Clark Gable Net Worth

Clark Gable’s Net Worth: A Look at the King of Hollywood’s Fortune

Early Life and Career Beginnings

William Clark Gable, the legendary actor known simply as Clark Gable, left an indelible mark on Hollywood. Born on February 1, 1901, in Cadiz, Ohio, Gable’s journey to stardom was marked by early hardship and a relentless pursuit of his dreams. His mother passed away when he was just ten months old, and he later moved with his father to a farm near Akron, Ohio. Gable’s early life included learning piano and brass instruments, along with practical skills like repairing cars. Following the death of his stepmother in 1920, he ventured into the oil industry in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before making his way to the Pacific Northwest. There, he honed his skills in stock companies and took on various jobs to make ends meet. His meeting with Josephine Dillon, a theater manager who became his acting coach and first wife, proved to be a pivotal moment, shaping his physical appearance and training him for his film career.

Hollywood Breakthroughs and Rise to Stardom

In 1924, Gable made his move to Hollywood with Dillon, beginning his career as an extra in silent films such as “Forbidden Paradise” and “The Merry Widow.” Despite not landing major roles, he persevered, returning to the stage and gaining experience with various stock companies. His return to Hollywood in 1930 marked a turning point when he signed with Pathé Pictures, appearing in his first sound film, “The Painted Desert.” A move to Warner Bros. followed, where he appeared in the Barbara Stanwyck vehicle “Night Nurse.” However, it was his signing with MGM that truly launched him into superstardom. His early roles in films like “The Secret Six,” “Hell Divers,” and “Dance, Fools, Dance” alongside Joan Crawford elevated his status, paving the way for him to become one of Hollywood’s biggest male stars. His popularity continued to soar with films like “Laughing Sinners,” “A Free Soul,” “Susan Lennox,” and “Red Dust,” where he starred with Jean Harlow. These roles solidified his image as a leading man and a major box-office draw.

Peak of His Career: Salaries and Iconic Roles

Clark Gable’s career reached its zenith in the 1930s and 1940s. During this period, he commanded impressive salaries, reflecting his immense popularity. At the peak of his career, Gable earned between $50,000 and $75,000 per movie, which would be equivalent to $1 to $1.5 million today. In 1941, he was the second-highest-earning individual in America, with a total income of $357,500, which translates to over $7 million today. His 1939 salary for “Gone with the Wind” was $117,917 (approximately $2.4 million today), underscoring his financial success. He was listed on Quigley Publishing’s Annual Top Ten Money Making Stars list 16 times. The American Film Institute named Gable the 7th greatest male actor of all time. Gable’s iconic roles included:

• “It Happened One Night” (1934): Gable won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in this classic romantic comedy alongside Claudette Colbert.
• “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1935): This role earned him his second Academy Award nomination.
• “Gone with the Wind” (1939): His portrayal of Rhett Butler in this epic historical romance is arguably his most famous, earning him his third Academy Award nomination. The film’s success and Gable’s performance cemented his status as a Hollywood legend.

Gable’s final film was “The Misfits,” released posthumously in 1961.

Personal Life, Relationships, and Death

Clark Gable’s personal life was as captivating as his on-screen persona. He was married five times and had several other romantic relationships throughout his life. His wives included Josephine Dillon, Rhea Langham, Carole Lombard, Lady Sylvia Ashley, and Kay Spreckels. His most well-known marriage was to actress Carole Lombard, a union marked by love and companionship, tragically cut short by Lombard’s death in a plane crash in 1942. He had two children: a daughter named Judy with actress Loretta Young and a son, John, with Kay Spreckels. In late 1960, at the age of 59, Gable suffered a heart attack and passed away shortly after from a coronary thrombosis. He is interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, next to his beloved Carole Lombard. His legacy endures through his films, which continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Real Estate and Investments

In 1939, Clark Gable and Carole Lombard invested in a 20-acre property in Encino, a suburb of Los Angeles. They paid $50,000 (equivalent to approximately $1 million today) for the estate, which featured a 7,100-square-foot mansion. They took measures to ensure privacy and security, including fencing the property. The estate included citrus trees and a barn for livestock. This investment reflected his financial success and his desire for a private and comfortable lifestyle.

Clark Gable’s Net Worth Today

At the time of his death in 1960, Clark Gable’s net worth was $10 million. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $100 million in today’s dollars. Gable’s earnings from his successful film career, real estate investments, and other ventures contributed to his substantial wealth. His ability to consistently draw audiences and command high salaries solidified his place as one of Hollywood’s wealthiest and most influential figures during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He remains a timeless icon, and his financial success reflects his enduring popularity.