The Disturbing Story Behind Clark Gable's Illegitimate Child

Clark Gable and Loretta Young starred together in "The Call of the Wild" in 1935. According to BuzzFeed News, they spent nine weeks filming in Washington, where they were flirting a lot behind the cameras. When Young was not around, Gable would ask where his girl was, and she liked the attention. In February, the crew went back to Hollywood in an overnight train, where each person had their own room. In the middle of the night, Gable knocked at Young's door and entered. For decades, the actress never shared details about what happened.

Young was 23 years old when she got pregnant and she managed to hide it from the press. According to NPR, she traveled overseas and returned to Los Angeles, where she secretly gave birth. She ultimately decided to send the baby to a home run by nuns, which adopted the baby before she was two years old. Young would later take Lewis back, completing her plan to create the appearance of an adoption.

It is not difficult to understand Young. In 1930, contracts in Hollywood had a "moral clause," and affair rumors or a child outside of marriage were reason enough for canceling contracts, per Los Angeles Times. In addition, while the press often describes Gable and Young's relationship as an affair, this might not be true. While watching television with a friend, Young — who was then 85 years old — asked the meaning of "date rape." After hearing the explanation, she said: "That's what happened between me and Clark."

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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