Clark Gable remains one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. Rising from humble beginnings in Cadiz, Ohio, he transformed himself into the archetypal leading man of the Golden Age, a feat that earned him the enduring title “King of Hollywood.”
His legacy is built on a remarkable filmography of over 60 motion pictures, headlined by an immortal performance as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind. Yet the man behind the legend lived a life marked by profound personal tragedy, wartime heroism, and a sudden death that shocked the world.
Drawing on verified biographical sources, this article separates fact from rumor, answering the most pressing questions about his life, his family, and his untimely passing.
What Was Clark Gable’s Cause of Death?
| Full Name William Clark Gable |
Born February 1, 1901, Cadiz, Ohio |
Died November 16, 1960 (age 59), Los Angeles, California |
Known For “King of Hollywood,” Gone with the Wind, It Happened One Night |
- Clark Gable died of a heart attack at age 59, just days after completing his final film, The Misfits.
- The precise medical cause was a coronary thrombosis.
- Multiple biographies note he had underlying heart issues that he kept private.
- The physical strain of performing his own stunts on The Misfits is believed by some biographers to have contributed to the fatal event.
- His death marked the symbolic end of the Golden Age of Hollywood for many fans and contemporaries.
- He passed away on November 16, 1960, in Los Angeles, California.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William Clark Gable |
| Birthdate | February 1, 1901 |
| Place of Birth | Cadiz, Ohio |
| Date of Death | November 16, 1960 |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California |
| Age at Death | 59 years old |
| Cause of Death | Coronary thrombosis (heart attack) |
Who Was Clark Gable’s Spouse?
Gable’s personal life was as dramatic as any film script. He was married five times, each union marking a distinct chapter in his journey from struggling actor to Hollywood royalty.
The Marriages of Clark Gable
- Josephine Dillon (married 1924; divorced 1930) – An acting coach who helped refine his early craft.
- Maria Franklin Gable / Ria Langham (married 1931; divorced 1939) – A wealthy socialite who provided stability during his rise.
- Carole Lombard (married 1939; she died in 1942) – The great love of his life, whose tragic death devastated him.
- Sylvia Ashley (married 1949; divorced 1952) – A brief post-war marriage that ended amicably.
- Kay Williams Spreckels (married 1955; she was his widow) – His final partner, with whom he had his only son.
The Carole Lombard Tragedy
The death of Carole Lombard in a 1942 plane crash was the defining tragedy of Gable’s life. Devastated, he joined the Army Air Forces shortly after, seeking purpose and escape from his overwhelming grief.
Carole Lombard was more than a wife to Gable; she was a stabilizing force and a creative equal. Her sudden death sent him into a deep mourning from which he never fully recovered, fundamentally altering his personal and professional trajectory.
John Clark Gable: A Posthumous Son
Gable’s only biological child, John Clark Gable, was born to Kay Williams in 1961, several months after his father’s death. This posthumous birth added a poignant final chapter to Gable’s story, ensuring the continuation of his bloodline and legacy.
Contrary to persistent rumors that he dodged the draft, Clark Gable volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1942. He served with distinction as a gunner and observer on B-17 bombers over Europe, earning the Air Medal for his combat service. Learn more about another Hollywood leading man: Hugh Jackman – Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth & Movies.
What Are the Best Clark Gable Movies?
Gable’s career spanned nearly four decades and produced dozens of enduring classics. His versatility allowed him to dominate both romantic dramas and screwball comedies.
The Oscar Win and It Happened One Night
In 1934, Gable swept the Academy Awards, winning Best Actor for his role in It Happened One Night. The film, a road-trip romantic comedy, remains a landmark of the genre and showcased his effortless charm. This performance cemented his status as a top-tier leading man.
Gone with the Wind and Rhett Butler
His most famous role remains Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind (1939). Despite initial hesitations about taking the part, his portrayal of the roguish, cynical, and ultimately broken-hearted Southern gentleman became the defining performance of his career. The film’s massive success elevated him to an unprecedented level of global stardom.
Late Career and The Misfits
Post-war, Gable continued to star in major films, including The Hucksters and Mogambo. His final film, The Misfits (1961), was a modern Western co-starring Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift. The film’s grueling production and physical demands took a significant toll on his health.
Gable completed The Misfits in 1960. The film’s demanding physical shoot, which involved doing his own stunts in the Nevada heat, is widely believed by biographers to have worsened his underlying heart condition, leading directly to his fatal heart attack just days after filming wrapped.
To explore another storied film career, read about John Cusack – Biography, Movies, Net Worth and Personal Life.
What Was Clark Gable Like When He Was Young?
Birth and Ohio Roots
William Clark Gable was born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio. His early life in the rural Midwest was a far cry from the glamour of Hollywood. After his mother’s death, he was raised by his father, who hoped he would take up a trade or farming.
The Gap in His Teeth
A prominent gap between his front teeth became a distinctive and much-discussed feature of his appearance. While some sources claim it was natural, others suggest it resulted from an injury during his youth. Regardless of its origin, the gap was often seen as adding to his rugged, imperfect charm.
From Factory Work to Stage
Before he became a star, Gable held jobs as a factory worker and a callboy in theaters. It was in stock theater companies that he discovered his passion for acting. His first wife, Josephine Dillon, an acting coach, helped him refine his voice and stage presence, paving the way for his move to sound films in the early 1930s.
What Is the Timeline of Clark Gable’s Life?
- 1901: Born in Cadiz, Ohio.
- 1924: Began acting in stock companies.
- 1931: Signed with MGM, beginning his ascent to superstardom.
- 1934: Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for It Happened One Night.
- 1939: Starred as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind.
- 1942: Married Carole Lombard (who died later that same year in a plane crash).
- 1943–1944: Served in the US Army Air Forces during WWII as a gunner.
- 1955: Married Kay Williams, his fifth and final spouse.
- 1960: Died of a heart attack on November 16.
What Remains Certain and Unclear About His Life?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| His cause of death was a heart attack (coronary thrombosis). | Whether the physical strain of filming The Misfits directly caused the heart attack remains anecdotal but widely reported. |
| He had five legal marriages to five different women. | Minor details about his earliest stage career and specific relationships are sometimes inconsistently reported. |
| His only biological child is John Clark Gable, born posthumously. | The exact origin of his tooth gap (natural vs. injury) is not definitively documented. |
| He served in active combat missions during World War II, countering rumors of draft-dodging. | Persistent myths about his WWII service continue to circulate, despite official records proving his combat role. |
What Truly Made Him the ‘King of Hollywood’?
The title “King of Hollywood” was not merely a publicity invention. It reflected Gable’s unprecedented box office dominance, his carefully managed persona by MGM, and his longevity in a notoriously fickle industry. He possessed a unique combination of masculine vulnerability and comedic timing that captivated audiences.
His decision to enlist in WWII after Carole Lombard’s death further solidified his status as a national hero. While he won only one competitive Oscar, his legacy is defined by the cultural impact of films like Gone with the Wind. He remains a symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age, an era of glamour and larger-than-life stardom.
The tragic circumstances of his death, followed shortly by the birth of his son, created a poignant final act that continues to fuel public fascination. His grave remains a site of pilgrimage for fans.
Where to Find Verified Information on Clark Gable
Reliable biographical details on Clark Gable are maintained by several authoritative sources. His life and career are documented in detail by academic encyclopedias, film institutes, and professional biographical archives.
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
— Rhett Butler, Gone with the Wind (1939)
Key sources include his profile on Biography.com, his entry on Wikipedia, and his filmography on IMDb. The American Film Institute ranks him as the 7th greatest male screen legend in their authoritative list of AFI’s 100 Greatest Stars.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the King
Clark Gable lived a life of stark contrasts: from a factory worker to a King, from a loving husband to a grief-stricken widower, and from a civilian to a decorated war hero. His death at 59, just days after finishing The Misfits, closed the book on a remarkable chapter in Hollywood history. Yet his films endure, and his only son, John Clark Gable, carried his name forward into a new era. For those seeking to understand the Golden Age of Hollywood, Gable’s story remains an essential starting point. Additional historical context can be found through resources like Find a Grave and the Encyclopaedia Britannica.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall was Clark Gable?
Clark Gable was 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters) tall, giving him a commanding physical presence on screen.
Did Clark Gable have children?
Yes, he had one biological child, John Clark Gable, who was born posthumously in 1961 to his fifth wife, Kay Williams.
How many Oscars did Clark Gable win?
He won one competitive Academy Award for Best Actor for It Happened One Night in 1934.
Was Clark Gable in the military?
Yes, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II as a gunner and observer on B-17 bombers.
Why is Clark Gable called the King of Hollywood?
He earned the title due to his immense box office popularity, his carefully crafted star persona, and his status as the quintessential leading man of the 1930s and 1940s.
What was Clark Gable’s cause of death?
He died of a heart attack caused by coronary thrombosis at the age of 59.
Who was Carole Lombard?
Carole Lombard was an acclaimed actress and the third wife of Clark Gable. Her death in a 1942 plane crash was the greatest tragedy of his life.
Laura Pemberton is Entertainment Editor at readingwire.co.uk, covering celebrity news, film, TV, music, arts and culture.