This American film actor who epitomized the American ideal of masculinity and virility for three decades.  An enormously popular star during his lifetime, Gable was dubbed the “King of Hollywood.” Despite his macho persona in such films as “Red Dust” (1933) and “Hold Your Man” (1934), Gable’s screen presence was largely non-threatening.  His magnetic smile and playful winks rendered him a charming rogue who did not take himself too seriously.  Although Gable himself maintained a self-deprecating attitude towards his talent and abilities throughout the years, he often proved himself to be most competent in demanding roles and was equally deft at romantic comedy and epic drama.  Though he first declined the role of Rhett Butler in “Gone With the Wind” (1939), after careful reconsideration, accepted the role that to this day still remains one of the most popular films ever produced.  Gable earned his third Oscar nomination for the role with which he is most associated.