Carole Lombard (who is Carole Lombard?)

Carole Lombard was an American film actress who was born on October 6, 1908, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Her birth name was Jane Alice Peters. She is best remembered for her roles in screwball comedies of the 1930s, showcasing her energetic and offbeat style, sharp wit, and comedic timing.

Early Life and Career

Lombard's career began in the silent film era when she was just a teenager. After signing with the Fox Film Corporation, she made her screen debut in the 1921 film "A Perfect Crime" at the age of 12. Following a car accident that left her with a scar on her face in 1926, Lombard spent several years away from the screen but returned to play smaller roles.

Through persistence and dedication, Lombard transitioned into talkies, and her career gained momentum with the advent of sound in film. It wasn't long before she became a popular star, known for her roles in comedies and occasional dramatic performances.

Rise to Stardom

Lombard's popularity soared in the 1930s, and she featured in a string of successful films. Some of her notable movies from this period include:

• "Twentieth Century" (1934), which was a pivotal film in her career that showcased her talent for screwball comedy.
• "My Man Godfrey" (1936), one of her most memorable performances, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The film also starred William Powell, Lombard's ex-husband.
• "Nothing Sacred" (1937), a well-received Technicolor screwball comedy.
• "Made for Each Other" (1939) alongside James Stewart.
• "To Be or Not to Be" (1942), which was released posthumously and highlighted her talents in a more serious and satirical context.

Personal Life

Lombard married actor William Powell in 1931, though they divorced after two years in 1933 with a friendly parting. She later became romantically involved with Clark Gable, the "King of Hollywood," with whom she co-starred in the film "No Man of Her Own" (1932). They didn't become romantically involved until later, and eventually married in 1939, becoming one of Hollywood’s glamourous couples.

Legacy and Death

Tragically, Lombard's life and career were cut short when she died at the age of 33 in an airplane crash on January 16, 1942. She had been returning from a war bond rally in her home state of Indiana when the plane crashed into Potosi Mountain near Las Vegas, Nevada, killing all aboard.

Lombard's death was a profound loss to the film industry and the public. Having shown support for the war effort through the sale of war bonds, she was also recognized for her patriotism. She had been lauded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for her sacrifice, and she became the first woman to receive the Medal of Freedom posthumously.

Carole Lombard's legacy endures through her films and her influence on the genre of screwball comedy. Her vibrant screen presence and her work in the film industry are often remembered and celebrated. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been the subject of numerous biographies and film retrospectives.

For further details on Carole Lombard's life and career: - TCM's biography of Carole Lombard - Biography's profile on Carole Lombard

Her films, many now considered classics, continue to be a testament to her talent and charisma, and they remain loved by audiences around the world.