Let’s talk about a movie that’s truly stood the test of time. Even at four hours long, the 1940s epic Gone With the Wind is celebrated as one of the greatest films ever made. In a recent sit-down with Closer Weekly, Mickey Kuhn and Olivia de Havilland, the last surviving stars of the film, shared what it was really like working on this iconic movie 80 years ago. This is a story that takes us back to the golden age of Hollywood, where dreams were made and history was crafted.
Mickey Kuhn: The Child Star Who Played Beau Wilkes
At 87 years old, Mickey Kuhn has fond memories of shooting Gone With the Wind. Speaking exclusively to Closer Weekly in their latest issue (now available on newsstands), Mickey opens up about his experience as a young actor. But let’s be honest, stepping into the shoes of Beau Wilkes wasn’t easy. As a child actor, Mickey felt immense pressure to nail his lines. Every scene mattered, and every word had to be perfect.

Working with Clark Gable: A Legend in the Making
Mickey recalls how the entire cast felt the weight of making this movie a success. But one moment stands out for him—acting alongside Clark Gable, the charismatic leading man who played Rhett Butler. Mickey admits he was nervous meeting such a legend. In fact, he had trouble saying his lines correctly, calling Clark "Uncle Clark" instead of "Uncle Rhett" not once, but three times!
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But here's the kicker—instead of getting mad, Clark pulled Mickey aside and said, "You’re right, my name is Clark, but here my name is Rhett." Clark didn’t belittle Mickey; he reassured him. That simple act of kindness made all the difference. They re-shot the scene, and it turned out just fine. This story shows the humanity behind the Hollywood glitz and glam.
Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable: Perfecting Their Roles
Of course, no one can forget Vivien Leigh, who brought Scarlett O’Hara to life. Olivia de Havilland remembers how both Clark and Vivien worked tirelessly to perfect their characters. Clark was terrified of not meeting the world's expectations of Rhett Butler. Meanwhile, Vivien, making her American debut, was determined to deliver a stellar performance.
Once the cameras rolled, it was hard not to be captivated by their chemistry. "You could see it when they were rehearsing. There was a spark," Mickey recalled. "It was a mutual respect between two great actors." Their on-screen dynamic was electric, and it’s no surprise why this movie continues to captivate audiences worldwide.



