Carole Lombard
Actor
About Carole Lombard
Carole Lombard, born Jane Alice Peters, rose from a child actress in silent films to become one of Hollywood's most brilliant screwball comedy stars of the 1930s. After being discovered at age 12 while playing baseball in her neighborhood, she signed with Fox Studios and appeared in numerous silent shorts and features throughout the 1920s. Her breakthrough came with her transition to talkies, where her sharp wit, natural comedic timing, and radiant beauty made her a perfect fit for sophisticated comedies. Lombard's career peaked at Paramount Pictures in the mid-1930s with classics like 'Twentieth Century' (1934) and her Oscar-nominated performance in 'My Man Godfrey' (1936). She married Clark Gable in 1939, forming one of Hollywood's most celebrated couples, though their marriage was cut tragically short. Lombard was actively involved in the war effort, becoming the first woman to sell war bonds, raising over $2 million in a single evening. Her life ended abruptly on January 16, 1942, when the plane she was traveling in crashed near Las Vegas, killing all 22 passengers aboard and leaving Hollywood devastated by the loss of one of its brightest stars at just 33 years old.
The Craft
On Screen
Lombard pioneered the screwball comedy style with her rapid-fire delivery, physical comedy skills, and ability to portray sophisticated yet vulnerable characters. Her acting was characterized by naturalistic timing, improvisational instincts, and a unique blend of glamour and accessibility. She excelled at playing strong, independent women who could match wits with male leads while maintaining underlying warmth and humanity. Her comedic approach was both sophisticated and slapstick, allowing her to transition seamlessly from high society farce to heartfelt drama within the same performance.
Milestones
- Discovered at age 12 playing baseball in Los Angeles
- Signed first contract with Fox Studios in 1924
- Transitioned successfully from silent films to talkies
- Starred in 'My Man Godfrey' (1936) earning Best Actress Oscar nomination
- Became highest-paid actress in Hollywood by 1937
- Married Clark Gable in 1939
- Raised $2 million in war bonds in one night (1942)
- Became first woman killed in WWII-related domestic plane crash
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Photoplay Award for Best Performance (1936) for 'My Man Godfrey'
- Photoplay Award for Most Popular Actress (1937)
- Photoplay Award for Best Performance (1937) for 'Nothing Sacred'
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'My Man Godfrey' (1936)
- New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for 'Nothing Sacred' (1937)
Special Recognition
- Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6930 Hollywood Blvd
- Posthumous induction into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame
- U.S. Navy Liberty ship SS Carole Lombard named in her honor (1943)
- Featured on U.S. postage stamp as part of Legends of Hollywood series (1994)
- AFI's Greatest Screen Legends ranked #23 among female stars (1999)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Carole Lombard revolutionized female representation in Hollywood comedy, transforming the leading lady from a passive love interest to an equal partner in wit and intelligence. Her success in screwball comedies helped establish the genre as a dominant force in 1930s cinema, paving the way for future comediennes. Lombard's box office power made her one of the few actresses who could command top billing and equal pay to male stars, challenging Hollywood's gender pay disparities. Her tragic death during WWII made her a symbol of American sacrifice, and her war bond efforts demonstrated how celebrities could influence national morale and political causes. Her legacy as 'The Queen of Screwball Comedy' continues to influence comedic actresses and the romantic comedy genre.
Lasting Legacy
Carole Lombard's legacy endures as one of cinema's greatest comedic talents and a tragic figure of Hollywood's Golden Age. She pioneered the modern screwball comedy heroine, creating a template for the intelligent, witty, and independent female lead that continues to influence romantic comedies today. Her films remain classics of the genre, with 'My Man Godfrey' consistently ranked among the greatest comedies ever made. Lombard's tragic death at the height of her career cemented her status as a Hollywood legend, forever preserving her youthful energy and brilliance. Her influence can be seen in generations of comediennes from Lucille Ball to Julia Roberts, who have drawn inspiration from her blend of sophistication, physical comedy, and emotional authenticity.
Who They Inspired
Lombard's influence extends beyond her filmography to her approach to stardom itself. She demonstrated that actresses could be both glamorous and relatable, sophisticated and down-to-earth. Her improvisational style and natural delivery influenced acting techniques in comedy, moving away from theatrical traditions toward more authentic performances. Her business acumen in negotiating contracts and managing her career set precedents for future stars. Her tragic wartime death influenced how celebrities engage in patriotic causes, showing the power of celebrity in national mobilization efforts. Modern romantic comedies continue to echo the character types and comedic rhythms she perfected in the 1930s.
Off Screen
Lombard's personal life was as dramatic as her films, marked by two high-profile marriages and a reputation as Hollywood's most beloved party host. She married actor William Powell in 1931, though they divorced amicably in 1933, remaining close friends. Her second marriage to Clark Gable in 1939 was the talk of Hollywood, uniting two of the industry's biggest stars. Despite her glamorous image, Lombard was known for her down-to-earth personality, love of practical jokes, and fierce loyalty to friends. She maintained a close relationship with her mother, Elizabeth Peters, who was also killed in the tragic plane crash that ended Lombard's life.
Education
Attended Virgil Junior High School and Fairfax High School in Los Angeles; left school at age 15 to pursue acting full-time
Family
- William Powell (1931-1933)
- Clark Gable (1939-1942)
Did You Know?
- Was discovered at age 12 when a film director saw her playing baseball in her Los Angeles neighborhood
- Changed her name to Carole Lombard in 1925 after the character Carole in 'The Daring Years'
- Was one of the first Hollywood stars to earn $100,000+ per film
- Spoke fluent German, which helped her in her final film 'To Be or Not to Be'
- Was a registered Republican but actively supported FDR's New Deal policies
- Owned a pet chimpanzee named 'Mrs. Davis' who lived in her home
- Was an avid pilot and often flew herself between locations
- Her final film 'To Be or Not to Be' was released posthumously and dedicated to her memory
- The plane crash that killed her was the first civilian aircraft casualty on US soil during WWII
- Gable was so devastated by her death that he enlisted in the Army Air Corps
- Her funeral was attended by over 25,000 mourners
- She was the first woman to sell war bonds, raising $2 million in one evening
- Her home on Hollywood's Outpost Estates was known for legendary parties
- She was godmother to Judy Garland's daughter Liza Minnelli
In Their Own Words
I've lived by a man's code designed to fit a man's world, yet at times it has made me wonder if a woman's code wouldn't work better.
I think I've lived long enough to know the difference between a passing fancy and a genuine emotion.
I'm no Hollywood glamour girl. I'm a hoosier from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Actors aren't the only ones who have to work. The audience has to work, too.
I don't want to be a 'star.' I want to be an actress.
Life is not a matter of milestones, but of moments.
I don't believe in marriage. I think it's a rotten institution.
I'm not a glamour girl. I'm a comedian.
I'm a good actress, but I'm a better person.
I'd rather have a few good friends than a lot of acquaintances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Carole Lombard?
Carole Lombard was one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses of the 1930s, known as the 'Queen of Screwball Comedy.' She starred in classic films like 'My Man Godfrey' and 'Twentieth Century,' establishing herself as one of the highest-paid and most popular stars of her era before her tragic death in a 1942 plane crash at age 33.
What films is Carole Lombard best known for?
Lombard is best known for her screwball comedies, particularly 'My Man Godfrey' (1936), for which she received an Academy Award nomination, 'Twentieth Century' (1934), 'Hands Across the Table' (1935), 'Nothing Sacred' (1937), and her final film 'To Be or Not to Be' (1942). These films showcase her legendary comedic timing and screen presence.
When was Carole Lombard born and when did she die?
Carole Lombard was born Jane Alice Peters on October 6, 1908, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She died tragically on January 16, 1942, at age 33 when the plane she was traveling in crashed near Las Vegas while returning from a war bond tour.
What awards did Carole Lombard win?
Lombard received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for 'My Man Godfrey' (1936) and won several Photoplay Awards. She was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was named to AFI's list of greatest screen legends. The U.S. Navy also named a Liberty ship after her during World War II.
What was Carole Lombard's acting style?
Lombard pioneered the screwball comedy style with her rapid-fire delivery, natural comedic timing, and ability to portray sophisticated yet vulnerable characters. Her acting was characterized by improvisational instincts, physical comedy skills, and a unique blend of glamour and accessibility that made her both relatable and enchanting to audiences.
Who was Carole Lombard married to?
Lombard was married twice: first to actor William Powell from 1931 to 1933 (they remained close friends after divorcing), and then to Clark Gable from 1939 until her death in 1942. Her marriage to Gable was one of Hollywood's most celebrated unions of the era.
How did Carole Lombard die?
Lombard died in a plane crash on January 16, 1942, while returning from Indianapolis where she had been selling war bonds. The TWA Flight 3 crashed into Mount Potosi near Las Vegas, killing all 22 passengers aboard. She was the first Hollywood star to die in WWII-related circumstances.
What was Carole Lombard's legacy in Hollywood?
Lombard's legacy includes revolutionizing female representation in comedy, establishing the screwball comedy heroine as an intelligent, independent character, and demonstrating that actresses could command equal pay and status to male stars. Her influence continues in romantic comedies, and she remains one of Hollywood's most beloved and tragic figures of the Golden Age.
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Films
8 films
