Retro Blast: Clark Gable's Cause Of Death

Born in Cadiz, Ohio, on February 1, 1901, Clark Gable had a humble beginning. His family moved to Akron, Ohio, when he was young, and after high school, he briefly worked at various jobs before deciding to pursue a career in acting. Gable’s initial forays into acting were in the theater, but his breakthrough came when he moved to Hollywood in the 1920s. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of MGM Studios, and in 1931, he was cast in his first major film, ‘The Painted Desert’. However, it was his role in ‘A Free Soul’, where he played the suave and disreputable "Ace Wilfong," that truly began to define the essence of his on-screen persona: a charming, confident, yet often morally ambiguous figure

Gable’s career soared in the 1930s, with an array of memorable performances that demonstrated his versatility as an actor. In ‘It Happened One Night’, Gable played the fast-talking reporter "Peter Warne" opposite Claudette Colbert’s runaway heiress. The film’s runaway success not only solidified Gable's stardom but also earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. His onscreen chemistry with Colbert was undeniable, and Gable’s portrayal of "Peter Warne"—the witty, cynical, yet ultimately noble reporter—was a perfect reflection of his unique ability to blend tough-guy bravado with sensitivity.

But it was his portrayal of the roguish "Rhett Butler" in ‘Gone with the Wind’ that would become the role most closely associated with his name. ‘Gone with the Wind’ became one of the most beloved and successful films of all time, with Gable delivering a performance for the ages as the charming, dashing, and ultimately tragic figure of "Rhett Butler." The film cemented his status as a Hollywood legend and made him the archetype of the strong, silent hero in American cinema.

Behind the camera, Gable’s life was just as dramatic as the characters he played. His marriage to actress Carole Lombard was a particularly high-profile part of his personal life. The couple’s whirlwind romance, marked by their shared sense of humor and adventurous spirit, was one of Hollywood’s great love stories of the 1930s. Tragically, Lombard died in a plane crash in 1942, a loss that devastated Gable and left an indelible mark on his life. Gable never truly recovered from Lombard’s death, and while he went on to marry twice more, none of his later relationships seemed to heal the wounds left by her untimely passing.

In the midst of his rising fame, Gable also served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. His service was an unusual chapter in the life of a Hollywood star, and he was deeply affected by his experiences in combat. Though not a combat pilot himself, Gable flew numerous missions as part of his wartime duties, and his experience added a new dimension to his character. Upon his return, he found a new level of maturity in his roles and continued to be a force in the industry throughout the 1940s and 1950s.

Clark Gable’s career spanned more than three decades, during which he starred in over 60 films. He became known for his roles in action films, dramas, and comedies alike, always bringing a sense of depth to whatever role he played. His signature charm, charisma, and masculine energy defined his screen persona, whether he was a tough anti-hero like "John Baron" in ‘The Hucksters’ or a refined leading man like "Tommy" in ‘Mogambo’.

But Gable’s life was not without its tragedies. His health began to decline in the late 1950s. In 1960, Gable was diagnosed with a form of heart disease, and although his doctors advised him to slow down, the actor continued to work, though less frequently. It was during the making of ‘The Misfits’ that his health truly began to fail. ‘The Misfits’, written by Arthur Miller and co-starring Marilyn Monroe, would be his final film. He portrayed "Gay Langland," a tough cowboy who, in his later years, struggles with his place in the changing world. Though Gable’s performance was as charismatic as ever, it was clear that his health was deteriorating.

Gable’s last years were marked by declining energy and frequent hospitalizations. He had been in and out of the hospital for heart-related issues, but it was a severe heart attack that ultimately took his life. On November 16, 1960, Clark Gable passed away at the age of 59, just a few months after the release of ‘The Misfits’. His death shocked Hollywood and the world, as it seemed to signal the end of an era. Gable’s passing marked the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood, a time when stars were not just actors, but larger-than-life figures who transcended the screen.

Clark Gable's death was a profound loss to the entertainment world, and it left a void that no other actor seemed capable of filling. His passing was not only the loss of an iconic star but also the passing of a certain kind of movie magic—the type of magic that could only be created in an era when film stars were considered gods. His ability to embody so many different kinds of men—heroes, anti-heroes, and everything in between—made him not only a star but a symbol of a time when Hollywood ruled the world of entertainment.

Even in the years since his death, Gable's films have continued to be celebrated and his influence is still felt in modern filmmaking. His roles in films such as ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’, ‘Red Dust’, and ‘China Seas’ helped define the cinematic language of the 20th century. Today, his name is synonymous with classic Hollywood, and his legacy continues to inspire actors, filmmakers, and fans alike.