Cary Grant – A juggler who rose to the top. Source: Wikipedia
Today is Cary Grant’s birthday. Born Archibald Alexander Leach, January 18, 1904, in Bristol, England, at his peak he was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. According to Wikipedia :
Known for his transatlantic accent, debonair demeanor and “dashing good looks”, Grant is considered one of classic Hollywood’s definitive leading men.
What isn’t so well known is that Cary Grant started out as an acrobat and juggler:
Leach’s experience on stage as a stilt walker, acrobat, juggler and mime taught him “phenomenal physical grace and exquisite comic timing” and the value of teamwork, skills which would benefit him in Hollywood.
I couldn’t have said it better myself. It seems his early career as a juggler and acrobat also helped him refine his acting ability, where timing is everything. So next time you see North by Northwest, or Bringing Up Baby or any Cary Grant film, remember he started out as a juggler.
It’s too bad he wasn’t a joggler.
So if you are an actor or performance artist, learning to juggle may help you improve your abilities. I’ll go joggle in a north by northwesterly direction later today.
AcroTrekker 