UWE Bristol professor unveils blue plaque honouring Bristol’s Cary Grant

Historic England has unveiled a blue plaque to celebrate inspirational actor and film star Cary Grant, the working-class boy from Bristol who became one of the brightest movie stars Hollywood has ever known.

The conservation charity’s decision to celebrate the iconic actor’s connection to the city has been informed by research by Dr Charlotte Crofts, Professor of Cinema Arts at UWE Bristol and director of the biennial Cary Comes Home Festival (Friday 29 November to Sunday 1 December 2024).

While Cary Grant’s humble beginnings in Bristol are often overlooked, Dr Crofts’s work – including the recent immersive theatre walk ‘Raising Cary Grant – The Bristol Footsteps of Archie Leach,’ a collaboration between UWE Bristol, Show of Strength Theatre Company, and the Cary Comes Home Festival—has brought global attention to this aspect of his early life.

Ellen Harrison, Historic England's Participation and Learning Director, said: “We were delighted to work with Dr Charlotte Crofts on the national blue plaque to Cary Grant in Bristol. Charlotte’s knowledge and enthusiasm for Cary Grant were invaluable and it’s an honour to be able to work in partnership with her, to carry on the Hollywood star’s legacy and his place in Bristol and film history.”

Born Archie Leach in Horfield in 1904, he escaped his unhappy poverty-stricken childhood by running away to join an acrobatic troupe aged 14, travelling to America and – through immense effort and determination – re-inventing himself as Cary Grant, the epitome of style who forged a film career spanning four decades.

With his signature tan, suave and sophisticated style, he was the consummate leading man who came to symbolise the authentic American hero. But despite his fame, Grant never forgot his roots in Bristol. He visited regularly, returning to see his mother Elsie, and happily posed for publicity photos in his native city.

The new blue plaque was unveiled at his early childhood home 50 Berkeley Road, Bishopston, where he lived with his parents during the earlier, happier time in his childhood.

Dr Crofts joined Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant, and Historic England Chief Executive Duncan Wilson at the unveiling on Friday 22 November.

She said: “I am thrilled that Bristol, a UNESCO City of Film, has been honoured with a national plaque to one of its brightest stars, Cary Grant. Born here in 1904, Grant had a difficult childhood, but Berkeley Road was one of his happier homes. This recognition not only celebrates his incredible legacy as a film actor – whose good looks, debonair style, and flair for romantic comedy made him one of Hollywood’s most popular and enduring stars – but also highlights the ongoing work of the Cary Comes Home Festival in raising awareness of his Bristol roots. It’s wonderful to see Bristol firmly on the map as a city of cultural and historical significance.”

The national blue plaque scheme, run by Historic England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) tells the stories of inspirational people – from all walks of life – who have made a significant contribution to human welfare or happiness, throughout history.

Barbara Jaynes, Cary Grant’s widow, said: “I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude and immense pride regarding the decision to install a national blue plaque at Cary’s childhood home at 50 Berkeley Road. Cary often spoke fondly of his childhood in Bristol, where his journey began. 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.

“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.”

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said: “We are delighted to unveil a plaque to film star Cary Grant, at his early childhood home in Bristol. His iconic performances are part of film history but before his meteoric rise to fame in Hollywood, he had humble origins. Through this blue plaque we can physically memorialise and celebrate this remarkable actor’s connection to Bristol, a UNESCO city of film, and we hope it inspires generations to follow their dreams too.”

Heritage Minister Sir Chris Bryant 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."