“I often think my life has been a failure. But whenever I drop into …”

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“I often think my life has been a failure. But whenever I drop into a theater and hear women laugh at one of my films, I think, well, if I brightened their day before they went home and did the dishes, maybe my life wasn’t wasted, after all.”

Cary Grant · 1969 · press · Parade

On self-doubt at the height of his reputation.

Jack Harrison Pollack, 'They Changed Their Careers and Became Famous; Cary a Failure?' Parade, 16 November 1969, p.7.

acting life

On the same subject.

“I’m not at all proud of my marriage record, but I have wanted a family for years, and I finally have it.”
Cary Grant · 1966
“No money, no material reward is comparable to the praise, the shouts of well done and accompanying pat on the back of one’s fellowman.”
Cary Grant · 1963
“I promised myself that I’ll only play in another picture if the role is really worthwhile.”
Cary Grant · 1961
“I did quit once for 18 months. I can’t say I was bored, never have been. But I just wasn’t as interested in life. During my retirement I had the time to indulge in some long, long thoughts about myself, my work, my marriages. Did I find any answers? I don’t know.”
Cary Grant · 1961