship
In 1942, Cary Grant married Barbara Hutton, the Woolworth heiress and one of the world’s wealthiest women. Their marriage became the talk of Hollywood, often portrayed as a glamorous union of charm and riches. However, their personal lives differed significantly, resulting in a divorce by 1945. Unusually, they maintained a close friendship, proving that their bond extended beyond marriage.
Betsy Drake: A Relationship Focused on Growth
Grant’s third marriage to actress and writer Betsy Drake in 1949 was defined by personal development rather than public spectacle. Sharing an interest in self-help and spiritual growth, their relationship offered Grant a new perspective. Their marriage lasted until 1962, marking a period of introspection in Grant’s life.
Dyan Cannon Love Fame and Parenthood
Cary Grant’s fourth marriage was to actress Dyan Cannon in 1965. This high-profile relationship brought their daughter, Jennifer Grant, into the world. Their marriage ended in 1968, but the experience of fatherhood left a lasting impact on Grant.
Barbara Harris Cary Grant’s Final and Most Grounded Marriage
In 1981, Grant married Barbara Harris, who was significantly younger. Unlike his earlier relationships, this marriage offered him stability and peace. They remained together until he died in 1986, making Harris a crucial figure in Grant’s final years.
Highlights of Who Was Cary Grant Married To — Bullet Point Breakdown
Cary Grant’s love life was as iconic as his film career, marked by five distinct marriages that reflected his evolving personal journey. Here’s a quick breakdown of who was Cary Grant married to and how each relationship shaped his life.
- Virginia Cherrill (1934-1935): Cary Grant’s first wife, Virginia Cherrill, was an actress best known for her role in City Lights. Their marriage lasted only a year, strained by personal differences and the pressures of Hollywood fame, leading to a quick divorce.
- Barbara Hutton (1942-1945): Grant’s second marriage was to Barbara Hutton, the Woolworth heiress and one of the wealthiest women of her time. Their glamorous union attracted significant media attention, but they maintained a close and friendly relationship despite their divorce after three years.
- Betsy Drake (1949-1962): Actress and writer, Betsy Drake became Grant’s third wife, marking a shift towards personal growth and self-discovery. Their shared interest in self-help movements led to a quieter, more introspective marriage that lasted 13 years.
- Dyan Cannon (1965-1968): Grant’s fourth marriage was to actress Dyan Cannon. This highly publicized relationship brought their daughter, Jennifer Grant, into the world. Although their marriage ended in divorce, it was a defining period due to fatherhood.
- Barbara Harris (1981-1986): Cary Grant’s final marriage was to Barbara Harris. Harris remained by his side until his passing, providing him companionship and stability, symbolizing a peaceful final chapter in his personal life.
How Did Cary Grant’s Marriages Shape His Life?
Cary Grant’s marriages were more than tabloid material; they were pivotal in shaping his personal and professional life. Each relationship reflected different aspects of his evolving personality. The allure of Hollywood glamour drove his early marriages, but over time, his choices indicated a yearning for deeper connection and personal fulfillment.
With Betsy Drake, Grant explored self-improvement and spirituality, moving away from the superficiality of stardom. His marriage to Dyan Cannon introduced him to fatherhood, changing his priorities and bringing a new dimension to his life. Finally, his bond with Barbara Harris offered him tranquility and companionship, something he had long sought after tumultuous past relationships.
These marriages collectively illustrated Grant’s transformation from a charming playboy to a man seeking a genuine emotional connection. The women he married each played a role in his personal growth, leaving lasting impacts on his life story.
Exploring Cary Grant’s Love Life — Who Was Cary Grant Married To?
Cary Grant’s romantic relationships evolved alongside his personal growth, with each marriage reflecting a different phase of his life. Let’s explore who was Cary Grant married to and how these unions shaped his journey.
- The Early Years with Virginia Cherrill and Barbara Hutton: Cary Grant’s journey into marriage began with Virginia Cherrill in 1934. Known for her role in City Lights, their relationship was intense but short-lived, ending within a year due to personal differences and media scrutiny. His second marriage, to Woolworth heiress Barbara Hutton in 1942, was a high-society spectacle. Despite their divorce in 1945, Grant and Hutton remained close friends, showcasing a rare post-marriage bond.
- A Shift Towards Personal Growth with Betsy Drake: Grant’s third marriage, to actress and writer Betsy Drake in 1949, marked a turning point. Moving beyond Hollywood’s glamour, they focused on self-help, therapy, and spiritual growth. This introspective phase lasted until their amicable divorce in 1962.
- Parenthood and Fame with Dyan Cannon: In 1965, Grant married actress Dyan Cannon, with whom he had his only child, Jennifer Grant, in 1966. Though their marriage ended in 1968, the experience of fatherhood profoundly influenced Grant’s personal life.
- A Peaceful Final Chapter with Barbara Harris: Grant’s fifth and final marriage was to Barbara Harris in 1981. Unlike his previous relationships, this union was built on stability and emotional connection. They remained married until he died in 1986, providing Grant with the lasting companionship he sought.
Final Thoughts
When looking at who was Cary Grant married to, it becomes clear that his five marriages reflect a personal journey as fascinating as his Hollywood career. From youthful, high-profile romances to later relationships built on emotional connection, each marriage marked a new chapter in his life. Whether brief or lasting, these unions shaped Grant’s growth as both a public figure and a private individual. His early marriages captured the allure of fame, while his later partnerships reflected a deeper search for stability and companionship. Ultimately, Cary Grant’s love life mirrors his evolving, complex, and unforgettable legacy. Understanding who was Cary Grant married to offers insight into the man behind the legendary screen persona.
FAQ’s
Who was Cary Grant’s longest marriage with?
Cary Grant’s longest marriage was with actress and writer Betsy Drake. Their relationship, which lasted from 1949 to 1962, lasted 13 years and represented significant personal growth and introspection for the actor.
Did Cary Grant have children with any of his wives?
Yes, Cary Grant had one child, a daughter named Jennifer Grant, with his fourth wife, actress Dyan Cannon. Born in 1966, Jennifer remains Cary Grant’s only child and is a lasting legacy of that marriage.
Why did Cary Grant marry so many times?
Cary Grant’s five marriages reflected his evolving personal needs, emotional struggles, and the constant search for meaningful connection amidst the pressures of fame and Hollywood’s demanding lifestyle.
Who was Cary Grant married to at his death?
At the time of his passing in 1986, Cary Grant was married to Barbara Harris. Their marriage, which began in 1981, offered him much-needed stability, companionship, and a peaceful final chapter.
Were Cary Grant’s divorces amicable?
Most of Cary Grant’s divorces, especially those with Barbara Hutton and Betsy Drake, ended on friendly terms. After their separation, he maintained respectful, even close, relationships with several ex-wives.
