Carole Lombard

Carole Lombard was an American actress known for her remarkable performances in films like My Man Godfrey, Twentieth Century, and To Be or Not to Be. Her unique talent for comedy and physical humor made her a standout star in the film industry during her time.

Personal and Family Life

Born Jane Alice Peters on October 6, 1908, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Carole Lombard faced family challenges early on, with her parents divorcing in 1916. She later moved to Los Angeles with her mother, where Lombard began her career in acting. Throughout her life, she was married twice, first to actor William Powell and later to the legendary Clark Gable.

Career Highlights

Carole Lombard became one of Hollywood’s most popular comedic actresses in the 1930s. She transferred smoothly from silent films to “talkies” thanks to her charming voice. Lombard gained critical acclaim and multiple accolades, including an Oscar nomination for her role in My Man Godfrey. Her ability to pick successful projects made her one of the highest-paid actresses of her time.

Death and Legacy

Tragically, Carole Lombard’s life was cut short when she died in an airplane crash on January 16, 1942, at the age of 33. Her untimely death was a significant loss to the film industry, and she is remembered as one of the greatest comedic talents of her era. Lombard’s influence continues to inspire many actors and comedians today.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
To Be or Not to Be 1942-03-05 Maria Tura
Mr. & Mrs. Smith 1941-01-31 Ann
Twentieth Century 1934-05-11 Lily Garland, formerly Mildred Plotka
The Princess Comes Across 1936-05-22 Princess Olga / Wanda Nash
Hands Across the Table 1935-10-18 Regi Allen
We’re Not Dressing 1934-04-27 Doris Worthington
In Name Only 1939-08-18 Julie Eden
My Man Godfrey 1936-09-02 Irene Bullock
No Man of Her Own 1932-12-30 Connie Randall
Nothing Sacred 1937-11-25 Hazel Flagg
Made for Each Other 1939-02-10 Jane Mason
Lady by Choice 1934-10-15 Alabam Lee
Now and Forever 1934-08-31 Toni Carstairs Day
Sinners in the Sun 1932-05-13 Doris Blake
The Eagle and the Hawk 1933-05-06 The Beautiful Lady
They Knew What They Wanted 1940-10-19 Amy Peters
Virtue 1932-10-25 Mae
The Racketeer 1929-11-09 Rhoda Philbrooke
Swing High, Swing Low 1937-03-12 Maggie King
Man of the World 1931-03-24 Mary Kendall
Supernatural 1933-04-21 Roma Courtney
The Campus Vamp 1928-11-25 Carole (as Carol Lombard)
True Confession 1937-12-24 Helen Bartlett
High Voltage 1929-06-29 Billie (“Phyllis”)
Love Before Breakfast 1936-03-09 Kay Colby
The Campus Carmen 1928-09-22 Carole
Big News 1929-09-06 Margaret Banks
Vigil in the Night 1940-02-05 Anne Lee
From Hell to Heaven 1933-02-24 Colly Tanner
Fools for Scandal 1938-04-16 Kay Winters
White Woman 1933-11-10 Judith Denning
Safety in Numbers 1930-05-30 Pauline
Bolero 1934-02-23 Helen Hathaway
Brief Moment 1933-09-29 Abby Fane Deane
No More Orchids 1932-11-25 Annie Holt
Run, Girl, Run 1928-01-15 Norma Nurmi
No One Man 1932-01-22 Penelope ‘Nep’ Newbold
The Gay Bride 1934-12-14 Mary Magiz
Fast and Loose 1930-11-08 Alice O’Neil
Ladies’ Man 1931-