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Gavin Gordon (actor)

American actor Gavin Gordon (1901-1983) had a three-decade career in film, radio, and television, notably starring in ''Romance'' and making numerous supporting appearances.

1. Overview

Fred Gavin Gordon (1901-1983) was an American actor who made significant contributions across film, television, and radio throughout his career. Known for his distinctive voice and versatility, Gordon navigated the evolving landscape of entertainment, from early stage performances and silent film roles to the golden age of Hollywood, radio dramas, and the nascent television era. His career, spanning over three decades, showcased his dedication to the performing arts, even overcoming personal challenges such as a serious automobile accident early in his film career. Beyond his acting, Gordon also left a cultural legacy through his notable donation of a Tang Dynasty horse sculpture to the Mobile Museum of Art, reflecting a commitment to cultural enrichment.

2. Life and Career

Gavin Gordon's journey into acting began at a young age, leading him through various mediums of entertainment, from the stage to the silver screen and airwaves.

2.1. Early Life

Gavin Gordon was born on April 7, 1901, in Mississippi, United States. His early life set the stage for his eventual entry into the world of performing arts.

2.2. Early Career

Gordon began his acting career at the age of nineteen, securing his first part on stage. By 1927, he had transitioned into film, taking on small roles at prominent studios such as Fox and Paramount.

3. Major Career Highlights

Gordon's career was marked by a mix of leading roles and numerous supporting appearances across film, radio, and television, demonstrating his adaptability and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.

3.1. Film Career

Following a successful film test, Gordon achieved a notable early career highlight by starring as Greta Garbo's leading man in the 1930 film Romance. However, his early career faced a significant challenge when an automobile accident occurred just as he was scheduled to begin shooting for a film. The injuries sustained were severe enough that he was hospitalized for two weeks and nearly replaced. Despite his condition, Garbo reportedly insisted that he remain in the role, and filming was adjusted to accommodate his recovery until he could resume work.

Gavin Gordon (circa 1950)
Gavin Gordon (circa 1950)


While his role in Romance was prominent, film biographer Robert Dance noted that Gordon is "the least remembered of all the men who supported Garbo." Dance described Gordon as "good-looking, rather than handsome," possessing a "strong, rich speaking voice." However, Dance critically assessed his performance in Romance, stating that Gordon was "either utterly miscast or appallingly directed," finding it difficult to determine the exact cause even after many years. Throughout the remainder of his film career, Gordon largely appeared in small and often uncredited roles. His final film appearance was in the 1963 comedy The Nutty Professor.

3.2. Radio and Television Appearances

Leveraging his distinctive voice, Gavin Gordon became a prolific actor in radio dramas. As the entertainment landscape evolved, he also transitioned to television, making guest appearances on a variety of popular television programs and series. These included Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, Perry Mason, Playhouse 90, The Real McCoys, The Red Skelton Show, Green Acres, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Petticoat Junction.

4. Filmography

Gavin Gordon appeared in numerous films throughout his career. A selection of his film credits includes:

  • The Medicine Men (1929; short)
  • Chasing Through Europe (1929) - Don Merrill
  • His First Command (1929) - Lieutenant Freddie Allen
  • Romance (1930) - Tom Armstrong
  • The Silver Horde (1930) - Fred Marsh
  • The Great Meadow (1931) - Evan Muir
  • Shipmates (1931) - Mike
  • Secret Service (1931) - Mr. Arlesford
  • American Madness (1932)
  • Two Against the World (1932) - Victor H. 'Vic' Linley
  • The Phantom of Crestwood (1932) - Will Jones
  • The Bitter Tea of General Yen (1932)
  • Man Against Woman (1932) - George Perry
  • Hard to Handle (1933) - John Hayden (uncredited)
  • Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933)
  • Black Beauty (1933) - Captain Jordan
  • I Adore You (1933) - Alphonso Bouillaboise
  • Female (1933) - Briggs
  • Lone Cowboy (1933) - Jim Weston
  • The Scarlet Empress (1934) - Captain Gregori Orloff
  • Wake Up and Dream (1934) - Seabrook
  • Happiness Ahead (1934) - 'Jellie' Travis
  • Bordertown (1935) - Brook Manville
  • Grand Old Girl (1935) - The President
  • The Good Fairy (1935) (uncredited)
  • Women Must Dress (1935) - Philip Howard
  • Red Hot Tires (1935) - Robert Griffin
  • Bride of Frankenstein (1935) - Lord Byron
  • Stranded (1935) - Jack
  • Love Me Forever (1935) - Mitchell (uncredited)
  • Page Miss Glory (1935) - Reporter Metz
  • The Leavenworth Case (1936) - Henry Clavering
  • Ticket to Paradise (1936) - Tony Bates
  • High Hat (1937) - Gregory Dupont
  • They Gave Him a Gun (1937) - Army Captain (uncredited)
  • The Toast of New York (1937) - Southern Major (uncredited)
  • Windjammer (1937) - J. Montague Forsythe
  • I See Ice (1938) - Night Club Singer
  • Paper Bullets (1941)
  • Murder by Invitation (1941) - Garson Denham
  • Mr. Celebrity (1941) - Travers
  • Suspicion (1941) - Dr. Bertram Sedbusk (uncredited)
  • I Killed That Man (1941) - J. Reed
  • The Lone Star Vigilantes (1942) - Major Halland Clark, aka Keller
  • Centennial Summer (1946) (uncredited)
  • Notorious (1946) - Ernest Weylin (uncredited)
  • Three on a Ticket (1947) - Pearson - aka Barton
  • Philo Vance's Gamble (1947) - Oliver Tennant
  • Knock on Wood (1954) - Car Salesman
  • White Christmas (1954) (uncredited)
  • There's No Business Like Show Business (1954) - Geoffrey (uncredited)
  • High Society (1955) - Frisbie the Butler
  • A Life at Stake (1955) - Sam Pearson
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955) (Season 1 Episode 8: "Our Cook's a Treasure") - George Brooks
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1956) (Season 2 Episode 9: "Crack of Doom") - Card Player
  • Pardners (1956) (uncredited)
  • The Vagabond King (1956) - Majordomo
  • The Ten Commandments (1956) - Trojan Ambassador (uncredited)
  • Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1957) (Season 3 Episode 3: "The Perfect Crime") - Ernest West
  • Johnny Tremain (1957) - Colonel Smith
  • Chicago Confidential (1957) - Alan Dixon
  • King Creole (1958) - Mr. Primont - Druggist (uncredited)
  • The Matchmaker (1958) - Rudolph
  • The Bat (1959) - Lieutenant Andy Anderson
  • All in a Night's Work (1961) - Mr. Carruthers (uncredited)
  • Pocketful of Miracles (1961) - Mr. Cole
  • Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962) - Mr. Peabody - Hat Shop Manager (uncredited)
  • The Nutty Professor (1963) - Clothing Salesman (uncredited)
  • The Patsy (1964) - Executive on Golf Course
  • Sylvia (1965) - Butler (uncredited)

5. Personal Life

Beyond his acting career, Gavin Gordon was also known for his interest in art. In the 1980s, he made a significant cultural contribution by donating a horse sculpture to the Mobile Museum of Art. This sculpture, which Gordon had owned but never authenticated, was later determined by experts to be an authentic artifact from the Tang Dynasty, dating back over a thousand years.

6. Critical Assessment

Critical evaluations of Gavin Gordon's acting career often highlight his distinctive voice and physical presence. As noted by Greta Garbo biographer Robert Dance, despite his good looks and strong voice, his performance in the film Romance was perceived as either a result of miscasting or poor direction. This assessment suggests that while Gordon possessed inherent qualities suitable for acting, his opportunities to fully showcase his talent in leading roles were limited, leading to a career largely defined by smaller, though consistent, appearances.

7. Death

Gavin Gordon died on April 7, 1983, on his 82nd birthday. He is interred at Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.