Overview
William Clark Gable (February 1, 1901 – November 16, 1960) was an American actor whose blend of charm, toughness and comic timing made him one of the most recognizable stars of Hollywood's studio era. He is most often remembered for playing Rhett Butler in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, and for shaping the archetype of the rugged leading man during the 1930s and 1940s in Hollywood.
Early life and rise
Gable was born in Cadiz, Ohio, and began his career on stage before moving into motion pictures. He steadily built a reputation for strong, masculine roles and quick, effective screen presence. His breakthrough came with a string of popular pictures that showcased his versatility, from light romantic comedies to adventure dramas.
Major films and awards
Among his best-known films are It Happened One Night (with Claudette Colbert), which became a critical and commercial success, and Mutiny on the Bounty, in which he played Fletcher Christian and won the Academy Award for Best Actor. His filmography also includes Mogambo opposite Grace Kelly and Ava Gardner, and late in his career the drama The Misfits, written by Arthur Miller, which co-starred Marilyn Monroe.
Selected notable films
Later life, personal details and legacy
Gable served in the U.S. military during World War II and returned to films afterward. He was married several times and had children; his off-screen life attracted considerable public attention. His final appearance on screen was in The Misfits, released shortly after his death. Gable died in Los Angeles, California, in 1960 of a heart-related condition.
Legacy: Gable's persona—combining suavity, defiant independence, and an everyman roughness—helped define the Hollywood leading man for decades. He remains a frequent subject of film histories and retrospectives for his contributions to classic American cinema.