via
http://ift.tt/11iIc7y:
missingmarilyn:
Clark Gable passed away on November 16, 1960 due to a heart attack.
Ever since Marilyn was a small child, she thought of Clark Gable as a father figure since he very much resembled a photo of her real father whom she never knew. As she grew older, she also developed a crush on him.
They first met in 1954 at a party thrown in her honor. That night, they shared a dance: a dream come true! He also sent her a bouquet of red roses while she was recovering from an operation. Many years later, she was thrilled when she learned he would be her love interest in The Misfits.
Unfortunately, Clark died just as shooting ended for The Misfits. Marilyn found out by a phone call at 4 a.m. She said, “He was such a strong, upright man—a real gentleman—that it was a great shock. Like your father dying. I wept all night…I loved that man.” Clark’s wife, Kay Gable, accused Marilyn and her lateness to be the cause of his death. Although her lateness did cause tension on the set, it by no means affected Clark physically. In fact, he was the most understanding. When asked about Marilyn’s lateness, he said “She is worth waiting for.” The truth is Clark had a bad heart; the stunts which he insisted on performing himself consisted of being dragged on the ground by wild horses and being pulled over 400 feet at 35 mph by a truck, all in the hot desert, worsened his condition and ultimately lead to his death.
Marilyn was deeply affected by his death. She did not attend the funeral in fear of having a break down. The ongoing blame from the media made her feel guilty. On top of that, people on the street would shout “murderer” at her, which lead to a suicide attempt. She opened her living room window and was going to jump out until she saw a woman she knew standing below.
Eventually, Kay Gable apologized to Marilyn and even invited her to John Clark Gable’s christening.
RIP Clark Gable. I hope you and Marilyn continue to share many dances, lots of laughter, and warm embraces all these years in heaven.
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