Although Cary Grant starred in more than 70 different films, several of his roles stand above the rest.
Let's take a look at some of the actor's most memorable films and characters:
1. "The Awful Truth" (1937)
According to A.V. Club, Cary Grant reached "true success" after starring in "The Awful Truth." In this lighthearted comedy, Grant's character Jerry and his on-screen wife Lucy get divorced after they both believe the other is having an affair.
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Jerry is determined to get his wife back, but in the meantime, they fight over custody of the dog and both get new companions. The awful truth turns out to be that they cannot live without each other.
2. "Bringing Up Baby" (1938)
According to IMDb, Grant's next big role was in "Bringing Up Baby," with Katharine Hepburn. Cast as a bewildered paleontologist, Grant's character is diligently pursued by an impetuous and annoying heiress while trying to focus on his mission of securing a $1 million contribution for his museum. Who is the baby, exactly? The pet leopard of this spoiled lady.
3. "Gunga Din" (1939)
Considered one of the most memorable Cary Grant role, in "Gunga Din," he played a British sergeant who was a step away from his expected, charismatic love interest characters in other films. Set in 19th century India, "Gunga Din" follows the story of three British soldiers and waterbearer, Gunga Din, who are trying to stop a murderous cult from taking control of the land. After being taken prisoner and enduring torture, Gunga Din becomes a hero when he blows a bugle to warn the approaching British troops of danger.
4. "The Philadelphia Story" (1940)
In "The Philadelphia Story," Grant plays C.K. Dexter Haven, a husband that is thrown out of the house soon after becoming married. After Katharine Hepburn's character Tracey Lord decides to marry another man, Dexter tries to spoil their wedding and get her back. To accomplish this, he brings a photographer and a tabloid journalist with him to crash the wedding.
5. "To Catch a Thief" (1955)
Grant's character in "To Catch a Thief" is a reformed jewel thief who must fight for his innocence when he is accused of still being in the gem thief business. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, this classic film features Hollywood elements such as pretty girls, French thugs, and cat burglars. In it, Grant shares the spotlight with the lovely, iconic actress Grace Kelley.
According to The New York Times, "'To Catch a Thief' comes off completely as a hit in the old Hitchcock style."
6. "An Affair to Remember" (1957)
This quintessential romance stars Deborah Kerr as Grant's love interest, Terry. Grant's character, Nickie, meets Terry aboard a ship while on his way to meet up with his future wife, Lois. His wife to be is a beautiful wealthy heiress, but Nickie can't stop thinking about Terry. As it turns out, Terry becomes injured and bedridden for months. This classic story follows the journey of these two star-crossed lovers whose lives have moved in different directions.
7. "North by Northwest" (1959)
In "North by Northwest," Grant played a character named Roger. After being mistaken for a secret agent, he becomes kidnapped by a spy organization. Then, following his escape, he is forced to hide from the police as well as the spies. He becomes romantically involved with Eve, played by Eva Marie Saint, who is actually a spy herself. A hit at the box office, "North by Northwest" follows the adventures of this couple as they scheme their way out of their tricky situations.
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