Archibald Alexander Leach was the original name of the British – American actor called Cary Grant. Leach was born in 1904 in England and was famous for his unique Mid-Atlantic accent. The actor was very handsome and charming and viewers loved to see him on the big screen.

Cary Grant became a member of the troupe called ‘Bob Pender stage’ in 1918 and began performing on stage when he was barely 16 years old. He went to the United States with the troupe and stayed there in order to continue his career as a stage artist. At that time, he performed in The Muny, Irene ; Nina Rosa (1931); Street Singer (1931); and Wonderful Night (1931). Music in May (1931); Rio Rita (1931); The Three Musketeers (1931) .

After achieving success with Broadway comedies, in 1931 Cary decided to go to Hollywood. It was at this time that he changed his name to Cary Lockwood. As Cary Lockwood, he started receiving offers from Hollywood, and eventually he signed a contract with Paramount Pictures. Although he continued to impress everyone in Hollywood, he felt that his name did not suit him as it was not very attractive. Thus from the wide list of some of the best suited and possible names, the name Cary Grant finally was chosen.

Cary Grant was a great actor who entertained millions of people. The American Film Institute awarded him the title of Second Greatest Male Star of All Times’. His most famous classic films of all times include ‘The Awful Truth , Bringing Up Baby , Gunga Din , Only Angels Have Wings , His Girl Friday , The Philadelphia Story , Arsenic and Old Lace, Notorious, To Catch A Thief, An Affair to Remember, North by Northwest, and Charade. He also received an Honorary Award for his excellent contribution to Hollywood at the 42nd Academy Awards.

The talented Cary Grant acted in many movies and comedies and was a true entertainer in the minds of the viewers. They all loved to see him act and enjoyed every performance. His popularity among the people earned him one great role after another. He was the top favorite Hollywood actors for several years. Cary was very skilled and used his experience gained from stage performances to become successful on the big screen. His previous stage work helped transform him into a versatile actor. He was the best of his times and there was nobody who can be considered as a close match to his abilities. People like Alfred Hitchcock who was known for being critical towards actors loved Cary’s work. Hitchcock also choose Cary for some of his own films, such as ”Suspicion”, “Notorious”, “To Catch a Thief”, “North by Northwest” , etc.

In the last days of his life, he was busy with "A Conversation with Cary Grant", which was an interactive program in which he answered audience’s questions. He was preparing for a performance in a theater in Iowa when he died due to cerebral hemorrhage in 1984.

• Watch "The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss " with Cary Grant and Mary Brian on FMO