Was Cary Grant Gay?

Rumors about Cary Grant’s sexuality have persisted throughout his life. Yet he never denied it and in fact had several gay relationships.

Grant was said to have maintained a close relationship with costume designer Orry-Kelly during the 1920s, yet they never got married. In 2016, however, a documentary revealed that Grant was actually bisexual.

He was a close friend of Scott

Rumors swirled that Grant and Scott were gay, yet the couple never openly acknowledged their connection. Instead, they led a quiet, private life.

Their friendship wasn’t without controversy, however. In the 1940s when Hollywood was still associated with scandal in conservative America, people were shocked when they learned Grant and Scott were passionate gay friends.

William J. Mann, in his book Behind the Screen — How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood, recounted an incident from the 1970s in which a hotel maitre’d noticed Grant and Scott sitting together late at night holding hands – evidently secret homosexual relationships.

Soon after Grant and Scott met, the couple moved in together at “Bachelor Hall,” a Santa Monica beach house called “Bachelor Hall.” When not playing with their Sealyham terrier Archie, Grant and Scott enjoyed spending weekends at their beach house as seen in fan magazines – sunbathing, swimming in their pool, throwing balls and reading books.

In 1934, when Grant wed Virginia Cherrill, he assured fans they remained friends and that “no woman could separate them.” A year later, however, Grant divorced Cherrill and moved back into his former beach house with Scott.

However, the studios reportedly planted stories in the press about a parade of beautiful young women entering and exiting their house to keep Grant and Scott’s sexuality out of the public spotlight, as it could have jeopardized their careers.

By the late 1920s, Grant’s film career took an exciting turn. He began making more dramatic and adventurous roles, such as those in several Zane Grey Westerns like Wild Horse Mesa or Hello, Everybody! Additionally, he appeared in numerous comedies and action films during this period.

He remained active in the entertainment industry throughout his life. As an Academy Award-winning actor and member of both the Motion Picture Academy and Screen Actors Guild, he had a significant role in shaping its direction.

He became one of the world’s most beloved stars and enjoyed a storied career that spanned sixty films. Additionally, his work earned him numerous accolades throughout its span.

He was a close friend of Orry-Kelly

Garry Grant was not only close friends with Orry-Kelly but also one of Hollywood’s top talents during the 1950s, winning three Academy Awards for films such as An American in Paris, Les Girls and Some Like It Hot. Despite his reputation as an unruly alcoholic, Grant was actually quite sober at heart.

Born Orry George Kelly in Kiama, Australia in 1923, Orry-Kelly moved to New York City with the hopes of finding an acting job. While in Manhattan he drew murals for speakeasies and illegal underground bars which caught the attention of a film studio executive who then offered him his first job as designer for Warner Brothers Studios.

In his memoirs, Orry-Kelly recounts meeting Cary Grant when they both lived together in an apartment in New York. For nine years, the two enjoyed an intensely affectionate bond – although this wasn’t revealed to Grant’s press during the 1930s and 1940s.

Cary Grant and Orry-Kelly maintained a close friendship until Cary Grant left for Hollywood in January 1932. While their bond remained cordial, Grant and Orry-Kelly did not remain in contact after that point.

When Orry-Kelly relocated to Los Angeles, he quickly made friends with Hollywood legends such as Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis and Rosalind Russell. Additionally, Hedda Hopper and gossip columnist Louella Parsons became close confidantes of Orry-Kelly.

Orry-Kelly’s outspoken personality often led him into trouble with powerful studio heads. Yet he also earned the admiration of Bette Davis and Marilyn Monroe, whose films featured many of his designs that were considered masterpieces.

He designed over 282 motion pictures and his eye-catching costumes were often praised for their dramatic impact on the storyline. Additionally, his impeccable taste and ability to match costumes with era appropriate looks earned him widespread popularity among directors.

But for all his fame and admiration, Orry-Kelly wasn’t without his share of shortcomings. He struggled with alcoholism and often experienced ego clashes.

Nonetheless, the perky Aussie eventually returned to Hollywood with An American in Paris and Les Girls. He won a third Oscar for Some Like It Hot and was then the highest paid costume designer in Hollywood at that time.

He was a close friend of Hedda Hopper

In the late 1920s, when Hollywood studio systems were in crisis, Grant formed an unlikely friendship with Hedda Hopper. Their mutual admiration for each other deepened as both women became successful gossip columnists and made names for themselves.

Hedda was a Quaker butcher’s daughter from Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania with an intense interest in theater. As a teenager she attended Ethel Barrymore’s performance of Captain Jinks of the Horse Marines at Mishler Theatre in Altoona and fell in love with it – she never looked back!

Despite her success as an actress, she could not find a career in the business that allowed her to support herself financially. Instead, she relied on her son William and husband DeWolf Hopper, whom she encouraged into acting.

She attempted to land the role she wanted but was ultimately cast in supporting roles in several movies. Additionally, she attempted to secure an agent and run for local political office but failed in both endeavors.

She had ample funds and was able to purchase an expensive home on tropical avenue in Beverly Hills. There, she spent a great deal of time, as well as showcasing her millinery collection.

One thing she took great care in was making sure her fans got their money’s worth when they visited her. She charged 15 cents per autograph and kept meticulous records of how much she spent on food and other expenses.

She enjoyed wearing her signature millinery, often spending a tax-deductible $5,000 annually on it.

Due to her success, she was able to travel around the globe to visit her friends and family. This enabled her to remain active and be an incredible influence on those around her.

In the 1940s, she was an enthusiastic supporter of HUAC hearings and named suspected communists. Her opinion was widely broadcast on radio and in newspapers alike, with her influence still felt in Hollywood today.

He was a close friend of Chevy Chase

Grant was raised in a difficult family and struggled with his sexuality. He never married and was known for having close relationships with other men, such as Frank Sinatra and Gregory Peck. Additionally, he had great affection for Quincy Jones and Gregory Peck.

He was an astute businessman in Hollywood, always striving to diversify his sources of income. As director of Faberge cosmetics company, his position provided him with regular sources of income.

Grant’s career took a slight downturn during the 1960s, yet he still managed to make a comfortable living. He had an avid love of theater and often performed onstage. Grant gained notoriety for his acting skills as well.

Grant had a reputation for being frugal, but in reality he was very generous with his money. He actively supported charities and even donated to charity shows during his free moments.

In 2011, Grant’s daughter Jennifer published a memoir of her childhood with him. In it, she described him as an authoritative figure who had strong opinions on many things; yet at the same time she remembered him being very affectionate towards her. She recalled one instance when Grant got slightly annoyed when he discovered eye shadow in her room – yet another example of his affection towards her.

Grant was the one who stood up for Ingrid Bergman when she was accused of having an affair with Italian director Roberto Rossellini. He spoke out strongly in opposition to having such a relationship and had great respect for Ingrid.

His childhood was filled with trauma and depression, yet he excelled at playing the part of an emotional wreck and conveying his emotions in words that made sense to audiences. Additionally, his improvisation skills were impressive; he would often switch up characters’ actions or words for audiences’ benefit.

Unfortunately, he passed away from a stroke in 1986 at the age of 82. He was an excellent friend of Chevy Chase and even had a role in one of his movies.