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Clark Gable Biography

Birth Name:William Clark Gable

Birth Place:Cadiz, Ohio, United States

Profession Actor, Soundtrack, Producer

Fast Facts

  • Ranked No․ 7 on the American Film Institute's "100 Years․․․ 100 Stars" list for Male Legends
  • Earned the Distinguished Flying Cross during his service in the Air Force during World War II
  • Received the Centennial Award at the 2001 Golden Boots Awards
  • Dropped out of high school at the age of 16 in order to help his family's finances by working many odd jobs
  • Was inspired to enter acting after seeing the play "The Bird of Paradise․"
  • Quote: "I'm no actor and I never have been․ What people see on the screen is me․"
  • Quote: "It is an extra dividend when you like the girl you've fallen in love with․"
  • Often portrays characters who are charming, but have a tough façade
  • Had cosmetic surgery done on his teeth and ears before becoming a star in Hollywood
  • Gave away his Oscar statue to a child who admired the prize
  • His wife, Carole Lombard, was the first American female casualty of World War II when her plane crashed during a trip to sell war bonds

Awards

  • 1931Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
  • 1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
  • 1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
  • 1932Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (May): winner
  • 1933Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (November): winner
  • 1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
  • 1934Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
  • 1935Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: winner
  • 1935Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
  • 1936Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (January): winner
  • 1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1936Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1937Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (June): winner
  • 1938Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (December): winner
  • 1939Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1940Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (February): winner
  • 1940Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
  • 1941Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (September): winner
  • 1942Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (October): winner
  • 1946Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (March): winner
  • 1948Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (July): winner
  • 1949Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1950Photoplay Award-Best Performances of the Month (April): winner
  • 1958Golden Laurel-Top Male Comedy Performance: nominated
  • 1959Golden Globe-Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1960Golden Globe-Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated