Clark Gable, American actor (d. 1960)

William Clark Gable: The Enduring Legacy of "The King of Hollywood"

William Clark Gable (February 1, 1901 – November 16, 1960) remains an iconic figure in cinematic history, widely revered as "The King of Hollywood." His remarkable career spanned 37 years, encompassing over 60 motion pictures across diverse genres, with three decades spent as a paramount leading man. Gable's life ended tragically at the age of 59 due to a heart attack. His final cinematic appearance, a poignant portrayal of an aging cowboy in the acclaimed film The Misfits, was released posthumously in 1961, adding to his enduring mystique.

From Humble Beginnings to Cinematic Royalty

Born and raised in Cadiz, Ohio, Gable's early life was far removed from the glamour of Hollywood. He embarked on his film career as an extra in silent films between 1924 and 1926, a period that helped him learn the craft of acting and gain initial exposure in the burgeoning film industry. His perseverance eventually led him to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of Hollywood's most powerful studios, where he began securing more significant supporting roles. His breakthrough came in 1931 with his first leading role in Dance, Fools, Dance, a part he secured at the personal request of the film's star, Joan Crawford, who recognized his undeniable screen presence and potential. This collaboration marked the beginning of a legendary career.

Gable's next pivotal role in the romantic drama Red Dust (1932), opposite the reigning sex symbol Jean Harlow, cemented his status as MGM's biggest male star. Their electrifying on-screen chemistry captivated audiences and established Gable as a leading romantic figure. The pinnacle of his early acclaim arrived when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Frank Capra's romantic comedy It Happened One Night (1934), where he starred alongside Claudette Colbert. This film notably achieved the "Big Five" Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay), a feat rarely accomplished, and is often credited with popularizing the screwball comedy genre. Gable's casual, yet commanding portrayal in the film, including a famous scene where he takes off his shirt revealing no undershirt, reportedly influenced men's fashion trends across America.

His formidable talent was further recognized with two additional Academy Award nominations for Best Actor: first, for his compelling portrayal of Fletcher Christian in the epic adventure Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), and later, for his definitive role as the roguish Rhett Butler opposite Vivien Leigh's Scarlett O'Hara in the cinematic masterpiece Gone with the Wind (1939). These roles solidified his reputation as an actor capable of both charming audiences and delivering powerful, nuanced performances. Beyond these iconic films, Gable enjoyed sustained commercial and critical success with a string of hits including Manhattan Melodrama (1934), San Francisco (1936), Saratoga (1937), Test Pilot (1938), and Boom Town (1940). Notably, three of these successful productions featured him alongside the equally celebrated actor Spencer Tracy, demonstrating his versatility in ensemble casts.

Wartime Service and Enduring Appeal

In a patriotic interlude during his flourishing career, Clark Gable honorably served his country for two years during World War II. After the tragic death of his beloved third wife, Carole Lombard, in a plane crash while returning from a war bond tour, Gable felt compelled to enlist. He joined the U.S. Army Air Forces, serving as an aerial cameraman and bomber gunner in Europe. He achieved the rank of Captain and participated in several combat missions, often documenting his experiences for propaganda films aimed at boosting morale and recruitment. His service, a testament to his character, briefly paused his film career, but upon his return, his movies, while not always critically lauded, continued to perform exceptionally well at the box office, underscoring his enduring popularity.

Gable experienced a significant critical revival in the post-war era with compelling performances in films such as The Hucksters (1947), Homecoming (1948), and the highly successful adventure film Mogambo (1953), which famously co-starred newcomers Grace Kelly and Ava Gardner. As his career progressed into the late 1950s and early 1960s, Gable skillfully transitioned to starring roles in popular Westerns and war movies, exemplified by Run Silent, Run Deep (1958) with Burt Lancaster. He also embraced new challenges in comedies and dramas, forming memorable pairings with a fresh generation of leading ladies, including Doris Day in Teacher's Pet (1958), Sophia Loren in It Started in Naples (1960), and the legendary Marilyn Monroe in his final film, The Misfits (1961).

Unparalleled Box Office Dominance and Collaborative Chemistry

Clark Gable's consistent appeal translated into unparalleled box-office success, cementing his place as one of the most bankable stars in cinema history. He appeared an astounding sixteen times on Quigley Publishing's annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll, an industry benchmark for a star's commercial drawing power. His profound impact on American cinema was officially recognized when the American Film Institute named him the seventh-greatest male movie star of classic American cinema, a testament to his lasting cultural influence and iconic status.

A key element of Gable's enduring appeal was his remarkable chemistry with his leading ladies. He famously shared the screen with some of the most popular and talented actresses of his era, creating unforgettable on-screen dynamics. His professional collaborations were extensive and highly successful:

• Joan Crawford: He partnered with her in eight films, a testament to their strong professional bond and palpable on-screen connection.
• Myrna Loy: They worked together seven times, becoming one of Hollywood's most beloved on-screen duos.
• Jean Harlow: Gable starred with the "Platinum Blonde" in six productions, their fiery chemistry defining many of MGM's early romantic dramas.
• Lana Turner: Their collaborations extended to four features.
• Norma Shearer and Ava Gardner: He appeared with each of these celebrated actresses in three films.

These frequent pairings not only highlighted his versatility but also showcased his ability to elevate any production through engaging performances alongside the most prominent female stars of his time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clark Gable

Who was Clark Gable?

Clark Gable was a legendary American film actor, widely known as "The King of Hollywood," who starred in over 60 motion pictures across a 37-year career during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Why was Clark Gable called "The King of Hollywood"?

Gable earned the moniker "The King of Hollywood" due to his unparalleled box office draw, immense popularity, and consistent ability to attract audiences. This title was notably reinforced by a 1937 poll conducted by film exhibitors, recognizing him as the top box-office earner.

What famous movies did Clark Gable star in?

Clark Gable starred in numerous iconic films, most notably Gone with the Wind (1939), It Happened One Night (1934), Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), Red Dust (1932), San Francisco (1936), and his final film, The Misfits (1961).

Did Clark Gable serve in World War II?

Yes, Clark Gable enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, serving for two years as an aerial cameraman and bomber gunner in Europe. He reached the rank of Captain and participated in combat missions.

How many Academy Awards did Clark Gable win?

Clark Gable won one Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in It Happened One Night (1934). He was also nominated twice more for Best Actor, for Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and Gone with the Wind (1939).

When did Clark Gable die?

Clark Gable died on November 16, 1960, at the age of 59, following a heart attack.