A blue plaque to commemorate Hollywood icon Cary Grant will be unveiled in his home town.
The North by Northwest actor’s plaque will be installed on Friday at his childhood home in Bishopston, Bristol, where he lived with his parents.
He was born Archie Leach in Horfield in 1904, and later ran away from a poverty-stricken childhood at the age of 14 to join the circus.
Mr Grant’s widow Barbara Jaynes said: “He cherished the memories of his early years, and I can only imagine the joy he must have felt knowing that his roots would be remembered in such a meaningful way.”
Historic England’s national blue plaque scheme highlights people and communities whose history has been hidden or forgotten.
The new plaque will honor Mr Grant on the 120th anniversary of his birth.
Mr Grant pursued a film career in the United States for four decades, but returned regularly to Bristol to visit his mother, Elsie.
Arts and Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Homes England chief executive Duncan Wilson are due to attend the unveiling at 50 Berkeley Road later.
Ms Jaynes said: “Carrie often spoke fondly of her childhood in Bristol, where her journey began.
“Carey’s charisma, talent and charm captivated audiences around the world, yet he always remained down to earth and proud of his roots.
“He would have been delighted to see his childhood home recognised, which will serve 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.”
Sir Chris said: “With impeccable style, charisma and an enormous talent like the Atlantic, Cary Grant embodied the silver screen star persona better than many of his American peers.
“As he said himself: ‘Everybody 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 was 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, as well as serve as a reminder to aspiring actors and artists to follow their dreams, no matter what.” Whatever their circumstances.”
