Clark Gable

Clark Gable
Los Angeles Daily News · CC BY 4.0 · source
Name	Clark Gable
Birth date	February 1, 1901
Birth place	Cadiz, Ohio
Death date	November 16, 1960
Death place	Los Angeles, California
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1924-1960
Spouse	Rhea Franklin Maria Langham Carole Lombard Sylvia Ashley Kay Williams

Clark Gable was a renowned American actor, often referred to as the "King of Hollywood," who rose to fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He is best known for his iconic roles in films such as Gone with the Wind, It Happened One Night, and Mutiny on the Bounty, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination. Gable's charismatic on-screen presence and distinctive voice made him a household name, and he worked with notable directors like Frank Capra and Victor Fleming. His film career spanned over three decades, during which he worked with prominent actresses like Vivien Leigh, Joan Crawford, and Myrna Loy.

Early Life and Career

Gable was born in Cadiz, Ohio, to William Henry Gable and Adeline Hershelman. He grew up in Hopedale, Ohio, and later moved to Akron, Ohio, where he attended Akron High School. After working as a laborer and a telephone linesman, Gable began his acting career on stage, performing in plays at the Plays and Players theater in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He eventually moved to Hollywood, California, where he landed small roles in films like The Painted Desert and The Easiest Way, which were produced by MGM Studios and directed by W.S. Van Dyke. Gable's early career was influenced by actors like John Barrymore and Lionel Barrymore, who were also under contract with MGM Studios.

Film Career

Gable's breakthrough role came in 1931 with the film Dance, Fools, Dance, which was directed by Harry Beaumont and co-starred Joan Crawford. He went on to star in a string of successful films, including Red Dust, Honky Tonk, and China Seas, which were produced by MGM Studios and co-starred actresses like Jean Harlow and Wallace Beery. Gable's most iconic role, however, was that of Rhett Butler in the 1939 epic historical romance Gone with the Wind, which was directed by Victor Fleming and co-starred Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland. The film was a massive commercial success, and Gable's performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination. He also worked with notable directors like Frank Capra on films like It Happened One Night, which co-starred Claudette Colbert and won several Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Personal Life

Gable was married five times, to Rhea Franklin, Maria Langham, Carole Lombard, Sylvia Ashley, and Kay Williams. His marriage to Carole Lombard was particularly notable, as the two were considered one of Hollywood's most glamorous couples. Tragically, Carole Lombard died in a TWA Flight 3 plane crash in 1942, which was a devastating blow to Gable. He was also known for his close friendships with actors like Spencer Tracy and Lionel Barrymore, who were also part of the MGM Studios stable. Gable was a frequent visitor to the Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, California, where he would often play golf with friends like Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.

Military Service

During World War II, Gable enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces and served as a lieutenant colonel in the First Motion Picture Unit. He was stationed in England and participated in several combat missions, including a bombing raid over Germany. Gable's military service was influenced by his friendship with Harry S. Truman, who was then a United States Senator from Missouri. After the war, Gable returned to Hollywood and resumed his film career, starring in films like Adventure and The Hucksters, which were produced by MGM Studios and co-starred actresses like Greer Garson and Deborah Kerr.

Legacy

Gable's legacy as a Hollywood icon continues to endure, with his films remaining popular to this day. He was posthumously awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, and his image has been used in various forms of media, including The Simpsons and Forrest Gump. Gable's influence can be seen in actors like Marlon Brando and Paul Newman, who have cited him as an inspiration. The American Film Institute has recognized Gable as one of the Greatest Male Stars of Classic Hollywood, and his films continue to be celebrated at festivals like the Cannes Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival. Gable's estate has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the Clark Gable Foundation, which supports charitable causes like the American Red Cross and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.