John Gavin

April 8, 1931 - February 9, 2018 Los Angeles, California, USA
IMDb

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.

Their titles like Psycho, Spartacus, and Imitation of Life - their biggest roles first.
Last updated: June 14, 2026

12 titles
Community avg: 9.12 /10
  • 1
    1
    1960June 1960 by Alfred Hitchcock
    Horror, Thriller, Mystery
    Horror, Thriller, Mystery
    9.35 Masterpiece++
  • 2
    2
    1960October 1960 by Stanley Kubrick
    History, War, Drama
    History, War, Drama
    8.45 Excellent++
  • 3
    3
    1959April 1959 by Douglas Sirk
    Drama, Romance
    Drama, Romance
    8.31 Excellent++
  • 4
    4
    1958July 1958 by Douglas Sirk
    Drama, War, Romance
    Drama, War, Romance
    8.08 Excellent
  • 5
    5
    1960October 1960 by David Miller
    Mystery, Thriller
    Mystery, Thriller
    7.61 Excellent--
  • 6
    6
    1967March 1967 by George Roy Hill
    Comedy, Music, Romance
    Comedy, Music, Romance
    7.85 Excellent-
  • 7
    7
    1967January 1967 by Carlos Velo
    Drama, Fantasy, Spanish
    Drama, Fantasy, Spanish
    7.96 Excellent
  • 8
    8
    1970March 1970 by Rod Amateau
    Comedy
    Comedy
    7.14 Good+
  • 9
    9
    1978May 1978 by Brice Mack
    Horror
    Horror
    7.58 Excellent--
  • 10
    10
    1961July 1961 by Harry Keller
    Comedy, Romance
    Comedy, Romance
    7.78 Excellent-
  • 11
    11
    1956March 1956 by John Sherwood
    Romance, Western
    Romance, Western
    7.72 Excellent-
  • 12
    12
    1965
    Drama
    Drama
    7.91 Excellent