This is an academic exploration based on the Wikipedia article about Clark Gable. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

Clark Gable: The Quintessential Hollywood Leading Man

An exploration of the life, career, and enduring legacy of the iconic actor known as "The King of Hollywood."

Discover Gable๐Ÿ‘‡ View Accolades๐Ÿ†

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
๐ŸŽฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ŸŽฎ

Introduction

The King of Hollywood

William Clark Gable (February 1, 1901 โ€“ November 16, 1960) was a preeminent American actor, widely celebrated as "The King of Hollywood." His illustrious career spanned 37 years, during which he starred in over 60 motion pictures across diverse genres, establishing himself as a leading man for three decades.

Cinematic Iconography

In 1999, the American Film Institute recognized Gable's profound impact by ranking him as the seventh greatest male screen legend of classical Hollywood cinema. His performances garnered critical acclaim, including an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Frank Capra's It Happened One Night (1934).

Enduring Popularity

Gable consistently ranked among Hollywood's most bankable stars, appearing sixteen times on Quigley Publishing's annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll. He collaborated with many of the era's most celebrated actresses, solidifying his status as a timeless cinematic figure.

Early Life and Beginnings

Birth and Upbringing

Born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio, his early life was shaped by his father, a well-driller, and his mother. Following his mother's early death, Gable experienced a period of varied upbringing, including time spent on his maternal uncle's farm. His stepmother played a role in his early education and grooming.

Mechanical Inclination and Artistic Spark

Gable displayed a mechanical aptitude and enjoyed working with his hands. Concurrently, he possessed a deep appreciation for literature, reciting Shakespeare among trusted companions. His path toward acting was solidified at age 17 after witnessing the play The Bird of Paradise.

Theatrical Foundations

After inheriting funds, Gable pursued acting, touring with traveling tent shows and stock companies. He worked various jobs, including a stint as a necktie salesman, where he was encouraged by local stage actor Earle Larimore. His early theatrical experiences in Portland, Oregon, and later in Houston, Texas, honed his craft and built his confidence.

Mentorship and Transformation

His acting coach, Josephine Dillon, significantly influenced his development. Dillon invested in his training, focusing on physical conditioning, posture, speech refinement, and vocal modulation. This period of dedicated tutelage was crucial in transforming Gable into a more convincing and commanding performer.

Career Trajectory

Early Hollywood and Stage

Gable and Dillon relocated to Hollywood in 1924. Initially appearing as an extra in silent films, he also returned to the stage, gaining recognition for his "young, vigorous, and brutally masculine" presence. His early stage work, particularly in Machinal, garnered critical attention.

Ascent to Stardom

His transition to sound films began with roles in low-budget westerns and dramas. A pivotal moment came with his performance in A Free Soul (1931), which earned him significant fan mail and established him as a leading man. MGM recognized his potential, pairing him with major stars like Joan Crawford and Jean Harlow.

Academy Award and Peak Performance

Gable's career reached new heights with his Oscar-winning performance in It Happened One Night (1934). This success was followed by acclaimed roles in Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and the monumental epic Gone with the Wind (1939), where his portrayal of Rhett Butler became legendary.

Notable Collaborations

His on-screen chemistry with actresses like Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Myrna Loy, and Carole Lombard defined much of his early success. Gable's partnerships with Spencer Tracy in films like San Francisco (1936) and Test Pilot (1938) also significantly boosted both actors' careers.

World War II Service

Enlistment and Duty

Following the tragic death of his wife Carole Lombard in 1942, Gable enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces. He served in a special assignment capacity, producing recruiting films and flying as an observer-gunner on combat missions in Europe. His service earned him the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Combat Film Unit

Gable led a six-man motion picture unit, documenting aerial warfare. He was promoted to Captain during his service. His experiences in combat, including surviving damage to his aircraft, highlighted his commitment to the war effort and added a unique dimension to his public persona.

Military Honors

Gable's military contributions were recognized with several honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a qualified aerial gunner, receiving his wings upon completion of flexible gunnery school.

Personal Life and Relationships

Marital History

Gable was married five times. His marriages included Josephine Dillon (his acting coach), Ria Langham, the beloved actress Carole Lombard (a period of great happiness), Sylvia Ashley, and finally Kay Williams. Each marriage reflected different phases of his life and career.

Carole Lombard: A Profound Loss

His marriage to Carole Lombard (1939โ€“1942) is widely considered the most significant and happy of his life. Her tragic death in a plane crash during World War II profoundly impacted Gable, casting a long shadow over his subsequent years.

Family and Legacy

Gable became a father later in life. His only biological son, John Clark Gable, was born posthumously. John Clark Gable continued his father's legacy in various ways, including supporting the restoration of Gable's birthplace as a museum.

The Loretta Young Connection

A notable aspect of his personal life involved a relationship with actress Loretta Young, which resulted in their daughter, Judy Lewis. Young kept the pregnancy and birth secret, claiming to have adopted Judy, though the resemblance and timing led to widespread speculation about Gable's paternity, later confirmed by Young.

Political Stance

Conservative Republican

Gable was a staunch conservative Republican. He was an early member of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, an organization formed to combat perceived Communist influence within the film industry. This group played a role in the Hollywood blacklist.

Civic Engagement

Beyond his political affiliations, Gable was also initiated into Freemasonry in Beverly Hills, reflecting his engagement with various societal organizations.

Illness and Demise

Final Days

Clark Gable was hospitalized in November 1960 following a heart attack. Despite initial reports of satisfactory condition, he succumbed to a second heart attack on November 16, 1960, at the age of 59. Medical staff cited concerns about rupturing his heart as a reason for not performing CPR.

Final Resting Place

Gable is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, in the Great Mausoleum. He rests alongside his beloved third wife, Carole Lombard, and her mother, a testament to their enduring bond.

Awards and Recognition

Major Accolades

Gable's career was marked by numerous prestigious awards and nominations, reflecting his consistent excellence and popularity. His most significant accolades include multiple Academy Award nominations and wins, as well as Golden Globe nominations.

Awards and Nominations
Year Association Category Nominated Work Result
1935 Academy Awards Best Actor It Happened One Night Won
1936 Academy Awards Best Actor Mutiny on the Bounty Nominated
1940 Academy Awards Best Actor Gone with the Wind Nominated
1958 Laurel Awards Top Male Comedy Performance Teacher's Pet 3rd Place
1959 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor โ€“ Musical or Comedy Teacher's Pet Nominated
1960 Golden Globe Awards Best Actor โ€“ Musical or Comedy But Not for Me Nominated
1960 Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (motion pictures) โ€” Honored
2001 Golden Boot Awards Centennial Award โ€” Won

Hollywood Walk of Fame

In recognition of his significant contributions to the film industry, Clark Gable was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 1608 Vine Street, in 1960.

Further Exploration

Related Topics

  • List of actors with Academy Award nominations
  • List of members of the American Legion

Notes

Award Posthumous Recognition

The Centennial Award from the Golden Boot Awards in 2001 was presented posthumously and accepted by his son, John Clark Gable.

References

Source Citations

The information presented herein is derived from comprehensive academic sources, meticulously cataloged for verification and further study.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Clark Gable" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about clark_gable while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

References

References

  1.  Clark Gable on Biography.com Accessed August 5, 2016
  2.  Thomson, David (1994). A Biographical Dictionary of Film. Martin Secker and Warburg Ltd, London. p. 317.
  3.  Kinn, Earl, and Piazza, Jim (2002). The Academy Awards: The Complete History of Oscar. Black Dog and Leventhal Publishers, New York. p. 32.
  4.  Fox, Ken; Ed Grant; Jo Imeson; Andrew Joseph; and Maitland McDonugh (1999). The Movie Guide. Berkley Publishing Group, New York. p. 323.
  5.  Kay, Eddie Dorman (New York, 1990). "Box Office Champs: The Most Popular Movies from the Last 50 Years", M & M Books. pg.14.
  6.  Thomson, David (London, 1994). "A Biographical Dictionary of Film", Martin Secker and Warburg Ltd, pg. 761.
  7.  Thomson, David (London, 1994). "A Biographical Dictionary of Film", Martin Secker and Warburg Ltd. pg. 272.
  8.  Associated Press, "Gable Tested For Air Corps", The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Washington, June 20, 1942, Vol. 60, No. 37, p. 5.
  9.  Michael Gebert, The Encyclopedia of Movie Awards, St. Martin's Paperbacks, New York, 1996, pg. 305.
  10.  Brode, Douglas From Hell To Hollywood: An Encyclopedia of World War II Films Vol 1 BearManor Media 2 March 2020
  11.  Elaine Woo. Judy Lewis, daughter of Loretta Young and Clark Gable, dies at 76. Washington Post, Dec. 1, 2011.
  12.  Ocala Star-Banner, November 18, 1960, p. 1.
  13.  Ocala Star-Banner, November 18, 1960, p. 4.
A full list of references for this article are available at the Clark Gable Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding film history, biography, or any related field. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific inquiries.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.