John Gavin

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.

Known For

Disclosure 2020 ★ 7.8
The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in American Cinema 2002 ★ 6.5
Hart to Hart 1979 ★ 6.8
Fantasy Island 1978 ★ 6.5
Flying High 1978 ★ 6.3
The Love Boat 1977 ★ 6.3
Pussycat, Pussycat, I Love You 1970 ★ 4.3
Medical Center 1969 ★ 6.4
The Madwoman of Chaillot 1969 ★ 7.3
Mannix 1967 ★ 6.8
Thoroughly Modern Millie 1967 ★ 6.8
Destry 1964 ★ 7.0
Kraft Suspense Theatre 1963 ★ 6.5
The Alfred Hitchcock Hour 1962 ★ 7.9
The Virginian 1962 ★ 6.5
Back Street 1961 ★ 5.6
Psycho 1960 ★ 8.4
Spartacus 1960 ★ 7.5
Midnight Lace 1960 ★ 6.6
A Breath of Scandal 1960 ★ 5.6
Imitation of Life 1959 ★ 7.4
A Time to Love and a Time to Die 1958 ★ 7.2
Quantez 1957 ★ 5.8
Raw Edge 1956 ★ 6.3