William Clark Gable, known to many as simply Clark Gable, was a highly esteemed American film actor who earned the title of “King of Hollywood.”.
Throughout his impressive career spanning 37 years, he graced the screens in over 60 films across a wide range of genres.
For three decades, Gable captivated audiences with his talent and charisma as a leading man in the film industry.
Profile
- Full name: William Clark Gable
- Stage name: Clark Gable
- Born: February 1, 1901
- Age: 59 years old.
- Birthplace: Cadiz, Ohio, United States
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Professional film actor
- Height: 1.85m
- Parents: Adeline Hershelman, William Henry Gable
- Siblings: N/A
- Spouse: Josephine Dillon, Maria Franklin Prentiss Lucas Langham, Carole Lombard, Sylvia Ashley, and Kay Williams
- Children: John Clark Gable, Judy Lewis
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $100 million
Early Life
Born in 1901 in Cadiz, Ohio, Gable’s upbringing was marked by a father who worked as an oil driller and farmer.
Tragically, his mother passed away when he was just an infant. Despite these challenges, Gable’s interest in acting was sparked unexpectedly after attending a play, leading him to pursue his passion by taking on an unpaid role with a theater company.
However, his dreams were temporarily put on hold when he had to assist his father in the Oklahoma oilfields following his stepmother’s passing.
Education
Clark Gable decided to leave high school when he was only 16 years old, and there is no evidence that he pursued any further formal education.
However, his life took a different turn when he met actress Josephine Dillon, who took him under her wing and served as his mentor.
With her guidance, Gable honed his acting abilities and paved the way for a successful career on Broadway and later in Hollywood.
His determination and talent ultimately propelled him to become one of the most iconic actors of his time.
Career
Over three decades, Clark Gable established himself as an iconic figure in the entertainment industry.
Despite facing initial rejections due to his ears, which studios believed were not suitable for a leading man, Gable persevered and eventually found success after landing a role in the Broadway play “Machinal” in 1928.
His career skyrocketed when MGM signed him shortly after, leading to a string of successful films in the 1930s that solidified his superstar status.
Notable achievements during this period include winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “It Happened One Night” (1934) and starring in the epic historical drama “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1935).
Clark Gable’s iconic role as Rhett Butler in “Gone With the Wind” in 1939 solidified his place in cinematic history and catapulted him to stardom.
Despite the film’s success, Gable continued showcasing his acting prowess in various genres throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
With over 60 films under his belt, he was known for his undeniable charisma, masculinity, and captivating on-screen chemistry with leading ladies such as Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard, whom he later married.
In recognition of his contributions to classic American cinema, the American Film Institute named Gable the seventh greatest male star.
Awards and nominations
- Academy Award (1): Best Actor (1935) for “It Happened One Night”
- Academy Award (2): Best Actor (1936) for “Mutiny on the Bounty”
- Best Actor (1940) for “Gone with the Wind”
- Golden Globe Award (2): (these awards weren’t around until much later in his career)
- Best Actor – Comedy or Musical (1960) for “But Not for Me”
- Best Actor – Comedy or Musical (1959) for “Teacher’s Pet”
Personal Life
Known for his iconic roles in classic films like “Gone with the Wind” and “It Happened One Night,” Clark Gable was not only a talented actor but also a Hollywood heartthrob with a reputation that preceded him.
Throughout his life, he was married five times to women from different backgrounds, including his acting coach Josephine Dillon, socialite Maria Langham; actress Carole Lombard, who tragically died in a plane crash; British model Sylvia Ashley, and actress Kay Williams.
Gable had two children, John Clark Gable and Judy Lewis. Following the death of his beloved wife, Carole Lombard, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.
Filmography
- It Happened One Night (1934): Gable won his only Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in this screwball comedy alongside Claudette Colbert.
- Mutiny on the Bounty (1935): Gable’s portrayal of Fletcher Christian in this historical drama earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
- Gone with the Wind (1939): Gable’s most iconic role is undoubtedly Rhett Butler in this epic Civil War drama. When adjusted for inflation, the film remains the highest-grossing film of all time.
- San Francisco (1936): This disaster film was the highest-grossing film of 1936 and featured Gable alongside Spencer Tracy.
- Saratoga (1937): This romantic drama was notable for being Jean Harlow’s last film before her untimely death.
- Too Hot to Handle (1938): This screwball comedy was Gable’s last film with his frequent co-star, Myrna Loy.
- The Misfits (1961): Gable’s final film role was alongside Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, and Eli Wallach in this drama.
Net Worth
Clark Gable, the legendary Hollywood actor, included his first wife, Josephine Dillon, in his will by leaving her some of his property in Hollywood.
However, most of his estate, valued at $100 million, was left to his final wife, Kay. This generous act of dividing his assets among his loved ones showcases Gable’s thoughtfulness and care for those important to him throughout his life.
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