Did Cary Grant and Randolph Scott share more than just a bachelor pad? The enduring question of whether Cary Grant and Randolph Scott were lovers continues to captivate and divide, fueled by anecdotes, photographs, and the pervasive secrecy of Hollywood's Golden Age.

The nature of Cary Grant's relationship with Randolph Scott has been a topic of intense speculation for decades. Their close friendship, living arrangement, and the era's restrictive social norms have combined to create a narrative that continues to be debated. The pair's story is one of Hollywood, secrets, and the blurred lines between friendship and romance.

Category	Cary Grant	Randolph Scott
Birth Name	Archibald Alexander Leach	George Randolph Crane Scott
Date of Birth	January 18, 1904	January 23, 1898
Place of Birth	Bristol, England	Linville, Virginia, USA
Date of Death	November 29, 1986	March 2, 1987
Occupation	Actor	Actor
Years Active	1932-1966	1928-1962
Marital Status	Married five times	Married twice
Known For	Leading man in classic Hollywood films such as "Bringing Up Baby," "North by Northwest," "Charade."	Western films such as "Ride Lonesome," "The Tall T," and "Decision at Sundown."
Other notable relationships	Virginia Cherrill (m. 1934-1935), Barbara Hutton (m. 1942-1945), Betsy Drake (m. 1949-1962), Dyan Cannon (m. 1965-1968)	Marianna duPont Somerville (m. 1936-1939), Patricia Stillman (m. 1944-1987)
Reference Link	Britannica - Cary Grant	Britannica - Randolph Scott

Scotty Bowers, in his tell-all book "Full Service," claimed that Cary Grant and Randolph Scott were not just roommates but lovers. He detailed alleged sexual encounters with both men, adding fuel to the long-standing rumors. Bowers' account portrays a Hollywood where same-sex relationships were hidden but prevalent, a narrative that challenges the carefully constructed public images of these stars.

The book isn't the only source of speculation. Intimate photos of Grant and Scott, often found poolside or in athletic poses, have circulated for years. These images, taken in the 1930s when the actors shared a Santa Monica beach house, suggest a closeness that went beyond mere friendship. Film historians, however, argue that these were carefully orchestrated publicity shots designed to promote their careers, capturing a more innocent and less sexualized era.

Bill Royce, a Hollywood gossip reporter, added another layer to the narrative. He claimed that Cary Grant confessed to him in 1976 about being in love with Randolph Scott during their early Hollywood days. According to Royce, Grant admitted to sexual encounters but lamented that Scott never reciprocated his feelings in the same way.

In the 1930s, Photoplay magazine ran a story titled "The Gay Romance of Cary Grant." While the term "gay" had different connotations then, the article described Grant as an "individualist" who enjoyed a comfortable living arrangement with Scott, emphasizing companionship without the "complications of a highly geared home." This article, viewed through a modern lens, could be interpreted as a veiled acknowledgment of a homosexual or bisexual relationship.

Cary Grant, born Archibald Leach in Bristol, England, arrived in Hollywood seeking to escape an unhappy past. He met Randolph Scott in 1932 on the set of "Hot Saturday." Sources say that the two men were immediately drawn to one another. Randolph Scott, a Virginian with a stoic screen presence, had already established himself in Westerns. Their contrasting backgrounds and personalities seemed to complement each other.

The two actors lived together for several years, a period marked by professional success and personal contentment. Grant's career soared, and Scott cemented his place as a leading man in Westerns. Offscreen, they cultivated a close circle of friends, including Fred Astaire. However, the pressures of Hollywood's studio system, which fiercely controlled its stars' images, cast a shadow over their private lives.

It has been suggested that Grant and Scott navigated the gay social circles of old Hollywood, finding a degree of freedom within a clandestine community. Some accounts describe their relationship as a domestic partnership, a haven from the public scrutiny and moral constraints of the time. However, the historical record remains fragmented, relying on anecdotes and interpretations rather than concrete evidence.

In 1934, Cary Grant married Virginia Cherrill, an actress best known for her role in Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights." This marriage, along with Scott's later marriages, has been viewed by some as a strategic move to maintain a heterosexual public image. However, it's also crucial to acknowledge that both men may have genuinely sought companionship and love within the confines of societal expectations.

By 1940, Grant and Scott's living arrangement had come to an end. Some attribute the separation to studio pressure, fearing the impact of rumors on their stars' careers. Others suggest that the relationship had simply run its course, with both men seeking different paths in life.

After their separation, Grant and Scott continued to pursue successful careers. Grant became a cinematic icon, known for his charm, wit, and versatility. Scott remained a stalwart of the Western genre, embodying the rugged individualism of the American West. Despite their diverging paths, the two men remained friends, their bond forged in the crucible of early Hollywood.

The rumors surrounding Grant's sexuality persisted throughout his life. He faced persistent questions and speculation, often responding with humor and deflection. His willingness to be called "gay," as reported by the Daily Express in 2011, could be interpreted as a subtle act of defiance against the rigid norms of the time.

Grant married five times throughout his life. His relationships with women, including actresses Virginia Cherrill, Barbara Hutton, Betsy Drake, and Dyan Cannon, were highly publicized. However, none of these marriages silenced the speculation about his relationship with Scott. Some believe that Grant's marriages were genuine attempts at heterosexual relationships, while others argue that they were carefully constructed facades.

Randolph Scott, on the other hand, maintained a more private personal life. He married twice, first to Marianna duPont Somerville and later to Patricia Stillman. His second marriage lasted for over 40 years, suggesting a stable and committed relationship. Despite his efforts to keep his personal life out of the spotlight, the rumors about his relationship with Grant continued to circulate.

In recent years, the question of Cary Grant's sexuality has been revisited in various media. A series on ITV, titled "Archie," explored Grant's life, but reportedly depicted his relationship with Scott as purely platonic, drawing criticism from some viewers. The show's portrayal sparked debate about the responsibility of filmmakers to accurately represent historical figures and their relationships.

March 10 2025, the legacy of Cary Grant and Randolph Scott's relationship continues to resonate. It serves as a reminder of the constraints and compromises faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Hollywood's past. Their story highlights the importance of historical context and the challenges of interpreting the past through a modern lens.

While some believe that their relationship was a profound love affair, others maintain that it was a deep friendship complicated by societal pressures. Ultimately, the truth remains elusive, obscured by the passage of time and the deliberate secrecy of Hollywood's Golden Age. What is undeniable, however, is that the bond between Cary Grant and Randolph Scott left an indelible mark on both their lives and the cultural imagination. The numerous photos of them looking happy together contribute to the assumption that their connection held something truly special.

However, Graham McCann's biography, "Cary Grant," offers a more nuanced perspective, avoiding definitive pronouncements and emphasizing the complexities of Grant's personality. Ultimately, the interpretation of their relationship remains a matter of personal judgment.