Clark Gable

Clark Gable, born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio, United States, was an American film actor often referred to as the "King of Hollywood", starring in more than 60 films in various genres during his 37-year career. Becoming a leading man from the early 1930s to the late 1950s, the American Film Institute named Gable the seventh greatest male movie star of classic American cinema. His most recognized role was that of Rhett Butler in the historic romance drama Gone with the Wind (1939), for which he received an Oscar nomination. This role came about after earning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the romantic comedy, It Happened One Night (1934). He was also known for costarring with several of the most popular actresses of their time, such as Joan Crawford, Myrna Loy, and Jean Harlow. Gable passed away from a heart attack at the age of 59 on November 16, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, USA.

In his early life, born and raised in Cadiz, Ohio, Gable was named William after his father but was almost always called Clark. His father was a Protestant, and his mother was a Catholic. Gable was six months old when he was baptized at a Roman Catholic church, and he and his father were active in the Methodist church, from where he was named 'the kid'. Notably, at age 13, he became the only boy in the all-male Hopedale town band, demonstrating his mechanical inclination and passion for literature. After being inspired by seeing the play The Bird of Paradise, Gable pursued an acting career, getting his training from Portland-based acting coach, Josephine Dillon.

He was married five times, and his most prominent relationship and third marriage were with actress Carole Lombard. Gable became the father of his only biological child, John Clark Gable, four months after his death.