Quick Facts
Born:
1931-04-08
Birthplace:
Los Angeles, California, USA
Credits:
47 Total Roles
John Gavin
Acting
The MovieWise Take
Refining cinematic analysis...
Biography
John Gavin (April 8, 1931 – February 9, 2018) was an American actor who was the United States Ambassador to Mexico (1981–86) and the president of the Screen Actors Guild (1971–73). He was best known for his performances in the films Imitation of Life (1959), Spartacus (1960), Psycho (1960), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), playing leading roles in a series of films for producer Ross Hunter.
Born Juan Vincent Apablasa Jr., Gavin was of Mexican, Chilean and Spanish descent, and was fluent in Spanish. His father, Juan Vincent Apablasa Sr., was of Chilean origin, and his paternal ancestors, including Cayetano Apablasa, were early landowners in California under Spanish rule. Gavin's mother was Delia Diana Pablos. Gavin’s parents divorced when he was about two years old. Gavin’s mother married Herald Ray Golenor, who adopted Gavin and changed his name to John Anthony Golenor.
Born Juan Vincent Apablasa Jr., Gavin was of Mexican, Chilean and Spanish descent, and was fluent in Spanish. His father, Juan Vincent Apablasa Sr., was of Chilean origin, and his paternal ancestors, including Cayetano Apablasa, were early landowners in California under Spanish rule. Gavin's mother was Delia Diana Pablos. Gavin’s parents divorced when he was about two years old. Gavin’s mother married Herald Ray Golenor, who adopted Gavin and changed his name to John Anthony Golenor.
Known For
Psycho
Sam Loomis
Spartacus
Julius Caesar
Imitation of Life
Steve Archer
The Love Boat
Dan Barton
Disclosure
Sam Loomis (archive footage)
Midnight Lace
Brian Younger
Hart to Hart
Self
Fantasy Island
Harry Kellino
Full Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Disclosure MOVIE | Sam Loomis (archive footage) |
| 2002 | The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in American Cinema MOVIE | Self |
| 1993 | 24 Hour Psycho MOVIE | Sam Loomis (archive footage) |
| 1980 | Sophia Loren: Her Own Story MOVIE | Cary Grant |
| 1979 | Hart to Hart TV | Self |
| 1979 | Doctors' Private Lives TV | Self |
| 1978 | The New Adventures of Heidi MOVIE | Dan Wyler |
| 1978 | Flying High TV | Self |
| 1978 | Jennifer MOVIE | Senator Tremayne |
| 1978 | Doctors' Private Lives MOVIE | Dr. Jeffrey Latimer |