Clark Gable

Lore & Background

Gable was born in Cadiz, Ohio, to William Henry Gable, an oil-well driller, and Adeline Hershelman. His mother died when he was ten months old, and he was raised by his father and stepmother Jennie Dunlap. He was inspired to become an actor at age 17 after seeing the play The Bird of Paradise, but began his career after turning 21 and receiving a $300 inheritance. He worked odd jobs and toured with stock companies before training under acting coach Josephine Dillon, whom he later married. He changed his stage name from W. C. Gable to Clark Gable and appeared as an extra in silent films before finding success on stage and in sound pictures.

Gable signed with MGM in 1930 and quickly rose to fame, often paired with established female stars. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for It Happened One Night (1934) and earned nominations for Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and Gone with the Wind (1939). He also received Golden Globe nominations for his comedic performances in Teacher's Pet (1958) and But Not for Me (1959). His final onscreen role was as an aging cowboy in The Misfits (1961). Gable died of a heart attack in 1960 at age 59.

Reader's Guide

Clark Gable was one of the most consistently bankable stars in Hollywood history, appearing 16 times on Quigley Publishing's annual Top Ten Money Making Stars Poll. His career spanned silent films, early sound pictures, and the Golden Age of Hollywood, with notable performances in films such as Call of the Wild (1935), Key to the City (1950), and Mogambo (1953). He worked with many of the most popular actresses of his time and was known for his versatility across genres, from drama to comedy. His legacy as the 'King of Hollywood' endures, and he was ranked seventh-greatest male screen legend by the American Film Institute in 1999. Gable's impact on cinema is reflected in his enduring popularity and the critical recognition he received, including an Academy Award and multiple nominations.

Did You Know?

• Gable was six months old when he was baptized at a Roman Catholic church in Dennison, Ohio.
• He was inspired to become an actor after seeing the play The Bird of Paradise at age 17.
• His acting coach and first wife, Josephine Dillon, was 17 years his senior.
• Gable's final onscreen role was as an aging cowboy in John Huston's The Misfits (1961).

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"The only reason they come to see me is that I know that life is great — and they know I know it." — Clark Gable "I worked like a son of a bitch to learn a few tricks and I fight like a steer to avoid getting stuck with parts I can't play." — Clark Gable "He used to claim he was very dull in bed." — Clark Gable "His ears made him look like a taxicab with both doors open." — Clark Gable