Who Were Cary Grant's Spouses?
The legendary American actor Cary Grant experienced five marriages throughout his life, each with its own unique story and impact on his personal journey.
Cary Grant, one of Hollywood's most iconic actors, had a personal life as fascinating as his on-screen persona. His first marriage was to Virginia Cherrill, an American actress, from 1934 to 1935. Following this, he married Barbara Hutton, a prominent socialite and heiress, from 1942 to 1945. His third marriage was to Betsy Drake, another accomplished actress, which lasted from 1949 to 1962. Grant's fourth marriage was to Dyan Cannon, also an actress, from 1965 to 1968. Finally, his last marriage was to Barbara Harris, who remained by his side from 1981 until his passing in 1986.
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Cary Grant's personal life was marked by five distinct and impactful marriages.
Name | Years Married |
---|---|
Virginia Cherrill | 1934-1935 |
Barbara Hutton | 1942-1945 |
Betsy Drake | 1949-1962 |
Dyan Cannon | 1965-1968 |
Barbara Harris | 1981-1986 |
An Overview of Cary Grant's Marriages
Cary Grant, a legendary figure in Hollywood, was married five times to five remarkable women. Their relationships not only shaped his personal life but also influenced his public persona. Below is a list of his wives:
- Virginia Cherrill
- Barbara Hutton
- Betsy Drake
- Dyan Cannon
- Barbara Harris
While Cary Grant's marriages were often characterized by their complexities, they also revealed a man deeply committed to love and family. Despite his reputation as a charming and sometimes philandering figure, Grant was a devoted father to his only child, Jennifer Grant. His marital journey offers a compelling look into the personal life of one of Hollywood's most celebrated stars.
1. Virginia Cherrill: The Beginning
Virginia Cherrill, an American actress, was Cary Grant's first wife. Their union, which lasted from 1934 to 1935, marked the beginning of Grant's marital journey. Born in 1908 in Carthage, Illinois, Cherrill embarked on her acting career in the early 1930s, gaining recognition through films like "City Lights" (1931) and "Trouble in Paradise" (1932). She met Grant in 1933, and they married shortly thereafter. However, their marriage was brief, ending in divorce in 1935. Cherrill's career continued into the 1940s, but it gradually faded by the 1950s. She passed away in 1996.
For Virginia Cherrill, marrying Cary Grant was both a blessing and a challenge. It provided her with a platform to enhance her acting career and access to Hollywood's elite. However, the marriage was not without its struggles, as Cherrill often found herself overshadowed by Grant's growing fame. After their divorce, Cherrill faced difficulties in maintaining her career momentum. Her story highlights the challenges faced by women in the early 20th-century entertainment industry, where gender inequality was prevalent.
Virginia Cherrill's relationship with Grant serves as a poignant reminder of the barriers women encountered in Hollywood. Despite her talent, she struggled to achieve recognition independent of her association with Grant. Her life underscores the importance of advocating for gender equality and addressing systemic issues within the industry.
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2. Barbara Hutton: Wealth and Turmoil
Barbara Hutton, the second wife of Cary Grant, was an American socialite and heiress to the Woolworth fortune. Born in 1912 in New York City, Hutton inherited a vast fortune, making her one of the wealthiest women in the world. Her marriage to Grant, which lasted from 1942 to 1945, was marked by both glamour and turmoil. Hutton's union with Grant introduced her to Hollywood's elite, but the marriage was fraught with difficulties. Grant later described her as "the most difficult woman I ever knew." Despite their divorce, Hutton continued to live a lavish lifestyle, marrying seven times in total and having one child. She passed away in 1979.
Barbara Hutton's marriage to Cary Grant was a pivotal chapter in her life. It elevated her social status and connected her to the world of entertainment. However, the marriage was not without its challenges. Hutton's struggles with personal happiness were compounded by her addiction to drugs and alcohol, as well as a series of failed relationships. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the potential pitfalls of wealth and fame, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being alongside material success.
3. Betsy Drake: A Decade of Devotion
Betsy Drake, an American actress, became Cary Grant's third wife in 1949. Their marriage, which lasted until 1962, was one of the longest and most stable relationships in Grant's life. Born in 1923 in Paris, France, Drake began her acting career in the early 1940s, appearing in films like "The Lady Eve" (1941) and "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946). She and Grant welcomed their only child, Jennifer Grant, during their marriage. Drake retired from acting in the early 1960s to focus on her family, returning to the screen in the 1980s. She passed away in 2015.
- Marriage to Cary Grant
Drake's marriage to Cary Grant was a defining period in her life. It allowed her to become part of Hollywood's elite and solidified her status as a leading lady. Known for her devotion and support, Drake was a loving wife and mother. Despite the eventual divorce in 1962, their relationship left a lasting impact on both their lives.
- Acting Career
Betsy Drake was a talented actress with a natural beauty and versatility that made her a standout performer. Her decision to retire from acting to focus on her family demonstrated her prioritization of personal life over professional pursuits. However, she later returned to acting, continuing to work until her death in 2015.
- Personal Life
Drake was known for her intelligence, wit, and sense of humor. A private individual, she maintained a low profile and was deeply connected to her family, particularly her daughter Jennifer. Her life was marked by a balance of professional success and personal fulfillment.
Betsy Drake's relationship with Cary Grant was characterized by mutual support and love. Her contributions to both her acting career and her role as a devoted mother highlight her multifaceted nature. Drake's legacy endures as a testament to her talents and the enduring bond she shared with Grant.
4. Dyan Cannon: A Turbulent Union
Dyan Cannon, an accomplished American actress, became Cary Grant's fourth wife in 1965. Born in 1937 in Tacoma, Washington, Cannon gained recognition through films such as "Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice" (1969) and "Heaven Can Wait" (1978). Her marriage to Grant, which lasted until 1968, was marked by turbulence. Despite the challenges, Cannon continued to thrive in her acting career, earning two Golden Globe Awards and receiving an Academy Award nomination. She passed away in 2023.
Dyan Cannon's marriage to Cary Grant was a significant chapter in her life. It provided her with access to Hollywood's elite and solidified her status as a leading lady. However, the marriage was not without its difficulties, as Cannon often found herself overshadowed by Grant's fame. After their divorce, Cannon faced personal struggles, including addiction to drugs and alcohol, which affected her emotional well-being. Her story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by women in Hollywood, particularly in navigating the complexities of fame and personal relationships.
The relationship between Dyan Cannon and Cary Grant sheds light on the broader issues faced by women in the entertainment industry during the early 20th century. Cannon's career was often overshadowed by her association with Grant, and she encountered sexism and misogyny from both the media and the public. Her story underscores the importance of advocating for gender equality and addressing systemic inequalities within the industry.
5. Barbara Harris: A Loving Partnership
Barbara Harris, an American actress, was Cary Grant's fifth and final wife. Their marriage began in 1981 and continued until Grant's death in 1986. Born in 1935 in Chicago, Illinois, Harris began her acting career in the early 1960s, appearing in numerous films and television shows. Her marriage to Grant was a period of happiness and fulfillment, during which she became a devoted caregiver during his illness. After Grant's passing, Harris retired from acting to focus on her family. She passed away in 2018.
Barbara Harris's marriage to Cary Grant was a significant and cherished part of her life. It provided her with access to Hollywood's elite and solidified her status as a leading lady. As a devoted wife and caregiver, Harris supported Grant through his final years. Her story highlights the importance of love and companionship in navigating life's challenges.
The relationship between Barbara Harris and Cary Grant offers insight into the complexities faced by women in Hollywood during the early 20th century. Harris's career was often overshadowed by her association with Grant, and she encountered sexism and misogyny from both the media and the public. Her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to advocate for gender equality and challenge systemic inequalities within the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Barbara Harris was a talented actress and a devoted wife. Her marriage to Cary Grant was a defining chapter in her life, shaping her career and legacy.
FAQs About Cary Grant's Marriages
Below, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about Cary Grant's marriages.
Question 1: Who was Cary Grant's first wife?
Cary Grant's first wife was Virginia Cherrill.
Question 2: How many times was Cary Grant married?
Cary Grant was married five times.
Question 3: Who was Cary Grant's last wife?
Cary Grant's last wife was Barbara Harris.
Question 4: Did Cary Grant have any children?
Yes, Cary Grant had one child, Jennifer Grant, with his third wife, Betsy Drake.
Question 5: What was Cary Grant's relationship with his wives like?
Cary Grant's relationships with his wives were complex and varied. Known for his charm and charisma, he was also described as demanding and difficult at times. Some of his wives spoke of the challenges of being married to him, while others highlighted the love and support he provided.
We hope this section has answered some of your questions about Cary Grant's marriages. If you have additional queries, feel free to reach out.
Next Article Section: Cary Grant's Career
Final Thoughts
Cary Grant's marriages were an integral part of his life, reflecting his complexity as a man and a public figure. Over the course of five marriages, each relationship brought its own set of challenges and rewards. Grant's personal life reveals a man capable of great love and devotion, despite his reputation for being demanding and difficult. His marriages

