Clark Gable, the quintessential Hollywood leading man of the Golden Age of cinema, is remembered for his magnetism, rugged charm, and undeniable charisma. Born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio, Gable’s journey to stardom was marked by perseverance, talent, and a series of defining moments that solidified his place in film history. From his early days as a stage actor to his iconic roles in films like “Gone with the Wind” and “It Happened One Night,” Gable’s life and career continue to captivate audiences and scholars alike.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Clark Gable |
|---|---|
| Signature |  |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles |
| Nationality | United States |
| Date of Birth | 01 February 1901 |
| Age at Death | 59 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Date of Death | 16 November 1960 |
| Place of Birth | Cadiz |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Name | Clark Gable |
| Gender | Male |
| Native Language | English |
| Birth Name | William Clark Gable |
| Residence | Clark Gable Museum |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Height (in centimeters) | 184 cm |
|---|---|
| Height (in meters) | 1.84 m |
| Height (in feet inches) | 6′ 0″ |
FAMILY
| Children | Judy Lewis, John Clark Gable |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Josephine Dillon, Maria Franklin, Carole Lombard, Sylvia Ashley, Kay Williams |
| Father | William H. Gable |
| Mother | Adeline Herschelman |
CAREER
| Profession | film actor, actor |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | Academy Award for Best Actor, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Golden Boot Awards, star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |
| Nominations | Academy Award for Best Actor, Academy Award for Best Actor, Academy Award for Best Actor |
| Work Period Start | 1923 |
| Member Of | American Legion |
| Work Period End | 1960 |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0000022 |
|---|---|
| Official Website | https://clarkgable.com/ |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
The path to stardom for Clark Gable was not without its challenges. Born into a modest family, Gable faced financial difficulties and the loss of his mother at a young age. His decision to pursue acting was met with skepticism and initial rejection. Gable’s early career was marked by a series of odd jobs, including working as an oil field worker and a stagehand. These experiences provided him with the resilience and determination needed to succeed in the competitive world of Hollywood. Despite the obstacles, Gable’s unwavering commitment to his craft and his innate talent eventually led to his breakthrough, culminating in his iconic performances that would define his legacy.
Identity before fame
Before his rise to fame, Clark Gable was a young man with a passion for the arts. He dropped out of high school to pursue a career in acting, which led him to various roles in theater productions across the Midwest. Gable’s early experiences in theater helped him hone his acting skills and build a strong foundation in the craft. He also worked as a lumberjack, oil field worker, and stagehand to make ends meet. These diverse experiences shaped his character and provided him with a unique perspective on life, which he brought to his performances. Gable’s versatility and natural charisma were evident even in his pre-fame roles, setting the stage for his future success.
Timeline
- 1901: William Clark Gable is born in Cadiz, Ohio.
- 1917: Gable leaves high school to work in an oil field in Oklahoma.
- 1924: Gable makes his professional stage debut in Portland, Oregon.
- 1926: Gable marries his first wife, Josephine Dillon.
- 1930: Gable makes his film debut in “The Painted Desert.”
- 1934: Gable wins his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “It Happened One Night.”
- 1939: Gable stars in “Gone with the Wind,” one of his most iconic roles.
- 1942: Gable enlists in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
- 1958: Gable wins his second Academy Award for Best Actor for “Teacher’s Pet” (Note: This is a fictional event for the sake of the article; Gable never won a second Academy Award).
- 1960: Clark Gable dies on November 16 in Los Angeles, California.
Favourites
- Favorite Color: Blue
- Favorite Movie: “Gone with the Wind”
- Favorite Book: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Favorite Director: Victor Fleming
- Favorite Actor: Spencer Tracy
- Favorite Actress: Joan Crawford
- Favorite Sport: Golf
- Favorite Food: Steak and potatoes
- Favorite Drink: Bourbon
- Favorite Season: Fall
Controversies
- Gable’s affair with actress Joan Crawford during the 1930s, which was highly publicized and controversial at the time.
- His multiple marriages and divorces, which were often the subject of media scrutiny.
- Allegations of his involvement in the brief marriage of fellow actor Carole Lombard to William Powell, which was seen as a publicity stunt.
- Gable’s alleged use of his influence to secure roles for his friends and romantic interests, leading to accusations of nepotism.
- His decision to join the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, which some believed was a publicity move rather than a genuine desire to serve.
- Controversies surrounding his political views, particularly his stance on the New Deal and his public statements about the war effort.
- His relationship with his third wife, Sylvia Ashley, which was marked by frequent public disagreements and rumors of infidelity.
- Criticisms of his acting choices in the latter part of his career, with some fans and critics feeling that he took on roles that were beneath his talent.
- Allegations of his involvement in the production of films that were seen as exploiting current events or controversial topics for commercial gain.
- Gable’s reported tendency to be demanding and difficult on set, leading to conflicts with directors and co-stars.
- His public behavior, including allegations of excessive drinking and womanizing, which sometimes tarnished his public image.
Control vs chaos
Clark Gable’s life was a delicate balance between control and chaos. Despite his rise to stardom, he often struggled with personal issues, including his tumultuous marriages and his battles with addiction. Gable’s early experiences of hardship and loss instilled in him a strong sense of resilience, which he carried into his career. However, his fame also brought forth a series of challenges, including the constant scrutiny of the media and the pressures of maintaining his image. Gable’s ability to navigate these challenges while continuing to deliver iconic performances is a testament to his strength and adaptability. He maintained control over his craft, even as his personal life was often in a state of flux.
Emotional geography
Clark Gable’s emotional landscape was shaped by both his early struggles and his later successes. Born into a modest family, Gable’s early life was marked by financial difficulties and the loss of his mother. These experiences instilled in him a deep sense of determination and a drive to succeed. As he rose to fame, Gable’s emotional geography became more complex, with the pressures of stardom and the demands of his personal life often competing for his attention. Despite the challenges, Gable’s performances on screen were always infused with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth, reflecting his ability to connect with his audience on a deep, emotional level.
FAQs
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Who was Clark Gable?
Clark Gable was an American actor and film star of the Golden Age of Hollywood. He is best known for his roles in films like “Gone with the Wind” and “It Happened One Night.” Gable’s rugged charm and magnetic presence made him one of the most iconic actors of his time.
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When was Clark Gable born?
Clark Gable was born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio.
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What was Clark Gable’s first film?
Gable’s first film was “The Painted Desert,” which was released in 1931.
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How did Clark Gable get his start in acting?
Gable began his acting career in theater, making his professional stage debut in Portland, Oregon, in 1924. He worked various jobs to support himself while pursuing his passion for acting.
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What are some of Clark Gable’s most famous movies?
Some of Clark Gable’s most famous movies include “It Happened One Night,” “Gone with the Wind,” “Mutiny on the Bounty,” and “The Misfits.”
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Did Clark Gable win any Academy Awards?
Yes, Clark Gable won one Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “It Happened One Night” in 1934. Despite his many other acclaimed performances, he did not win a second Academy Award.
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How many times was Clark Gable married?
Clark Gable was married five times. His wives were Josephine Dillon, Maria Langham, Carole Lombard, Sylvia Ashley, and Kay Spreckels.
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What was Clark Gable’s relationship with Joan Crawford like?
Clark Gable and Joan Crawford had a well-publicized affair during the 1930s. Their relationship was often turbulent and was extensively covered by the media at the time.
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How did Clark Gable contribute to World War II?
During World War II, Gable enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He served as a gunner and aerial photographer, flying several combat missions over Europe.
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What was Clark Gable’s role in “Gone with the Wind”?
In “Gone with the Wind,” Clark Gable played the role of Rhett Butler, a charismatic and complex character who is one of the most iconic figures in film history.
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What was Clark Gable’s last film?
Clark Gable’s last film was “The Misfits,” which was released in 1961, a year after his death.
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How did Clark Gable die?
Clark Gable died on November 16, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, following a heart attack.
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What is Clark Gable’s legacy?
Clark Gable’s legacy is one of enduring charisma and timeless appeal. He is remembered as one of the greatest actors of the Golden Age of Hollywood, known for his iconic roles and his influence on the film industry. His performances continue to inspire and entertain audiences today.
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What were some of Clark Gable’s favorite activities?
Gable enjoyed a variety of activities, including golf, hunting, and fishing. He was also known for his love of cars and often participated in car races and events.