Cary Grant, an enduring figure in Hollywood history, captivated audiences with his charm, sophistication, and seemingly effortless physique. Many actors, including Marlon Brando, admired Grant's screen presence. Born Archibald Leach, he transformed himself into the epitome of Hollywood glamour. While Grant often attributed his looks and vitality to "magic" and luck, a closer examination reveals a dedicated approach to diet and exercise, albeit one with a refreshing sense of moderation.
The Making of Cary Grant: From Archibald Leach to Hollywood Star
The transformation from Archibald Leach to Cary Grant was a conscious effort. Playwright Moss Hart recalled Leach as a "disconsolate young actor." Grant resolved to achieve sartorial and physical perfection. In the early stages of his career, he committed to morning workouts and dedicated an hour or two after studio work to barbells and calisthenics.
The Illusion of Effortlessness: Grant's Approach to Fitness
Cary Grant cultivated an image of effortless health and vitality. When questioned about his fitness regime, he often gave evasive answers, attributing his physique to good fortune. However, this belied the effort he put into maintaining his appearance, particularly in the early years. Even later in his career, he employed a trainer for specific roles, such as his swimsuit scene in "To Catch a Thief."
Moderation and Indulgence: The Cary Grant Diet
Despite his commitment to fitness, Grant enjoyed life's pleasures. He smoked, drank, and savored good food. While he kept cakes and cookies in the pantry, he had a special drawer dedicated to sweets. His dietary philosophy, as conveyed to his daughter Jennifer Grant, was one of moderation: "Everything in moderation, darling. If you eat less, you'll live longer."
Jennifer Grant's reminiscences reveal a more nuanced picture of her father's eating habits. She recounts their visits to Hollywood Park, where they had to pass a tempting buffet each time they placed a bet. Despite his fondness for éclairs and other treats, Grant's approach to dining emphasized time, effortlessness, and freedom from rigid rules.
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He enjoyed fish and chips from H. Salt and purchased cases of bangers (English sausages) during the holidays. While he enjoyed these indulgences, the key was how he approached his meals. Dining was a relaxed and enjoyable experience, whether at a fancy restaurant or enjoying a simple meal. At night, he preferred something lighter.
Beyond the Plate: Lifestyle and Well-being
Cary Grant's health wasn't just about diet and exercise. He possessed an intrinsic awareness of well-being. His approach was a refreshing contrast to the restrictive diets and extreme fitness regimens often promoted by modern celebrities. He was a somewhat undiscriminating eater, enjoying a wide variety of foods without demonizing entire food groups.
Old Hollywood's Wellness Routines: A Glimpse into the Past
In contrast to today's celebrity-driven diet fads, Old Hollywood stars often had unique and sometimes bizarre wellness routines. These routines offer a fascinating glimpse into the past and highlight the pressures faced by actors and actresses to maintain a certain image.
Betty Grable, famous for her "million-dollar legs," maintained her physique through dance and a peculiar exercise called "bird-pecking" to avoid a double chin. Rita Hayworth, also a dancer, danced for up to eight hours a day to stay slim and practiced an early form of aerobics. Ginger Rogers, known for her dance partnerships with Fred Astaire, rewarded herself with southern chicken and gravy after intense choreography sessions.
Some stars, like Joan Crawford, adhered to strict calorie deficits, while others, like Ava Gardner, consumed high-calorie diets due to medical conditions or busy schedules. Actresses like Clara Bow faced contractual "weight clauses," forcing them to maintain a specific weight. Jean Harlow followed a four-day tomato-based diet to maintain her figure, while Grace Kelly practiced "elevenses" to avoid overeating at lunch. Greta Garbo explored juicing as part of her health regimen.
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Marilyn Monroe emphasized the importance of both diet and exercise, consuming high-protein meals and incorporating weight training into her routine. Audrey Hepburn, a former ballerina, believed in eating three meals a day and never dieted.
The Historical Context of Dieting: From Ancient Greece to Modern Hollywood
Our modern obsession with dieting has deep historical roots. In ancient Greece, "diaita" referred to a holistic approach to healthy living, encompassing diet, exercise, and mental well-being. The Greeks valued a healthy mind in a healthy body and believed that individual health contributed to the overall well-being of society.
Early Christian attitudes towards the body emphasized self-discipline and the control of appetites. Gluttony was considered a sin, and an overweight body was viewed as a visible reminder of that sin. These religious and philosophical ideas shaped Western attitudes towards food and body image for centuries.
The concept of the "diet guru" emerged in the 15th century with Luigi Cornaro, a Venetian merchant who wrote "The Art of Living Long." Cornaro's book, advocating a low-carb, high-protein diet, became a bestseller thanks to the printing press. His personal story of weight loss and improved health resonated with readers and established a template for future diet gurus.
The rise of the middle class in the 19th century, coupled with increased food availability and the growth of the medical profession and media, led to the emergence of the modern diet industry. The invention of personal scales further fueled the obsession with weight and body image.
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William Banting, a 19th-century undertaker, became a diet celebrity with his low-carbohydrate diet. His name became synonymous with dieting, demonstrating the growing cultural significance of weight loss.