Clark Gable
Clark Gable – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes
Clark Gable (1901–1960), often called “The King of Hollywood,” starred in dozens of classic films, including Gone with the Wind. Explore his biography, major achievements, personality, and memorable quotes.
Introduction
William Clark Gable (February 1, 1901 – November 16, 1960) was an American film actor whose charisma, screen presence, and persona made him one of the most enduring stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. He is perhaps best known as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, but his career spanned multiple genres—from romantic comedies to westerns to dramas—and he remains a defining icon of stardom.
Early Life and Family
Clark Gable was born in Cadiz, Ohio, to William Henry Gable (an oil-well driller) and Adeline Hershelman.
He was baptized as an infant in a Catholic church but later was involved in the Methodist church with his father. Gable’s early life included some instability—as a child moved between places, coping with loss, religious dispute, and a somewhat fragmented upbringing.
Rise to Stardom
Stage & Early Film Work
Gable’s entry into acting was not immediate. In the 1920s, he worked in theater and as an extra in silent films. The Last Mile (circa 1930), which drew attention for his intensity and earned him a contract with Pathé Pictures.
He appeared in The Painted Desert (1931), his first role in a sound picture, and then slowly climbed through supporting and then leading roles at major studios.
Breakthrough & Major Roles
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In 1934, Gable won the Academy Award for Best Actor for It Happened One Night, one of the earliest “big five” Oscar wins (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Screenplay).
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His signature role came in 1939 as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, opposite Vivien Leigh. That film cemented his place in Hollywood legend.
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He starred in a variety of films over subsequent decades: Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), Mogambo (1953), The Misfits (1961, released posthumously) among others.
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In his later years, he took roles in romantic dramas and light comedies: Teacher’s Pet (1958), It Started in Naples (1960).
During World War II, Gable served in the U.S. Army Air Forces (1942–1944) as a Major, flying combat missions in Europe.
Personal Life & Challenges
Marriages & Relationships
Clark Gable was married five times:
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Josephine Dillon (1924–1930) — his first wife, who also acted as his coach and mentor.
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Maria “Ria” Franklin Prentiss Lucas Langham (1931–1939)
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Carole Lombard (1939–1942) — perhaps the most celebrated marriage; Lombard died in a tragic plane crash in 1942. Gable was deeply affected by her death.
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Sylvia Ashley (1949–1952)
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Kay Spreckels Williams (from 1955 until his death in 1960)
He had two children: Judy Lewis, born from a reported affair with Loretta Young in 1935 (though not publicly acknowledged by Gable until much later) John Clark Gable, born posthumously in March 1961 to his fifth wife, Kay Williams.
Health & Death
On November 16, 1960, Clark Gable died in Los Angeles from a heart attack, aggravated by an infection. He was 59 years old. The Misfits (which would be released after his death).
His funeral was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, and notable Hollywood figures such as Spencer Tracy and James Stewart served as pallbearers.
Personality, Screen Persona & Legacy
Clark Gable was often characterized as embodying masculine charm, ruggedness, wit, and romantic bravado. He projected both confidence and a degree of vulnerability that made him appealing to audiences.
He was sometimes critical of the filmmaking environment and scripts, occasionally requesting changes to align with his screen persona. For instance, in Run Silent, Run Deep, he purportedly refused to film a scene in which his character would sink — “Gable doesn’t sink.”
His contemporaries often praised his personal magnetism and kindness. In Bring on the Empty Horses, David Niven recalled Gable’s emotional sensitivity—he was capable of deep feeling, grief, and loyalty.
In the pantheon of Hollywood legends, Gable is regularly ranked among the greatest male stars. The American Film Institute named him #7 among the Greatest Male Stars of All Time.
Famous Quotes by Clark Gable
Here are some notable lines attributed to him:
“I’m no actor and I never have been. What people see on the screen is me.” “The only reason they come to see me is that I know that life is great — and they know I know it.” “Hell, if I’d jumped on all the dames I’m supposed to have jumped on, I’d have had no time to go fishing.” “I don’t want a lot of strangers looking down at my wrinkles and my big fat belly when I'm dead.” “It’s a chain of accidents. When you step into Hollywood, you wind yourself into thousands of chains of accidents. If all of the thousands happen to come out exactly right … then you’ll be a star.” Of course, his most famous line in film remains: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” from Gone with the Wind.
These quotes reflect his attitude toward fame, persona, romance, and life’s ironies.
Lessons & Takeaways
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Persona and authenticity can coexist
Gable claimed that what audiences saw onscreen was close to his real self—there was minimal artifice in how he presented himself. -
Craft your narrative
His choice to alter scripts or reject certain scenes shows that stars of his era exercised influence over how their legacy would be framed. -
Resilience through loss
He suffered deeply (notably the death of Carole Lombard) but continued his career, remarried, and remained active. -
Legacy beyond one role
Though forever associated with Rhett Butler, Gable’s career is rich in variety: romantic comedies, dramas, action, and westerns. -
Enduring appeal
His name, image, and persona maintain relevance today. The “King of Hollywood” label, his quotes, and his films continue to captivate new generations.
Conclusion
Clark Gable’s legacy is more than the fame of Gone with the Wind. He represents an era when screen presence, star authority, and dramatic charisma intertwined. His life included triumphs, heartbreaks, contradictions, and deep emotional currents. Through his performances, his personal choices, and his public image, he became a benchmark for what it could mean to be a Hollywood leading man.