EntertainmentAmerican1901 – 1960

Clark Gable

Golden Age Hollywood actor, Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind

Biography

William Clark Gable (February 1, 1901 – November 16, 1960) was an American actor who became one of the most prominent and celebrated leading men of Hollywood's Golden Age. Born in Cadiz, Ohio, Gable began his acting career in silent films before transitioning to talking pictures, where his deep voice and commanding presence made him a major star. He is perhaps best remembered for his iconic role as Rhett Butler in David O. Selznick's 'Gone with the Wind' (1939), one of the most successful films of all time. Gable appeared in numerous classic films including 'It Happened One Night' (1934), 'Mutiny on the Bounty' (1935), and 'The Big Sleep' (1946). His on-screen charisma, combined with his reputation as a leading man both on and off screen, made him one of Hollywood's most bankable stars for decades. Though his career was interrupted by World War II military service, he returned to film with undiminished popularity. Gable's legacy remains central to Hollywood history, embodying the glamour and appeal of the classic Hollywood era.

The Name Gable

Gable is primarily known as a surname, but it has appeared as a given name among Hollywood families and reflects the classic Hollywood heritage through Clark Gable's iconic status in cinema history.

Quick Facts

Gable

English origin

“A surname-turned-first-name derived from architectural terminology, referring to the triangular wall section at the end of a pitched roof. The name gained association with Hollywood through Clark Gable, the legendary actor whose charm and sophistication elevated it to first-name status. It carries a strong, masculine appeal with literary and cinematic weight.”