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==Personal==
==Personal==
He married actress [[Cicely Evans]] in 1957. They had two children and lived in [[Dennis O'Keefe]]'s former house in Beverly Hills.<ref>A Look at John Gavin at Home
He married actress [[Cicely Evans]] in 1957. They had two children and lived in [[Dennis O'Keefe]]'s former house in Beverly Hills.<ref>A Look at John Gavin at Home
Vernon, Scott. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 28 Mar 1965: d9. </ref>
Vernon, Scott. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 28 Mar 1965: d9. </ref> Gavin's first marriage ended in divorce in 1965.


While making ''No Roses for Robert'' in Italy in 1967 he dated co star Luciana Paluzzi.<ref>February 26, 1968 The Daily Herald from Provo, Utah · Page 17<ref>
⚫
Gavin's first marriage ended in divorce in 1965. He has been married to [[Constance Towers]], a stage and television actress, since 1974. They had first met in 1957 at a party when his godfather, [[Jimmy McHugh]], introduced them. Towers had two children from her previous marriage to Eugene McGrath. Gavin's elder daughter, Cristina, followed in his footsteps and became an actress. His younger daughter, Maria, also followed in Gavin's footsteps in her own right with a master's degree from Stanford, and has a successful career in television production.<ref>[http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20085787,00.html Profile in ''People Magazine'']</ref>

⚫
Gavin has been married to [[Constance Towers]], a stage and television actress, since 1974. They had first met in 1957 at a party when his godfather, [[Jimmy McHugh]], introduced them. Towers had two children from her previous marriage to Eugene McGrath. Gavin's elder daughter, Cristina, followed in his footsteps and became an actress. His younger daughter, Maria, also followed in Gavin's footsteps in her own right with a master's degree from Stanford, and has a successful career in television production.<ref>[http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20085787,00.html Profile in ''People Magazine'']</ref>


==Critical Appraisal==
==Critical Appraisal==

Revision as of 06:10, 29 November 2014

For other people named John Gavin, see John Gavin (disambiguation).
John Gavin
United States Ambassador to Mexico
In office
June 5, 1981 – June 10, 1986
PresidentRonald Reagan
Preceded byJulian Nava
Succeeded byCharles J. Pilliod, Jr.
Personal details
Born
John Anthony Golenor Gavin

(1931-04-08) 8 April 1931 (age 93)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Spouse(s)Cecily Evans (m. 1957–1965; divorced); 2 children
Constance Towers (1974–present); 2 stepchildren by this marriage
OccupationActor

John Gavin (born John Anthony Golenor; April 8, 1931) is an American film actor and a former United States Ambassador to Mexico and head of the Screen Actors Guild. He is best known for his performances in the films Spartacus, Psycho, Imitation of Life and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Gavin is of Mexican and Irish descent, and is fluent in Spanish.

Biography

Early life

Gavin's father (Herald Ray Golenor)'s family is of Irish origin, and were early landowners in California when it was still under Spanish rule. Gavin's mother (Delia Diana Pablos) hailed from the historically influential Pablos family of Sonora, Mexico.[1]

After attending St. John's Military Academy (Los Angeles) and Villanova Prep (Ojai, California), both Catholic schools, he earned a B.A. from Stanford University, where he did senior honors work in Latin American economic history and was a member of Stanford's Naval ROTC unit.[2]

Military Service

During the Korean War Gavin was commissioned in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the USS Princeton offshore Korea where he served as an air intelligence officer from 1951 until the end of the war in 1953. Due to Gavin's fluency in both Spanish and Portuguese he was assigned as Flag Lieutenant to Admiral Milton E. Miles until he completed his four-year tour of duty in 1955.

Entry into Acting

Following his naval service Gavin offered himself as a technical adviser to family friend Bryan Foy who as making a movie about the Princeton. Instead Foy arranged a screen test with Universal. Gavin originally turned down the offer - he had never acted in college - but his father urged him to try it. The test was successful and Gavin signed with the studio.[2][3]

"They offered me so much money I couldn't resist," he said later.[4]

Universal Studios

John Gavin as Destry

Universal Pictures groomed Gavin as a virile, strapping, handsome leading man in the mold of Rock Hudson. They gave him roles in the films Behind the High Wall, Four Girls in Town and Quantez. He was meant to star in The Female Animal but was too busy on other projects and was replaced by George Nader.[5]

Stardom: A Time to Love and a Time to Die

Gavin's first big break was being given the lead in A Time to Love and A Time To Die (1958) from the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, which drew comparisons with the casting of Lew Ayres in All Quiet on the Western Front (1931).[6]

"I felt that, after extensive tests, that he could be just right because of his lack of experience," said director Douglas Sirk. "He was fresh, young, good looking, not pretty though, earnest - and had this little dilettante quality I figured would be quite the thing for the lead in this picture."[7]

"I think we have a good man," said Remarque of Gavin's casting.[8] Universal executive Al Daff called Gavin "the greatest prospect I've seen in years".[9]

"It changed my entire life," said Gavin,[3] who then went on to clarify: "If I should have the good fortune to become a star I certainly don't intend to become a star twenty four hours a day," Gavin.[9]

The film was not a big success when it was released, although Gavin was praised by Jean-Luc Godard in an article in Cahiers du Cinema.[7]

A series of Classic Films

However by then Gavin had already been cast in another big role - supporting Lana Turner in Imitation of Life (1959) for director Douglas Sirk and producer Ross Hunter, both of whom had earlier helped make a star of Hudson.

Universal also used him in the epic Spartacus (1960) directed by Stanley Kubrick as Julius Caesar and in the classic thriller Psycho (1960) for director Alfred Hitchcock. All three movies were big hits.

Gavin later claimed he was "terribly disturbed" by the sex and violence in Psycho and felt "I think Hitch really got frosted with me."[7]

Gavin was rarely given the actual lead at Universal but instead "was invariably cast as a staunch fellow of good will who looked handsome but was permitted little action opposite... [his] leading ladies."[10] He co-starred against Doris Day in the 1960 thriller Midnight Lace, Sophia Loren the same year in the comedic A Breath of Scandal (which Gavin later called a "turkey".[7]) and, in 1961, with Susan Hayward in the melodrama Back Street and in Romanoff and Juliet and Tammy Tell Me True, both with Sandra Dee. Most of these film were produced by Ross Hunter.

Gavin was also directed by a young William Friedkin in an episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour.

Gavin later claimed that he lacked training support from Universal during his early days there:

When I walked through the gate, Universal quit building actors. All of a sudden I was doing leading roles. I knew I was a tyro but they told me to shut up and act. Some of those early roles were unactable. Even Laurence Olivier couldn't have done anything with them. The dialog ran to cardboard passages such as 'I love you. You can rely on me darling. I'll wait.' It was all I could do to keep from adding, 'with egg on my face'... So I psyched myself negative... There was no studio system to let me work my way up through small roles. When I got up on my hind legs, no one would believe it.[10]

Freelance

Gavin left Universal in 1962 to freelance. He signed to make several movies in Europe including The Assassins, The Challenge and Night Call.[11] However The Challenge kept getting pushed back.[12]

In early 1964 Gavin starred in the TV series Destry.[13] He was quoted during filming:

When I came to Universal, they were making 40 pictures a year. I walked through the gate, was given a contract, and immediately the number of pictures dropped to eight or nine a year. I'm not complaining because I was given good roles... roles with scope and breadth. But I wish I could have been put in 40 or 50 roles before making my 'first' picture, do you know what I mean? Doing a series now is like putting the cart before the horse. I'm glad to be doing 'Destry' now though because of the experience. My gosh, I've shot more film in the last five weeks than I have in my entire life.[14]

The series was not a rating success and was soon cancelled.


Return to Universal

In September 1964 Gavin signed a new contract with Universl which gave him the option to take work outside the studio.[12] He tried another TV series, Convoy which only had a short run before being cancelled.[15]

Gavin then appeared in a Mexican film Pedro Paramo, based on a famous novel. "I had to do something I was proud of," said Gavin of the latter movie.[4] "'Pedro' broke the mold. I had to break it. All the trash I've done. I just couldn't do it anymore."[10]

While filming in Mexico, Gavin heard Universal were making an expensive 1920s-era Julie Andrews musical Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) for George Roy Hill, again for producer Ross Hunter. He lobbied for the role of Mary Tyler Moore's stuffy boyfriend to Hunter and Universal production head Ed Muhl. "This is a square, square guy so I told them it would be such type casting that they just couldn't get anyone else but me," said Gavin.[4]

Gavin read for director George Roy Hill and was cast. "I told Ross I'm playing a parody of every part I've had in a Ross Hunter picture," said Gavin.[4]

He thought Millie had been a "breakthough comedy role" for him. "Now I'm beginning to feel like a journeyman actor and I want a little more dimension in movie roles," he said.[10]

"I've developed into a pretty good Sunday actor," claimed Gavin in 1966, although he admitted to making mistakes in his career. "I have to be beat over the head. I'm intelligent, but not smart."[4]

In June 1966 Gavin signed a new non-exclusive contract with Universal, for five years at one film a year.[16]

Gavin never regained his former prominence but he did get cast in the lead in No Roses for Robert and good supporting roles in The Madwoman of Chaillot[17] and Pussycat, Pussycat I Love You (in the latter sending up his own image[18]).

James Bond

Gavin was signed for the role of James Bond in the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever after George Lazenby left the role. He never played Bond due to Sean Connery's expensive return to the "007" franchise, yet Gavin still had his contract honored in full. According to Roger Moore's James Bond Diary, Gavin also was slated to play Bond in 1973 in Live and Let Die, but Harry Saltzman insisted on an Englishman for the role (Roger Moore played the role instead). Gavin did play OSS 117, the French equivalent of 007, in Pas de Roses pour OSS 117 (No Roses For OSS 117, 1968) replacing Frederick Stafford, who was filming Alfred Hitchcock's Topaz.

Screen Actors Guild

Gavin was president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1971 to 1973.[19]

Live theater

Gavin made a successful foray into live theater in the 1970s, showcasing his baritone voice. He toured the summer stock circuit as El Gallo in a production of The Fantasticks.

In 1973 Gavin replaced Ken Howard in the Broadway musical, Seesaw (1973) opposite Michele Lee, beating out Tab Hunter who also auditioned. The producers said Gavin got the role because "he sings and dances better than Hunter and looks great on stage with Michele".[20] (Gavin later claimed he was offered the musical from the beginning but turned it down because the book was not up to scratch, then changed his mind when Michael Bennett asked him to join the cast later.[21])

He played the role for seven months, then stayed in it when the show toured the country with Lucie Arnaz. Both the Broadway and touring production were directed by Michael Bennett.[7] The Los Angele Times said he gives a "solid performance".[22]

Gavin reflected in an interview during the tour, "I used to play one dimensional people. But looking backwards my work has been varied. Some people have said rich."[23]

Later TV Work

In the late 1970s Gavin concentrated on TV. His best known performance around this time was playing Cary Grant in the TV movie Sophia: Her Own Story (1980).[24]

Politics

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

Gavin was cultural adviser to the Organisation of American States from 1961 to 1965.[25]

A Republican, Gavin was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Mexico in June 1981 by President Ronald Reagan and served until June 12, 1986. During his tenure as ambassador, he was involved in an incident where he roughed up a local television cameraman. Since leaving government service, he has become a successful businessman and civic leader. [citation needed]

Personal

He married actress Cicely Evans in 1957. They had two children and lived in Dennis O'Keefe's former house in Beverly Hills.[26] Gavin's first marriage ended in divorce in 1965.

While making No Roses for Robert in Italy in 1967 he dated co star Luciana Paluzzi.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page).

Critical Appraisal

Sam Stagg, author of a book on the making of The Imitation of Life was critical of Gavin's performance in that film and A Time to Love and a Time to Die:

In both films, Gavin is a foreign body: he slows them down like a virus that must run its course... What he did in this picture... he did in all the others - rather, it's what he didn't do: he didn't act with his face, his eyes, his voice, his body. He resembles a chiseled monolith and his facial muscles move as rarely as Nicole Kidman's... From the outset, critics have called Gavin "wooden". But that critical cliche tells only half. If heartthrobs like Rock Hudson were dreamboats, then Gavin is a glass bottom boat - in dry dock. His depthless transperancy exposes his shortcomings... [Gavin was] eye candy... low-calorie but filling and incapable of stealing a scene.[27]

Select filmography

Template:Multicol

Film

Television

Template:Multicol-end

Unmade Films

  • Backlash (1958) - with Douglas Sirk and Ross Hunter from the novel by Morris West[28]
  • The Wine of Youth (circa 1960) - to co star with Tony Curtis[29]
  • A Gathering of Eagles (1962) - originally announced as Rock Hudson's co-star[30]

Select Theatre Credits

References

  1. ^ Stars in Blue, referenced below, page 265, states that Gavin's mother married Ray Gavin, who adopted John. The Internet Movie Data Base says that Herald Ray Golenor changed the family name to Gavin. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  2. ^ a b Wise, James E. & Rehill, Anne Collier. Stars in Blue: Movie Actors in America's Sea Services Naval Institute Press, p. 265.
  3. ^ a b HE NEVER LEFT HOME: Los Angeles Native John Gavin Wanted No Part of Pictures, So Producers Beat a Path to His Door Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) [Chicago, Ill] 20 July 1958: f12.
  4. ^ a b c d e Gavin Gets Down to Business Thomas, Kevin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 02 June 1966: d12.
  5. ^ UNIVERSAL CASTS TWO IN NEW FILM: Jane Powell, George Nader to Appear in 'Female Animal' --Actor Replaces Gavin By THOMAS M. PRYOR Special to The New York Times.. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 17 May 1957: 19.
  6. ^ John Gavin Wins Plum Remarque Role; Ford to Face 'Doomed World' Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 17 July 1957: 23.
  7. ^ a b c d e John Gavin: One for the 'Seesaw': John Gavin: One for the 'Seesaw' By Tom Donnelly. The Washington Post (1974-Current file) [Washington, D.C] 28 July 1974: L1.
  8. ^ A Town Called Hollywood: Remarque Enjoys Adapting Own Novel Into Screenplay Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 21 July 1957: E2.
  9. ^ a b HOLLYWOOD IDEAS: Newcomers Face Stardom at Universal --'South Pacific' on the Horizon Appraisal "Pacific" Launching Movie Slant By THOMAS M. PRYOR. New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 11 Aug 1957: 89.
  10. ^ a b c d Gavin Breaks the Mold: GAVIN Harford, Margaret. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 13 July 1967: c1.
  11. ^ Gavin Will Embark on Adventurous Life: News From Unsunny Spain; 'Nevada Smith' a Follow-up Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 01 Feb 1963: D9.
  12. ^ a b Looking at Hollywood: John Gavin Signs Pact to Do Outside Films, TV Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 25 Sep 1964: c11.
  13. ^ Salad Maker Makes Debut in New TV Series Tonight Zylstra, Freida. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 14 Feb 1964: b9.
  14. ^ Gavin's first series MacMinn, Aleene. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 15 Mar 1964: E3.
  15. ^ Millions Utilized on Pilots for New Season Finnigan, Joseph. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 31 Dec 1964: B15.
  16. ^ Gavin Signs Universal Pact Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 03 June 1966: d12.
  17. ^ MOVIE CALL SHEET: John Gavin Set for Role Martin, Betty. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 09 Feb 1968: c15.
  18. ^ 'Pussycat, Pussycat' Opens Multiple Run Thomas, Kevin. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 27 Mar 1970: f15.
  19. ^ Dennis Weaver Seeks Actor Guild Presidency: ACTORS GUILD Zyda, Joan. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 26 Sep 1973: c1.
  20. ^ Tower Ticker Gold, Aaron. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 30 May 1973: b2.
  21. ^ Will They Love Lucie, Too?: More Stage News More Stage News More Stage News More Stage News More Stage News Drake, Sylvie. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 01 Sep 1974: m31.
  22. ^ Local Girl Makes Good in 'Seesaw': LUCIE IN 'SEESAW' Sullivan, Dan. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 06 Sep 1974: f1.
  23. ^ Jerry's Just jake with John Colander, Pat. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 09 Aug 1974: b8.
  24. ^ GAVIN AS GRANT: A TEST OF TASTE Mann, Roderick. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 01 July 1980: g1.
  25. ^ Gavin's Selection: a Slap in Mexico's Face Bustamante, Jorge. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 06 Mar 1981: c7.
  26. ^ A Look at John Gavin at Home Vernon, Scott. Chicago Tribune (1963-Current file) [Chicago, Ill] 28 Mar 1965: d9.
  27. ^ Sam Staggs, Born to be Hurt: The Untold Story of Imitation of Life, Macmillan, 2009 accessed 29 November 2014
  28. ^ Looking at Hollywood: Ski Murder Film Will Star John Gavin Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune (1923-1963) [Chicago, Ill] 12 July 1958: 13.
  29. ^ TONY CURTIS SET FOR 3 NEW FILMS: Robert Mulligan to Direct Star in Two -- 'Rat Race' Editing Is Completed New York Times (1923-Current file) [New York, N.Y] 23 Jan 1960: 15.
  30. ^ 'Pawnbroker' Will Be Steiger Vehicle: McGiver Back at Funmaking; Curious Case of Lotte Lenya Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times (1923-Current File) [Los Angeles, Calif] 03 Apr 1962: C9.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to John Gavin.
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by U.S. Ambassador to Mexico
1981–1986 		Succeeded by

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