End Credits #79: Cinema's 2018 Lost Treasures John Gavin

These are some of Cinema's sad departures of 2018 taken from my personal notes soon after the events took place: 

Actor John Gavin, best remembered for his distinguished roles in Douglas Sirk's Imitation of Life (1959), Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho (1960, as Sam Loomis), and Stanley Kubrick's Spartacus (1960, as Julius Caesar) has died at age 86 succumbing to pneumonia. His performances may have been typically subdued, but their effectiveness were enhanced by his understated approach. One remembers most fondly the characters he portrayed more than the person who played them, which for a professional actor, is probably preferred. He also lent his talent to two films for director David Miller, Midnight Lace (1960) and Back Street (1961), in addition to Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967, for director George Roy Hill) and The Madwoman of Chaillot (1969, for director Bryan Forbes). Gavin also made numerous TV appearances in, for example, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1963 - 1965). After his acting career ended, Gavin was appointed Ambassador to Mexico by President Ronald Reagan, serving until June 10, 1986. John Gavin (April 8, 1931 - February 9, 2018) R.I.P.