John Gavin - Actor Profile

John Gavin

Acting
Updated: May 09, 2026
31Total Films
8.4 Highest Rated
Born: Apr 8, 1931
Birth Place: Los Angeles, California, USA

About John Gavin

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.

John Gavin Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of John Gavin reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 31 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of John Gavin's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 42% of John Gavin's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Psycho, which stands out as a key performance.

Advertisement

Best John Gavin Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from John Gavin's career based on audience ratings.

Full Filmography

Every movie John Gavin has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2020 Disclosure Sam Loomis (archive footage) Super Hit Similar →
2002 The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in American Cinema - Hit Similar →
1993 24 Hour Psycho Sam Loomis (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1980 Sophia Loren: Her Own Story Cary Grant Average Similar →
1978 The New Adventures of Heidi Dan Wyler Flop Similar →
1978 Jennifer Senator Tremayne Average Similar →
1978 Doctors' Private Lives Dr. Jeffrey Latimer Super Hit Similar →
1976 House of Shadows Roland Stewart Flop Similar →
1974 Hard Day at Blue Nose - Flop Similar →
1973 Nefertiti and Akhenaten Akhenaten Hit Similar →
1973 Keep It in the Family Roy McDonald Flop Similar →
1970 Pussycat, Pussycat, I Love You Charlie Harrison (Grant Granite) Flop Similar →
1970 Cutter's Trail Ben Cutter Super Hit Similar →
1969 The Madwoman of Chaillot The Reverend Hit Similar →
1968 OSS 117 Murder for Sale Hubert Bonisseur de La Bath Average Similar →
1967 Thoroughly Modern Millie Trevor Graydon Hit Similar →
1967 Pedro Paramo Pedro Páramo Hit Similar →
1964 The Solid Gold Girl Harrison Destry Flop Similar →
1961 Back Street Paul Saxon Average Similar →
1961 Tammy Tell Me True Thomas 'Tom' Freeman Average Similar →
1961 Romanoff and Juliet Igor Romanoff Average Similar →
1960 Spartacus Julius Caesar Super Hit Similar →
1960 Midnight Lace Brian Younger Hit Similar →
1960 Psycho Sam Loomis Super Hit Similar →
1960 A Breath of Scandal Charles Foster Average Similar →
1959 Imitation of Life Steve Archer Super Hit Similar →
1958 A Time to Love and a Time to Die Ernst Graeber Hit Similar →
1957 Quantez Teach Average Similar →
1957 Four Girls in Town Tom Grant Flop Similar →
1956 Behind the High Wall Johnny Hutchins Average Similar →
1956 Raw Edge Dan Kirby (as John Gilmore) Average Similar →

John Gavin - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of John Gavin?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Gavin is "Psycho" with a rating of 8.4/10.

How many movies has John Gavin acted in?

John Gavin has been featured in at least 31 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by John Gavin?

Other notable films include "Doctors' Private Lives", "Cutter's Trail", and "Disclosure".

Advertisement