Clark Gable was born in Cadiz, Ohio on February 1, 1901. After landing a role in The Painted Desert, MGM offered him a contract where he went on to star in Dance, Fools, Dance and eventually win an Academy Award for It happened One Night. Known for his charm and charisma, he quickly became one of the largest names in Hollywood after appearing in many films during Hollywood’s Golden Age. During World War II, he served as a pilot in the Air Force, where he achieved the rank of major.

Gable was named a Great Ohioan in 2025. Photo Credit: public domain