BEVERLY HILLS—Actor John Gavin, 86, who is known for his role in the Alfred Hitchcock thriller, “Psycho” has died. Gavin passed away at his Beverly Hills home on Friday, February 9 surrounded by friends and family. According to reports, the actor died from complications he suffered from pneumonia. He was also battling leukemia.
Gavin is best known for his role as Marion Crane’s lover in “Psycho” where he played Sam Loomis. He is also known for his role in the drama “Imitation of Life” alongside actress Lana Turner, Susan Kohner and Juanita Moore.
He was born Juan Vincent Apablasa in Los Angeles. He attended Stanford University where he earned a B.A. in Economics. He served as an intelligence officer in during the Korean War. He received his first big role “A Time to Love and a Time to Die” in 1958. He starred as Julius Cesar in Stanley Kubrick’s “Spartacus.” He also appeared in the films “Midnight Lace,” “Back Street” and “Pedro Paramo.”
He served as the President for the Screen Actors Guild from 1971-1973 and was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Mexico in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan. He was considered to play James Bond for the 1971 film “Diamonds are Forever.” He was married to actress Cicely Evans in 1957. The couple had two children, but later divorced in 1965.
Gavin later re-married actress Constance Towers, who is known for playing the villain Helena Cassadine on the ABC soap “General Hospital.” He leaves behind Towers, and his two children, Christina and Maria.
