A Star Who Found Her Strength
For decades, Dyan Cannon lit up the silver screen with timeless beauty and charm. Her life appeared charmed — fame, success, and love with one of Hollywood’s greatest icons. But behind the glamour was a woman struggling to hold onto herself.
Now 88, she credits her faith for grounding her through heartbreak and reinvention.
Hollywood Royalty
Cannon’s career spanned generations, earning three Oscar nominations, three Golden Globe nods (winning one), and a Saturn Award. In 1983, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Audiences adored her versatility in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Heaven Can Wait, Deathtrap, and more.
Love and Loss
In the early 1960s, Cary Grant became captivated by the young actress he saw on TV. After months of pursuit, she finally agreed to date him. They married when she was 28 and he was 61.
“I loved him deeply,” she later said — but his expectations soon consumed her. “He wanted me to quit acting, change my hair, my clothes, even how I walked.”
Despite her devotion, she lost herself trying to please him. Their marriage ended in 1968 after three years, marked by emotional turmoil and allegations of cruelty.
Starting Over
“I couldn’t breathe in that atmosphere anymore,” she admitted. Yet she looked back with gratitude, saying, “There are some happy memories with Cary. It brought me to be the woman I am today.”
Their union gave her greatest gift — daughter Jennifer, born in 1966, Grant’s only child. Cannon later declined lucrative offers to write a tell-all book, choosing dignity and privacy instead.
Faith and Renewal
Through decades of fame, scrutiny, and change, Cannon found peace in faith. “Praying — that’s what keeps me straight,” she says. Today she leads Bible studies, mentors recovering addicts, and embraces the wisdom time has given her.
“I have to say it took me a while to find happiness,” she reflects, “but I’m a happy puppy now.”