Jane Alice Peters, better known as Carole Lombard, was born on this day in 1908. She was an actor, best known for her work in comedies like My Man Godfrey, Nothing Sacred and To Be or Not to Be.

Lombard was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but grew up in Los Angeles. She made her film debut at the age of 12. Signed by Paramount in 1930, she started out in dramas, but had her first big hit with Howard Hawks’ screwball comedy Twentieth Century in 1934. She went on to become one of the most popular stars of the decade.

Lombard’s first husband was William Powell, but that marriage only lasted two years. They broke up on good terms and would continue to work together. Lombard married Clark Gable in 1939.

Tragically, Carole Lombard died in a plane crash in 1942 at the age of 33. She had been on a tour promoting war bonds. Although he remarried twice after, many people felt that Gable never recovered from her death and that his depression over it contributed to his drinking problem and often reckless behavior. Lombard is remembered today as a great comedic actor who died too soon.