In Memory of Carole Lombard

Carole Lombard died 78 years ago today, at age 33. The plane carrying Carole, her mother and MGM publicity man Otto Winkler, among others, slammed into Mount Potosi near Las Vegas on a cold snowy night, January 16, 1942. All died instantly. The death of Carole forever changed Clark Gable and despite whatever happiness he found later, he undoubtedly never fully recovered from it.

As the news spread across the nation, the newspapers apparently called up everyone in fandom to give a comment on the tragedy:

All Hollywood Mourns Popular Actress’ Death

High and Low of Film Colony Shocked by Air Disaster Killing Warmhearted Actress

Sorrow hushed the sound stages in Hollywood yesterday as Carole Lombard’s friends–studio magnates, actors and laborers–joined the screen-going public in expressing genuine grief.

William Powell, her former husband, with whom she appeared in pictures, said at his Palm Springs home, “I am so unbelievably shocked that I don’t know what to say. My wife and I have been up all night waiting for reports. Our deepest sympathy goes to Clark Gable and Carole’s two brothers.” Powell now is married to another actress, Diana Lewis.

Miss Lombard’s secretary, Madeleine Fields, whom she called “Fieldsie” for years, was reported prostrated with shock.

“The hand of every actor in Hollywood is extended in this moment to Clark Gable,” said Edward Arnold, President of the Screen Actors Guild. “It is doubly tragic, as Miss Lombard was returning from an important patriotic duty in connection with nation defense.”

Arnold referred to the nationwide campaign in which Miss Lombard had sold $2,107,513 worth of Defense Bonds.

Howard D. Mills, State administrator of the Defense Savings staff of the Treasury Department, said, “Miss Lombard, her mother and Mr. Winkler gave their lives for the safety and future well-being of the United States as truly as the soldiers with whom they were traveling in the plane, also in the line of duty.”

Ginger Rogers, whose dressing room adjoined Miss Lombard’s at RKO Studio, said, “The world has lost a wonderful girl, the motion-picture industry has lost a valuable star who brought joy to millions and her associates have lost a wonderful friend.”

Other expressions of sorrow to follow:

Harold Lloyd: “The shock is so great I still can’t believe it. She will be missed by all who knew her, and like other great personalities in pictures who have passed on, she can never be replaced.”

Joseph Breen, RKO executive vice president: “The industry has lost a fine actress, and Hollywood a lovely woman. It seems impossible to believe that Carole Lombard will not be seen again in our studios and homes.”

Lupe Velez: “I can’t believe it. It’s too awful. I can only add my respects and my very deep sorrow to all who will never forget her.”

Bonita Granville: “Sorrow in our great loss is softened by the knowledge that she gave her life in the service of others and that is the way she would have wanted it. Hollywood will not be the same without her.”

Sol Lesser: “Carole Lombard will be greatly missed, not only by the public which gained so much entertainment from her talents but also by her Hollywood coworkers who gained so much from her friendship.”

Gene Raymond: “I cannot express in any words how shocked I felt over this tragedy.”

Charles Laughton: “Happy in her home life, loved by many friends, recognized as one of our finest actresses, Carole Lombard will not be forgotten in Hollywood. I am terribly shocked by this sad news.”

Ann Sheridan: “Unbelievable and too tragic, one of the greatest troupers, one of the finest souls I’ve ever worked with.”

Lloyd Bacon: “Hollywood is inexpressibly saddened by the loss of Carole Lombard, one of the industry’s best-loved personalities.”

Errol Flynn: “Carole Lombard’s tragic death means that something of gaiety and of beauty has been taken from the world at a time they are needed most.”

James Cagney: “Carole Lombard died doing her job for her country. Every one of us is proud of her, though saddened by her passing.”

J.L Warner: “Mrs. Warner and I have been inexpressibly shocked by the tragic news concerning Carole Lombard and the other passengers. Miss Lombard has given her many talents to the world in generous measure. Hollywood and the rest of America will never forget her courage, her gaiety and her good words.”

Marlene Dietrich: “What can one say in such a cruel moment? My feeling is one of the deepest and most terrible shock. Carole was a very dear friend. We grieve, all of us, in Hollywood.”

Robert Taylor: “There is nothing one can say. It is too terrible.”

Walter Pidgeon: “I am too shocked to express anything but the deepest grief.”

Spencer Tracy: “So little can be put into words when tragedy of this kind strikes.”

Tay Garnett: “Hollywood watched her grow from Jane Peters, the high-spirited girl of early studio days, to Carole Lombard, one of Hollywood’s most highly respected actresses. I can only add my respect and grief to that of others who will never forget her.”

Robert Stack: “She was one of the swellest persons I ever knew.”

Gregory La Cava: “It is so shocking that I can only say the loss is a tremendous one for all of us.”

Edward F. Cline: “Carole was always there with the sunny smile and helpful hand for her co-workers. Creating happiness was her life work and she did her job well.”

Claudette Colbert: “She was one of the most genuine personalities in Hollywood.”

Joel McCrea: “She was the gayest spirit in Hollywood.”

Alfred Hitchcock: “I can express but the sincerest grief.”

Fred W. Beetson, chariman of the Hollywood Victory Committee for stage, screen and radio: “On behalf of the Hollywood Victory Committee and all of our associates in the motion picture industry we mourn the loss of Carole Lombard and Otto Winkler, who gave their lives in the service of their country. Our sorrow is deep, yet through it we feel a pride in the memory of Miss Lombard of Mr. Winkler. Both were soldiers in the service of their country. Our memorial to them will be the continuing efforts of all of us to carry on the great work they were doing so ably.”