He was perhaps the most dashing of all Hollywood film stars who managed to steal the hearts of millions and for a short time Cary Grant called Southampton his home.

Given the rather unglamorous name of Archibald Alex Leach when he was born in Bristol on January 18, 1904, the actor eventually went on to become an Oscar winning star.

While growing up Cary was drawn to movies at an early age. Every Saturday afternoon, he would queue up with a crowd of other children to see the matinee presentation and later, while at school, he worked behind the scenes on drama productions staged by pupils.

A visit to the Bristol Hippodrome with the school's electrician made such an impression on him that he said: "What other life could there be but that of an actor?'' During the summer holidays Cary would often visit Southampton then, during the First World War, he stayed with family friends who lived just outside the Eastern Docks in Queen's Terrace.

In May 1958 when he was in the city to embark on the French Line ship, Ile de France, the actor said: "I once knew Southampton very well as we would come for the holidays. This was in the First World War, and I used to be in the Sea Scouts so I volunteered as an errand boy and ran messages all over the docks.

"I always thought Southampton a grand town. I'd say you are lucky to be living here.'' Cary Grant died at the age of 82 on November 29, 1986 in Davenport, Iowa, USA.

Name: Cary Grant OCCUPATION: Actor DATE OF BIRTH: January 18, 1904 DIED: November 29, 1986 Local link: Regular Southampton visitor