Clark Gable

Clark Gable – Early Life

Clark Gable was one of the most prominent actors in Hollywood in the 1930s. He is best known for his role as Rhett Butler in the hit film Gone with the Wind. Gable who was born in Ohio underwent a traumatic childhood. His mother died when he was young, and his father was a farmer and oil worker who remarried. Gable showed a lot of promise in various fields. However, it was his lover for acting that made him successful.

Pursuing a Career in Acting

Gable dropped out of school at 16 and took up various jobs before he decided to pursue a career in theater. He then made the move to Hollywood in 1924 and acted in silent films and stage plays. He caught the attention of Josephine Dillon who became his mentor and helped him hone his acting skills.

Rise to Stardom

Gable got his first break in 1930 when he signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and he quickly became a box office sensation earning the nickname “The King of Hollywood” in the process. His masculine charm and versatility allowed him to excel in a wide range of roles, from rugged heroes to charismatic rogues. Some of his most notable films during this period include “Red Dust”, “Strange Interlude”, and “Dancing Lady”. He was even paired with some of the most glamorous actresses of that era.

Clark Gable – Hollywood Legend

Clark Gable played the role of Peter Warne in the romantic comedy “It Happened One Night” which was directed by Frank Capra. The Movie was a commercial success and swept the Academy Awards in 1935 and established Gable as a Hollywood legend.

Gable’s career flourished and reached its peak with Gone with the Wind. The movie was a massive commercial success and won eight Academy Awards. Gable’s performance as Rhett Butler was critically acclaimed. While Gable’s professional life was flourishing, his personal life took a major hit when his wife, Carole Lombard, died in a plane crash in 1942. A devastated Gable enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He flew several combat missions as a gunner and was awarded several medals.

Clark Gable – Last days

Following the war, Gable returned to Hollywood but failed to recapture his past glory. He made successful films but was met with fierce competition from the younger stars. His most notable films during this time include “Band of Angels”, “Run Silent, Run Deep”, and “It Started in Naples”. Gable’s final film was The Misfits which co-starred Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clint. Gable passed away due to a heart attack just days after completing the film.