Clark Gable, often called the “King of Hollywood,” remains one of the most enduring icons of the Golden Age of cinema. From his breakout role in It Happened One Night to his legendary performance as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind, his career spanned more than three decades and over 75 films. But his life off-screen—marked by personal tragedy, military service, and lingering questions about his health—has kept public curiosity alive decades after his death.
Born William Clark Gable on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio, he rose from a difficult childhood to become Hollywood’s most bankable star. He died unexpectedly at age 59, just days after wrapping his final film, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate historians and movie fans alike.
What Was Clark Gable’s Cause of Death and How Did He Die?
- Born: February 1, 1901, Cadiz, Ohio, USA
- Died: November 16, 1960, Los Angeles, California, USA (heart attack)
- Spouse(s): Carole Lombard, Kay Williams, and three others
- Children: John Clark Gable (son), adopted daughter Joan
- Famous For: Gone with the Wind, It Happened One Night, Mutiny on the Bounty
- Academy Awards: One win (Best Actor, It Happened One Night), three nominations
- Military Service: U.S. Army Air Forces, 1942–1944 (aerial gunner, earned Air Medal)
The official cause of Clark Gable’s death was a heart attack caused by coronary thrombosis, a blood clot blocking a coronary artery, according to sources including Britannica. He suffered the attack in early November 1960 after completing filming on The Misfits and died in the hospital ten days later.
How did Clark Gable die?
Gable died at the age of 59 on November 16, 1960, in Hollywood, California. The strain of performing his own stunts in The Misfits may have contributed, but he was already in poor health due to years of heavy drinking and smoking more than three packs of cigarettes a day, according to his Turner Classic Movies profile.
What was the exact cause of Clark Gable’s death?
The medical cause was a myocardial infarction (heart attack), triggered by coronary thrombosis. He had a history of hypertension and was under significant stress during the production of The Misfits, his final film released posthumously in 1961.
Some accounts suggest the physical demands of filming The Misfits in the Nevada desert worsened Gable’s existing health problems. However, this link is not officially confirmed and remains a subject of speculation among film historians.
Who Was Clark Gable’s Spouse and Did He Have Children?
Gable married five times. His most famous marriage was to actress Carole Lombard, whom he called the love of his life. She died in a plane crash in 1942, a tragedy that devastated him and prompted his enlistment in the military.
Who was Clark Gable married to?
- Josephine Dillon (1924–1930): His first wife and acting coach.
- Maria Franklin Gable (1930–1933): His second wife.
- Carole Lombard (1939–1942): The love of his life; died in a plane crash.
- Sylvia Ashley (1949–1953): Widow of Douglas Fairbanks.
- Kay Williams (1955–1960): His widow and stepfather to her two children.
Did Clark Gable have children?
Yes. Gable had one biological child with Carole Lombard: John Clark Gable, born in 1940. He also had a second biological child, Clark Gable Jr., born in 1956 with his fifth wife Kay Williams. Kay Williams had two children from a previous marriage—Joan and Adolph “Bunker” Spreckels III—whom Gable helped raise.
Who is John Clark Gable?
John Clark Gable is the only biological son of Clark Gable. He was born in 1940, during the marriage to Carole Lombard. Following in his father’s footsteps, John became an actor and producer, working to preserve and promote the Gable legacy.
According to his IMDb biography, Gable’s first wife Josephine Dillon paid for his false teeth after a severe dental infection. That same source lists his children as John Clark Gable and Clark Gable Jr., confirming two biological offspring.
What Movies Did Clark Gable Star In During His Career?
Gable starred in over 75 films, cementing his reputation as the “King of Hollywood.” His most iconic roles remain the benchmark of his career.
What are Clark Gable’s most famous movies?
- It Happened One Night (1934): Won the Academy Award for Best Actor; often cited as his most famous role.
- Mutiny on the Bounty (1935): Another major critical success and Oscar nomination.
- Gone with the Wind (1939): Played Rhett Butler opposite Vivien Leigh; one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
- The Misfits (1961): His final film, starring alongside Marilyn Monroe, released after his death.
- Mogambo (1953): Post-war acclaim; directed by John Ford.
Gable’s line “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn” from Gone with the Wind remains one of the most famous movie quotes in history.
How did Clark Gable start his acting career?
Gable began acting in the 1920s on stage and in silent films. His breakthrough came with the talkie The Painted Desert (1931), after which he signed a contract with MGM. Before acting, he worked a series of odd jobs, including as a mechanic, before joining a traveling theater troupe.
What Was Clark Gable Like as a Young Man?
Where did Clark Gable grow up?
He was born in Cadiz, Ohio, and grew up on a farm in Hopedale, Ohio. His mother, Adeline Hershelman, died when he was less than 10 months old. Raised by his father, Gable left home at 16, dropping out of high school to work in a tire factory in Akron, according to Biography.com.
What did Clark Gable do before acting?
After seeing a play, he decided to become an actor in his early 20s. He held various jobs before embarking on his career, including working as a mechanic and a lumberjack. He eventually joined a traveling theater troupe, which launched his path to Hollywood.
Timeline of Key Events in Clark Gable’s Life
- 1901: Born in Cadiz, Ohio.
- 1924: Moved to Hollywood, began acting in silent films.
- 1931: Breakthrough role in The Painted Desert.
- 1934: Won Best Actor Oscar for It Happened One Night.
- 1939: Starred as Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind; married Carole Lombard.
- 1942: Carole Lombard died in a plane crash; Gable joined the Army Air Forces.
- 1944: Honorably discharged from military service.
- 1955: Married fourth wife Kay Williams.
- 1960: Died of a heart attack; buried in California.
- 1961: Son John Clark Gable born posthumously.
What Is Known for Certain and What Remains Unclear About Clark Gable?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Clark Gable died of a heart attack on November 16, 1960. | Some accounts suggest Gable’s death may have been exacerbated by the physical demands of filming The Misfits, but this is not officially confirmed. |
| He had one biological son, John Clark Gable. | The exact number of romantic relationships outside marriage is not definitively documented. |
| He was married five times. | Claims about his teeth often mention a gap, but early photos show no obvious gap; the “teeth” query may stem from his distinctive smile or dental work. |
| He won an Academy Award for It Happened One Night. | None. |
Why Does Clark Gable’s Legacy Still Matter?
Clark Gable remains a cultural icon representing Hollywood’s Golden Age. His off-screen life, marked by wartime service and personal tragedy, adds depth to his public persona. According to Britannica, he served honorably in WWII, flying five combat missions as a tail-gunner and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. After the war, he returned to acting, starring in films like Mogambo and The Hucksters.
The persistent curiosity about his teeth likely stems from a broader interest in celebrity physical quirks. In July 1933, during the filming of Dancing Lady, Gable developed pyorrhea, a severe gum infection. The infection required the immediate removal of nearly all his teeth, and his first wife, Josephine Dillon, paid for his false teeth. This event, detailed in Biography.com, may explain the enduring search queries about his dental appearance.
For more on the lives of other Hollywood legends, explore our profiles on Michael Caine – Biography, Age, Net Worth and Retirement and Robert Wagner – Biography, Age, Net Worth & Health in 2025.
Sources and Quotes Related to Clark Gable
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.”
— Gone with the Wind (1939), spoken by Gable’s character Rhett Butler
“I’m just a lucky slob from Ohio who happened to be in the right place at the right time.”
— Clark Gable, reflecting on his rise to fame
“When I die, I want to be cremated and have my ashes scattered over the Pacific Ocean.”
— Clark Gable’s stated wish, though he was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Summary: What You Need to Know About Clark Gable
Clark Gable, the “King of Hollywood,” died of a heart attack at age 59 in 1960. He was married five times, including to Carole Lombard, and fathered two biological children, one of whom—John Clark Gable—was born posthumously. His most famous films include Gone with the Wind, It Happened One Night, and The Misfits. He served honorably in WWII, earning the Air Medal. For more on classic Hollywood legends, read our profile on Michael Caine – Biography, Age, Net Worth and Retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clark Gable
Why do people ask about Clark Gable’s teeth?
Many users search ‘Clark Gable teeth’ out of curiosity about his dental appearance. He had a slight gap between his front teeth, and in 1933 he lost nearly all his teeth to a gum infection. His first wife paid for his false teeth.
How many Oscars did Clark Gable win?
He won one Oscar (Best Actor for It Happened One Night, 1934) and was nominated for two others: Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) and For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943).
Was Clark Gable in the military?
Yes, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1942 to 1944 as a gunner and photographer on bombing missions. He earned the Air Medal and was discharged as a Major.
How tall was Clark Gable?
He was 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m) tall.
Who was Clark Gable’s most famous spouse?
Carole Lombard, whom he married in 1939 and called the love of his life. She died in a plane crash in 1942, which devastated him.
Did Clark Gable have any children?
Yes, he had two biological children: John Clark Gable (born 1940) and Clark Gable Jr. (born 1956). He also helped raise two stepchildren.
What was Clark Gable’s last film?
The Misfits (1961), starring alongside Marilyn Monroe. It was released after his death.
Where was Clark Gable born?
He was born in Cadiz, Ohio, on February 1, 1901.
Did Clark Gable have a gap in his teeth?
Photos show he had a slight gap between his front teeth, which contributed to his distinctive smile. The gap is visible in many of his film stills.
How old was Clark Gable when he died?
He died at age 59 on November 16, 1960.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.