John Gavin
Biography
John Gavin was an American actor who signed with Universal-International after a screen test arranged by the producer Bryan Foy, and the studio groomed him as a leading man. His first film was Raw Edge (1956), and his break came when Douglas Sirk cast him in the lead of A Time to Love and a Time to Die (1958), for which he received praise. He supported Lana Turner in Imitation of Life (1959) and was voted Most Promising Male Newcomer by the Motion Picture Exhibitor. He played Julius Caesar in Spartacus (1960) and Sam Loomis in Psycho (1960), then was frequently cast as a handsome romantic lead, in films such as Midnight Lace (1960) and A Breath of Scandal (1960). Later credits included Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), Pedro Páramo (1967) and The Madwoman of Chaillot (1969). He also toured in The Fantasticks and took over Ken Howard's role in the Broadway musical Seesaw in 1973.
86years old at death
- Born Los Angeles
- Died Beverly Hills
- Star sign: AriesThe sign runs March 21 to April 19
- Also credited as Juan Vincent Apablasa
Movie Career
- Films
- 11
- Career span
- 20 years1958 to 1978
Photos
Share
Did you know?!
A role that slipped away
Gavin was signed to play James Bond in Diamonds Are Forever after George Lazenby left, but United Artists chief David Picker wanted Sean Connery, and Gavin lost the role to him.
Big break
Gavin's break was the lead in Douglas Sirk's A Time to Love and a Time to Die, cast for his inexperience, fresh looks and earnest manner, a choice compared to Lew Ayres in All Quiet on the Western Front.
A first
Gavin was the first incumbent president of the Screen Actors Guild to be defeated by an independent challenger, losing to Dennis Weaver in 1973.
A role that slipped away
In 1973 Gavin took over from Ken Howard in the Broadway musical Seesaw, playing opposite Michele Lee. He had said no at first because he disliked the book, but Michael Bennett persuaded him, and he stayed seven months before touring the United States with Lucie Arnaz.
John Gavin movies on Netflix
Best known for
The films on Netflix they are best known for, with the part played in each.
Worked with
John Gavin shares two films with Nina Foch, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Donald Pleasence's page
Roddy McDowall's page
Keenan Wynn's page
Kirk Douglas's page
Tony Curtis's page
All films by Douglas Sirk
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.