During the filming of Gone With the Wind in 1939, Clark Gable noticed that the restrooms on set had signs saying “White” and “Colored.” This meant Hattie McDaniel and other Black actors were not allowed to use the same restrooms as white actors. Gable was very upset. He told the director that if the signs were not taken down, he would quit the movie. The studio, afraid of losing him, removed the signs.
Clark Gable also showed kindness to Hattie McDaniel in other ways. He sat with her, ate with her, and treated her with respect when many people at the time did not. Their friendship stood out in a world full of unfair rules. Later, McDaniel made history as the first Black actor to win an Oscar, a moment that opened doors for many others after her.
I love ❤️ this clip of George and Lisa rehearsing for Freddie Mercury’s tribute concert. George wanted it to be perfect. It was the best performance of the night.