Even with its epic four-hour runtime, the 1940s masterpiece Gone With the Wind continues to captivate audiences worldwide and remains one of the greatest films ever made. In a recent heartwarming interview with Closer Weekly, Mickey Kuhn and Olivia de Havilland—the last surviving stars of the legendary movie—open up about their unforgettable experiences filming it 80 years ago. Let’s dive into their incredible stories and discover what it was really like behind the scenes of this timeless classic.
Memories From the Set: Mickey Kuhn Reflects on His Role
“I have such vivid and cherished memories of working on Gone With the Wind,” Mickey Kuhn, now 87 years old, fondly reminisced to Closer Weekly in the latest issue, which is available on newsstands right now. Despite the fondness, Mickey admits he felt immense pressure as a child actor playing the role of Beau Wilkes. “You see, every line mattered. Every scene had to be perfect because we were creating something that would last forever,” he explained.
Pressure and Nerves: Working Alongside Clark Gable
“Everyone on set felt the same way—the weight of history was palpable,” Mickey continued. He especially recalls the nerves he felt acting alongside Clark Gable, the film's charismatic leading man. “My line was supposed to be, ‘Hello, Uncle Rhett,’ but guess what? I messed it up three times, saying ‘Hello, Uncle Clark’ instead. Can you believe that?” Mickey laughed as he recounted the story.
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But instead of getting upset, Clark Gable took Mickey aside and offered some kind words. “He said, ‘You’re right, my name is Clark, but here my name is Rhett.’ That moment meant so much to me. He didn’t belittle me because I was just a kid. We re-shot the scene, and everything turned out perfectly fine,” Mickey shared.
Perfecting Characters: Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh’s Dedication
Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh worked tirelessly to bring their iconic characters, Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara, to life. “The entire world had a very clear idea of who Rhett was, and Clark was absolutely terrified of not living up to those expectations,” Olivia de Havilland remembered. Meanwhile, Vivien Leigh, making her American debut, felt the pressure just as strongly. “She wanted to give an outstanding performance, and she absolutely delivered,” Mickey added proudly.
