Clark Gable | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 30, 2025

Who is Clark Gable?

Clark Gable was an iconic American actor, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in Hollywood's Golden Age. Born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio, his journey to stardom was fraught with challenges, including initial rejections due to his physical appearance, specifically his large ears. However, after signing with MGM, Gable's career skyrocketed, particularly with his standout performances in acclaimed films such as "It Happened One Night," for which he won an Academy Award, and the epic "Gone with the Wind," where he portrayed the charismatic Rhett Butler.

Gable's personal life was as captivating as his on-screen roles. He was married five times, most famously to actress Carole Lombard, who was the love of his life until her tragic death in a plane crash. Gable's service in the Army Air Force during World War II showed his courageous spirit, as he served as a tail-gunner and participated in several bombing missions over Europe. Despite a career marked by immense success, including becoming the highest-paid freelance actor of his time, Gable's life was not without personal turmoil, including his secret daughter, Judy Lewis, born from an extramarital affair with actress Loretta Young. Gable left an indelible mark on cinema before his untimely death from a heart attack on November 16, 1960.

Early Life and Education

William Clark Gable was born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio. Growing up in a modest household, he faced the challenge of losing his mother shortly after his birth. His father worked as an oil driller and farmer, which meant that Gable was raised in a hardworking environment. However, the absence of his mother during his formative years profoundly impacted his early life. At the age of 16, Gable made a pivotal decision to drop out of high school and took a job at a tire factory in Akron, Ohio. This marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming a Hollywood legend, though it would take time before his ambitions materialized.

Gable's aspirations were ignited one evening when he attended a local play, which captivated him and set him on the path to acting. He initially sought out opportunities in theater, taking an unpaid position with a traveling company. However, life threw him a curveball when his stepmother passed away in 1919, prompting him to help his father in the oilfields of Oklahoma. After three years of toil in the oil industry, Gable returned to the stage, joining another theater company in Montana. It was during this period that he met Josephine Dillon, who became his acting coach and mentor, guiding him as he moved toward his dreams of making it big in Hollywood.

Hollywood Stardom and Movies

Clark Gable emerged as one of Hollywood's most formidable stars after initially facing challenges early in his career. After signing with MGM, he was introduced to a wider audience, starring alongside legends like Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford. Gable's breakthrough moment came with the film "It Happened One Night," which not only garnered him an Academy Award but also showcased his versatility as an actor. His magnetic presence and rugged charm quickly placed him at the forefront of the industry, making him a favorite among audiences and a coveted leading man.

The height of Gable's fame coincided with the classic era of Hollywood, with roles in major box-office hits such as "Gone with the Wind," where he delivered an unforgettable performance as Rhett Butler. His portrayal in this civil-war epic solidified his status as the "King of Hollywood," revered for his masculinity and charisma. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his beloved wife Carole Lombard, Gable's resilience shone through as he continued to captivate audiences with films like "Mogambo" and "The Misfits," showcasing his lasting legacy as a cinematic icon.

Career Success and Achievements

Clark Gable's rise to stardom was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering his initial struggles in Hollywood due to his unconventional appearance. After signing with MGM, he quickly found his footing as a leading man, captivating audiences with his charismatic performances alongside some of the biggest stars of the era, such as Joan Crawford and Greta Garbo. Gable made waves in the film industry with his magnetic presence, starring in hits like "It Happened One Night," which won him an Academy Award, and "Gone with the Wind," where he solidified his status as the "King of Hollywood." These films not only propelled him to fame but also showcased his ability to transition from a roughneck villain to a romantic hero.

In the years that followed, Gable continued to dominate the box office with a string of successful films that included "Mutiny on the Bounty," "San Francisco," and "Boomtown." His portrayal of Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind" became iconic, setting a benchmark for male leads in Hollywood. Gable's appeal was not limited to his rugged good looks; he embodied the essence of masculinity of the time, admired by men and adored by women. Even after serving in World War II, Gable maintained his star power, evidenced by hits like "Mogambo" and "The Tall Men," though he faced challenges in recapturing the same level of acclaim as before.

His final film, "The Misfits," co-starring Marilyn Monroe, marked a poignant end to his illustrious career. Despite ongoing health issues and changing industry dynamics, Gable remained a formidable presence, producing performances that resonated with audiences. He passed away just days after finishing filming, leaving behind a legacy that still influences actors today. Gable's achievements have enshrined him as one of Hollywood's legendary figures, and his influence endures in the cinematic landscape even decades after his death.

Later Career and Death

During the later stages of his career, Clark Gable continued to be a significant figure in Hollywood, cementing his status as a legendary actor. After receiving his discharge from the Army Air Force in 1944, he made a comeback with the film “Adventure.” Although the movie itself did not achieve great acclaim, Gable's presence alone drew audiences in droves. Following this, he collaborated with MGM on several projects, including “Mogambo,” which starred both Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly. Despite not reclaiming the same level of stardom as before, Gable's star power remained intact, allowing him to command high salaries as a freelance actor after his studio contract expired in 1954.

Notable films from this period included “Soldier of Fortune” and “The Tall Men.” However, Gable's career culminated with “The Misfits,” a project featuring Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift. This film showcased Gable's remarkable acting range, and it was considered one of his finest performances. Tragically, Gable never witnessed the film's release, as he suffered a heart attack just two days after shooting wrapped. He passed away on November 16, 1960, leaving behind a legacy that endures, a testament to his lifelong contributions to cinema and his impact on the film industry.

Personal Life: Married Life, Wives and Children

Clark Gable was known not only for his on-screen charisma but also for his tumultuous love life. Over his lifetime, he was married five times. His first marriage was to Josephine Dillon, his theater director, who played a significant role in shaping his early career. After Dillon, Gable married socialite Rhea Langham, followed by a passionate relationship and marriage to the glamorous actress Carole Lombard, whom he regarded as the love of his life. Following Lombard's tragic death, he wed Lady Sylvia Ashley and later actress Kay Williams Spreckels, with whom he had one son, John Clark Gable, born after Gable's death.

In addition to his marriages, Gable had a secret daughter, Judy Lewis, from an affair with actress Loretta Young. Young concealed her pregnancy to avoid scandal, as Gable was married at the time. The truth about Lewis's parentage remained hidden until Young revealed it in her authorized biography decades later. Although Gable was a prominent figure in Hollywood, he and Lewis did not have a close relationship throughout their lives. Judy Lewis passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with her father's storied past.

Net Worth and Earning: Highest-paid actor

Clark Gable, often referred to as the "King of Hollywood," was not only an iconic actor but also one of the highest-paid stars of his time. By the mid-1950s, Gable had successfully transitioned into a lucrative freelance career after his contract with MGM ended, earning more than any of his contemporaries. This shift allowed him greater creative freedom, enabling him to choose roles that showcased his unparalleled acting abilities. His charisma and screen presence contributed to his immense popularity, consistently drawing audiences to theaters. At the height of his stardom, Gable occupied a unique position in Hollywood, both earning a substantial income and shaping the industry's landscape.

Throughout his career, Gable's net worth accumulated significantly as he starred in blockbuster films like "Gone with the Wind," "It Happened One Night," and "Mutiny on the Bounty." His drawing power at the box office translated into impressive financial gains, making him a formidable force in the film industry. Notably, his final film, "The Misfits," illustrated Gable’s enduring status, and even in the 1960s, he was able to command substantial salaries for his work. Gable's financial success was reflective of his legendary status, not solely as an actor but as a cultural icon, influencing countless filmmakers and actors who followed in his footsteps.