# Clark Gable

> American actor (1901–1960)

**Wikidata**: [Q71243](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q71243)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clark_Gable)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/clark-gable

## Summary
Clark Gable was an American actor (1901–1960) known for his iconic roles in classic Hollywood films, particularly as Rhett Butler in *Gone with the Wind* (1939). He was a leading film actor of the Golden Age of Hollywood and a symbol of masculine charm and sophistication.

## Biography
- Born: February 1, 1901, Cadiz, Ohio, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Attended the University of Cincinnati but left without a degree
- Known for: Defining the "Hollywood leading man" archetype with roles in *Gone with the Wind*, *It Happened One Night*, and *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*
- Employer(s): Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures
- Field(s): Film acting

## Contributions
- **Gone with the Wind (1939)**: Played Rhett Butler, a brooding Southern gentleman, which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time and cemented Gable’s legacy.
- **It Happened One Night (1934)**: Co-starred with Claudette Colbert in a romantic comedy-drama that won the Academy Award for Best Picture.
- **A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935)**: Delivered a memorable performance as Bottom, earning critical acclaim.
- **Honor of the Family (1936)**: Played a dual role as twins, showcasing his versatility.
- **Boom Town (1940)**: Directed and starred in this film, demonstrating his early interest in filmmaking beyond acting.

## FAQs
**What was Clark Gable’s most famous role?**
Gable is best known for his portrayal of Rhett Butler in *Gone with the Wind* (1939), a role that remains iconic in Hollywood history.

**Which awards did Clark Gable receive?**
He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for *It Happened One Night* (1934) and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

**Where did Clark Gable work?**
He was under contract with major studios including Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures.

**What military service did Clark Gable perform?**
He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and other military medals.

**What was Clark Gable’s personal life like?**
He was married to actress Carole Lombard (1933–1942) and later to Rhea McCauley (1943–1960). Both marriages ended tragically, with Lombard’s death in a plane crash and Gable’s death in 1960 from a heart attack.

## Why They Matter
Clark Gable revolutionized the Hollywood leading man archetype, embodying sophistication, charm, and emotional depth. His performances in films like *Gone with the Wind* and *It Happened One Night* set standards for romantic and dramatic roles. As a symbol of classic Hollywood, Gable influenced generations of actors and remains a cultural icon. His legacy endures in film history, pop culture, and the enduring appeal of his on-screen persona.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award for Best Actor** (1934) for *It Happened One Night*
- **Hollywood Walk of Fame star** (1960)
- **Distinguished Flying Cross** and other military decorations for World War II service
- **Pioneer of the "Hollywood leading man"** role, shaping romantic and dramatic film archetypes
- **Starred in some of the highest-grossing films of the 1930s and 1940s**, including *Gone with the Wind* and *It Happened One Night*
- **Dual role in *Honor of the Family* (1936)**, demonstrating his range as an actor
- **Early film director** with *Boom Town* (1940), showcasing his creative contributions beyond acting

## Body
### Early Life
Clark Gable was born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio. He attended the University of Cincinnati but left without a degree, instead pursuing acting. His early career included small roles in silent films and stage performances.

### Rise to Fame
Gable gained recognition in the 1920s and 1930s, working with major studios like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). His breakthrough came with *It Happened One Night* (1934), where he co-starred with Claudette Colbert. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and Gable earned his first Oscar for Best Actor.

### Iconic Roles
Gable’s portrayal of Rhett Butler in *Gone with the Wind* (1939) became legendary. The film’s success made him a global star and solidified his status as a Hollywood icon. He also starred in *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* (1935) and *Honor of the Family* (1936), showcasing his dramatic and comedic range.

### Military Service
During World War II, Gable served in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and other military medals for his service, demonstrating his commitment to his country.

### Personal Life
Gable was married twice. His first marriage to actress Carole Lombard ended tragically in 1942 when she died in a plane crash. He later married Rhea McCauley in 1943, but their marriage also ended in tragedy when Gable died of a heart attack in 1960.

### Legacy
Clark Gable’s influence on film and culture is immeasurable. His performances defined the "Hollywood leading man" and inspired countless actors. His legacy endures in classic films, pop culture, and the enduring appeal of his on-screen persona.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. The Peerage
4. www.acmi.net.au
5. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1935)
6. International Standard Name Identifier
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10. [Source](https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12203/6621)
11. [Source](http://www.clarkgablefoundation.com/museum-tour-info.html)
12. Clark Gable. Integrated Authority File
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35. Catalogo of the National Library of India