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Carole Lombard

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Carole Lombard was a famous American actress who became a star of the silver screen.

Carole Lombard by William E. Thomas 1929
Carole Lombard by William E. Thomas 1929

She was most loved for her work in screwball comedies. These were movies that were fast, funny, and often a bit silly. Because of her great talent, the American Film Institute ranked her 23rd on its list of the greatest female stars of Classic Hollywood Cinema. People remember her as a true icon of American movies. She brought a special kind of energy to every role she played.

Carole's journey into acting began with her love for sports.

A perfect crime 1921
A perfect crime 1921

While she was playing baseball at age 12, a director named Allan Dwan saw her. He thought she was a great athlete and invited her to act in a movie called A Perfect Crime. Later, she signed a contract with Fox Film Corporation at age 16. She mostly played small parts in Westerns and adventure films. She even used her new fame to win dance competitions. She loved the fun parts of movie sets, like trying on costumes.

Her path was not always easy. In 1927, she was in a car accident that shattered a windshield.

Carole Lombard 1927
Carole Lombard 1927

The glass left a scar on her face from her nose to her eye. She had to have surgery and a long recovery. To keep acting, she learned to use makeup and special lights to hide the mark. This hard time actually became a turning point. She began working with Mack Sennett, making 18 short comedy films. This training helped her become a master of funny acting.

After her success in short films, she moved to Paramount Pictures in 1930.

My Man Godfrey promo still 2
My Man Godfrey promo still 2

She became a leading lady and a very successful star. In 1931, she married the actor William Powell. Even though they divorced after two years, they remained good friends. Later, she married the famous actor Clark Gable. They were a very popular couple in the news. She was even nominated for an Academy Award for her role in My Man Godfrey.

Carole tried to act in serious dramas near the end of her career.

Lombard in To Be or Not to Be 1
Lombard in To Be or Not to Be 1

She did not find as much success with those roles. She eventually returned to the funny movies people loved. Her very last film role was in the movie To Be or Not to Be in 1942. Sadly, she died that same year in a plane crash on Mount Potosi, Nevada. She was on her way home from a tour to help sell war bonds. Her life remains a bright part of movie history.

HollywoodWalkofFameCaroleLombardsStar
HollywoodWalkofFameCaroleLombardsStar
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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:A perfect crime 1921.jpg
A perfect crime 1921.jpg
File:Carole_Lombard_1927.jpg
Carole_Lombard_1927.jpg
File:Carole_Lombard_by_William_E._Thomas_1929.jpg
Carole_Lombard_by_William_E._Thomas_1929.jpg
File:My Man Godfrey promo still 2.jpg
My Man Godfrey promo still 2.jpg
File:Gable-Lombard-39.jpg
Gable-Lombard-39.jpg
File:Vigil in the Night advert.jpg
Vigil in the Night advert.jpg
File:Lombard in To Be or Not to Be 1.jpg
Lombard in To Be or Not to Be 1.jpg
File:HollywoodWalkofFameCaroleLombardsStar.jpg
HollywoodWalkofFameCaroleLombardsStar.jpg
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