John Gavin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Gavin
Gavin in Destry (1964)
United States Ambassador to Mexico
In office June 5, 1981 – June 10, 1986
President	Ronald Reagan
Preceded by	Julian Nava
Succeeded by	Charles J. Pilliod Jr.
17th President of the Screen Actors Guild
In office 1971–1973
Preceded by	Charlton Heston
Succeeded by	Dennis Weaver
Personal details
Born	Juan Vincent Apablasa (1931-04-08)April 8, 1931 Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Died	February 9, 2018(2018-02-09) (aged 86) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Political party	Republican
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Spouses	Cecily Evans ​ ​ (m. 1957; div. 1965)​ Constance Towers ​ (m. 1974)​
Children	2
Alma mater	Stanford University
Occupation	Actor, diplomat
Military service
Allegiance	United States
Branch/service	United States Navy
Years of service	1951–1955
Rank	Lieutenant
Battles/wars	Korean War

John Gavin (born Juan Vincent Apablasa; April 8, 1931 – February 9, 2018) was a famous American actor. He also served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild (from 1971 to 1973). Later, he became the United States Ambassador to Mexico (from 1981 to 1986). Some of his well-known movies include A Time to Love and a Time to Die (1958), Imitation of Life (1959), Spartacus (1960), and Psycho (1960).

Life and Career Highlights

Early Life and Education

John Gavin was born in Los Angeles, California. His birth name was Juan Vincent Apablasa II. His father had Chilean roots, and his mother was from a well-known Mexican family.

When he was two years old, his parents divorced. His mother then married Herald Ray Golenor, who adopted Juan. This is when his name changed to John Anthony Golenor.

John went to Catholic schools and military academies. He later studied at Stanford University. There, he earned a degree in economics and Latin American affairs. He also joined the Navy ROTC program.

Military Service During the Korean War

During the Korean War, John Gavin joined the U.S. Navy. He served on the ship USS Princeton near Korea. He worked as an air intelligence officer from 1951 until the war ended in 1953.

Because he spoke both Spanish and Portuguese fluently, he was given a special role. He worked for Admiral Milton E. Miles. He finished his four years of service in 1955. He even received an award for helping during floods in Honduras in 1954.

Starting His Acting Career

After leaving the Navy, John Gavin was offered a chance to act. A family friend, film producer Bryan Foy, suggested he try a screen test. John wasn't sure at first, but his father encouraged him.

The test went well, and he signed a contract with Universal-International studio. He later said, "They offered me so much money I couldn't resist." He trained in an acting workshop and first appeared in Raw Edge (1956). His name was changed to John Gavin for his later films.

Becoming a Star in Classic Films

John Gavin's big break came with the movie A Time to Love and a Time to Die (1958). He played the main role in this film. Critics praised his performance, even though the movie wasn't a huge hit at first.

John Gavin (center) with actresses Janet Leigh (right) and Vera Miles (left) in a publicity photo for Psycho (1960)

Gavin in the 1964 TV series Destry

He then starred with Lana Turner in Imitation of Life (1959). This movie was a big success. John Gavin was even voted the "most promising male newcomer."

He played Julius Caesar in the epic film Spartacus (1960). He also had a role in the famous thriller Psycho (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Both of these movies were very popular.

John Gavin often played handsome characters alongside leading actresses. He appeared with Doris Day in Midnight Lace (1960) and Sophia Loren in A Breath of Scandal (1960). He also starred with Sandra Dee in movies like Romanoff and Juliet (1961).

He also appeared on television shows. In 1964, he starred in the TV series Destry.

Almost James Bond

John Gavin was actually chosen to play James Bond in the movie Diamonds Are Forever (1971). However, the studio decided to bring back Sean Connery for the role instead.

He was also considered for the Bond role in Live and Let Die (1973). But the filmmakers wanted a British actor, so Roger Moore got the part.

Leading the Screen Actors Guild

John Gavin was very involved with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). This is a union that represents actors. He was on their board in 1965.

He served as president of SAG from 1971 to 1973. During his time as president, he worked on important issues for actors. He spoke out against unfair talent agencies. He also met with President Richard Nixon to discuss the problem of too many TV show reruns. He fought for better rules for American movies and TV.

In 1973, he lost his re-election for president to Dennis Weaver. He was the first president to be defeated by someone running against him.

Theatre and Later TV Roles

In the 1970s, John Gavin also performed in live theatre. He toured in a production of The Fantasticks. In 1973, he joined the Broadway musical Seesaw. He played the role for seven months and toured the country.

He also appeared in some television movies. He played Akhenaten in Nefertiti y Aquenatos (1973). Later, he played Cary Grant in the TV movie Sophia Loren: Her Own Story (1980).

Public Service and Business

Ambassador to Mexico

John Gavin was a member of the Republican Party. In June 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed him as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. He served in this important role until June 1986.

John Gavin with first ladies Paloma Cordero of Mexico (left) and Nancy Reagan of the United States (right) after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake.

Business Career

After his time as ambassador, John Gavin worked in business. He became a vice-president at Atlantic Richfield. He also became president of Univisa Satellite Communications, a company involved in Spanish language broadcasting.

He was also the president of Gamma Holdings, a global company. He served on the boards of many other companies and organizations. He also volunteered his time on boards for universities and foundations, like UCLA and the National Parks Foundation.

Personal Life

John Gavin married actress Cicely Evans in 1957. They had two children together. Their marriage ended in 1965.

In 1974, he married stage and television actress Constance Towers. They had been introduced years earlier. John Gavin and Constance Towers remained married until his death. His daughters, Cristina and Maria, also work in the entertainment industry.

Death

John Gavin passed away on February 9, 2018, at his home in Beverly Hills, California. He died from complications related to pneumonia, after a long illness with leukemia.

Filmography

Film

Television

Theatre credits

• The Fantastiks (1967) – Paper Mill Playhouse and The Cape Playhouse on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in 1970
• Seesaw (1974) with Lucie Arnaz – Broadway and tour
• Mr. Roberts (1968) - Papermill Playhouse

Images for kids

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  Gavin in Destry (1964)

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  John Gavin (center) with actresses Janet Leigh (right) and Vera Miles (left) in a publicity photo for Psycho (1960)

• 

  Gavin in the 1964 TV series Destry

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  John Gavin with first ladies Paloma Cordero of Mexico (left) and Nancy Reagan of the United States (right) after the 1985 Mexico City earthquake.

See also

In Spanish: John Gavin para niños