Cammie King Conlon
by Fred T. Beeman

We’ve learned that the former Eleanore Cammack King, who was simply “Cammie” to those with whom she worked, passed away (from lung cancer, at age 76) on September 1, 2010.

This notice will be brief, but only because her on-screen career as a child actor ended when she was 5, after appearing in “Blondie Meets the Boss” and “Gone with the Wind,” (both in 1939). She also lent her vocal talents to Disney’s “Bambi,” in 1942.

Her part of "Bonnie Blue Butler" (the title of her book) in “Gone with the Wind” was originally slated for her older sister, but by the time shooting commenced, she appeared to be too old for the part, so Cammie was asked to play the role.

Of her life as an actress, she once said, “By the time I was twelve years old, I was five feet ten inches. I sensed that I had a problem from the way boys were reacting to me. That ended my ambitions for an acting career. I'm awfully glad, though, I played ‘Bonnie.’ The role really didn't change my life, but I don't recall ever meeting people, either in business or socially, where it doesn't come up.” And what about her co-star, Clark Gable?

“He was such a warm, friendly man. When he kissed me, his mustache tickled. I'd tell that to my mother's friends and they'd swoon.”

Our condolences go out to all who knew and loved her.