What did Grace Kelly say about Clark Gable?

Asked by: Archibald Ebert  |  Last update: July 2, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (70 votes)

Grace Kelly described her Mogambo co-star Clark Gable as a "very fine gentleman" who was helpful on set, while publicly downplaying rumors of an intense affair as merely being "close friends". Despite the public denial, she privately enjoyed their time together in Africa, nickname-calling him "Ba" (Swahili for "father"), and later admitted to being devastated when their whirlwind romance ended.

Did Grace Kelly and Clark Gable get along?

Although he liked her, Spada claims, theirs was a father-daughter relationship. However, Donald Sinden said that Gable and Kelly did have an affair during filming. Clark Gable did not get along with director John Ford during filming, and at one point walked off the set in protest at Ford's treatment of Ava Gardner.

What did Doris Day say about Clark Gable?

It was one of Gable's final films, as he died of a heart attack two years later, in November 1960, at the age of 59. Day always spoke of her co-star with great affection. Describing his unique personality, she said he was “as masculine as any man I've ever known”.

Who was Grace Kelly's best friend?

STORICAL FOOTNOTES: BFFS GRACE KELLY & JOSEPHINE BAKER

The two women met when Grace Kelly stood up for Josephine who was being denied service at a New York club. They would remain friends for the rest of Josephine's life, after which she would be buried in Monaco, near her friend.

Why didn't John Wayne like Clark Gable?

Aissa theorizes John's frustration with Gable came from his on-set feuding with frequent collaborator John Ford on the set of 1953's "Mogambo." Ford's abrasive, cut-and-dry style was often too much for Gable, who at one point stormed off set out of anger.

Grace Kelly Slept Around So Much That It Ruined Her Career

22 related questions found

Who was Grace Kelly's true love?

Grace Kelly's love story with Prince Rainier III of Monaco captivated the world, blending Hollywood glamour with European royalty. Their relationship began in May 1955 when Grace, attending the Cannes Film Festival, was introduced to Rainier during a Paris Match photoshoot at the Prince's Palace.

Who was Clark Gable's true love?

Gable's most famous love affair was with his third wife, Carole Lombard. They wed in 1939, shortly after he and Franklin finalized their divorce. Tragically, their marriage was cut short in January 1942, when the Made for Each Other actress died in a plane crash.

What did Marilyn Monroe think of Clark Gable?

Marilyn Monroe idolized Clark Gable, viewing him as a father figure and a "man's man" whom she admired deeply, even harboring a childhood fantasy that he was her father. Working with him on The Misfits was a dream come true, though she was nervous, and she was devastated by his death shortly after filming.

Who was Clark Gable's favorite leading lady?

Joan Crawford was often considered Clark Gable's favorite leading lady to work with, as they starred in eight films together and shared a close, long-term friendship and off-screen romance. While Crawford was his most frequent partner, he also deeply respected and enjoyed working with Jean Harlow and Myrna Loy.

Why didn't Doris Day like Kirk Douglas?

Doris Day starred as Jo, a young woman who was infatuated with the struggling jazz musician. This was strikingly opposite of the real-life account in Doris Day's autobiography, which described Douglas as "civil but self-centered" and the film as "utterly joyless".

What did Frank Sinatra say about Grace Kelly?

She was the most incredible human being I've ever known. Everything she touched came alive.” Photo: Academy Awards Ceremony 1955. Frank Sinatra congratulates Grace Kelly with winning Best Actress for The Country Girl."

Was Rainier unfaithful to Grace?

According to multiple reports and biographies, including True Grace by Wendy Leigh, Prince Rainier III was unfaithful to Grace Kelly during their marriage. While they maintained a glamorous public image, the marriage was reportedly fraught with infidelity and emotional strain shortly after it began.

Did Jimmy Stewart love Grace Kelly?

Jimmy Stewart in his eulogy for Grace Kelly, "You know, I just love Grace Kelly. Not because she was a princess, not because she was an actress, not because she was my friend, but because she was just about the nicest lady I ever met."

Was Clark Gable considered a nice guy?

Clark was very unactorly.” —Joan Blondell “I would have liked to work with him, yes, that would have been something…. he was one of the few men at MGM, hell, in Hollywood period, that had the reputation of being an all around nice guy…

What did Ann Margret think of John Wayne?

Ann-Margret on John Wayne: "He was a big teddy bear, and we got along famously." Catch them together on Monday! Grazie!!!

What did Ava Gardner say about Clark Gable?

I had been in love with Clark Gable since I was a little girl. And every once in a while I'd think, 'It's CLARK GABLE! ' and I'd go to pieces.”~Ava Gardner on working with Clark for the first time on THE HUCKSTERS (1947). Pictured in Clark's dressing room during filming.

What did Cary Grant say about Grace Kelly?

“Grace Kelly was the best actress I've ever worked with in my life. That woman was total relaxation, absolute ease—she was totally THERE. She was an extraordinarily serene girl” - Cary Grant on working with Grace Kelly ✨

Who was Gary Cooper's great love?

Gary Cooper and Patricia Neal's romance was one of the most talked-about affairs in 1940s Hollywood, a relationship that not only shocked the industry but also left a lasting emotional impact on both stars.

What dress size was Grace Kelly?

During her1950s acting career, Grace Kelly typically wore a size 10–12 in vintage sizing (roughly equivalent to a modern size 4 or 6), with measurements of 34" bust, 24" waist, and 35" hips. She was roughly 5′7"-5′9" tall, emphasizing a slim waist with her iconic, curated wardrobe.

Did Clark Gable shower four times a day?

He showered at least three times a day and found baths disgusting. In Army training camp, there was only a tub so he hooked up a hose to the faucet to take a shower instead. He routinely shaved his chest as he found body hair unhygienic.

Why did Vivien Leigh not like kissing Clark Gable?

Vivien Leigh later said that she hated kissing Clark Gable because of his bad breath, rumored to be caused by his false teeth, a result of excessive smoking. According to Frank Buckingham, a technician who observed the film being made, Gable would sometimes eat garlic before his kissing scenes with Vivien Leigh.