Loretta Young, renowned for her beauty and talent in the film industry, carried a dark secret with her until her passing in 2000.

Back in 1935, during the filming of “Call of the Wild,” she formed a close bond with the then-34-year-old Clark Gable, who was married to Maria Langham at the time.

After the movie wrapped up, Young discovered she was pregnant, leading her to go to great lengths to conceal this truth.

While the paternity of her daughter Judy became known before her death, the disturbing details of how the conception occurred have only recently come to light.

Known for her strong moral compass as a devout Catholic, Young’s daughter-in-law Linda Lewis revealed that she was a victim of date rape by Gable.

The revelation came to light when Young, at 85 years old, inquired about the meaning of date rape after watching a discussion on Larry King Live.

Despite the shocking revelation, Young’s primary concern remained shielding Judy from harm.

This desire to protect her daughter motivated the family to maintain secrecy around the issue.

However, following Judy’s passing in 2011, Lewis and her husband decided to disclose the long-guarded truth.

Young, who embarked on her acting career as a child, was a rising star when she crossed paths with Gable.

During the shooting of “Call of the Wild” near Mount Baker, Young’s flirtatious interactions with Gable were noted, although she was cautious due to her strict Catholic upbringing.

Despite previous romantic entanglements, including an unconsummated affair with Spencer Tracey, Young refrained from succumbing to advances out of fear of eternal damnation.

However, a fateful encounter with Gable on a train journey altered the course of her life.

The moment Gable entered her compartment on the train journey back to Los Angeles marked a turning point.

Soon after, Young learned of her pregnancy, prompting an elaborate cover-up that involved seclusion in Venice Beach until Judy’s birth.

Gable, who distanced himself from any involvement in Judy’s life, never acknowledged his paternity, leaving Young to raise her daughter alone.

Despite efforts to shield Judy from the scandal, rumors persisted about her biological father’s identity.

It wasn’t until Judy turned 23 that Young disclosed the truth about her parentage, keeping the circumstances of her conception concealed.

Lewis, motivated by the prevalence of unresolved rape cases, opted to share this hidden chapter of Hollywood history, shedding light on a poignant yet distressing tale.