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In the world of Hollywood during the Golden Age, the chemistry between actors on screen was often enhanced by their very real relationships off-screen. However, when it comes to the iconic pair of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh during the filming of Gone With the Wind, the truth behind their relationship is a story of speculation, rumors, and surprising revelations.

Speculations and Evidence

Despite the rumors swirling around a romantic connection between Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, there is little concrete evidence to support their alleged affair. Multiple sources have noted that while their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, their interpersonal chemistry in real life was rather lackluster. Both actors were known for being private individuals, and Gable was married at the time, while Leigh was deeply engaged in her own struggles, including a tumultuous marriage.

Shared Friendship and Professional Admiration

It is generally agreed upon that Gable and Leigh shared a deep friendship and mutual admiration. Their on-screen partnership was so strong that it fueled extensive speculation about a romantic involvement, but in reality, their personal connections remained platonic. There is no definitive proof of a romantic relationship between them during the production of the film.

A Surprising Truth

While Gable and Leigh did hit it off in terms of their professional partnership, there was another contributing factor that's more surprising than romantic: Leigh absolutely hated kissing Gable. According to numerous reports, the reason behind this hatred was much simpler if not more relatable. Gable’s breath smelled horrible due to his dental issues and his heavy smoking habits.

Clark Gable lost his teeth and had to be fit with dentures, a fact that did little to improve his reputation as a gentleman. Additionally, his intense smoking habits left his breath in a notably unpleasant state. According to Leigh: "Thankfully for me, my acting skills were not affected by this unfortunate fact."

The Impact on Leigh's Career

Despite the challenges of working with Gable, Leigh’s talent as an actress was not overlooked. In 1940, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Gone With the Wind. Her performance in the film was a critical success and solidified her status as one of the top actresses of her era. The film's success was also unprecedented, with its Atlanta premiere declared a holiday and its eight Oscar wins in 13 nominations, along with two special awards, ensuring it a place in cinematic history.

Read more about the fascinating and sometimes surprising details of the real-life relationship between two of Hollywood’s most iconic stars at here.

Conclusion

While the true nature of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh's relationship remains a topic of discussion, it is clear that their professional bond and shared passion for the craft of acting contributed significantly to the success of Gone With the Wind. The story of their relationship is one of speculation, admiration, and ultimately, a tale that highlights the complexities of Hollywood's golden era.