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R.I.P. Original ‘Psycho’ Star John Gavin Has Died
“I didn’t have an inkling they would be classics. Had I realized that, perhaps I would have paid more attention,” John Gavin once reflected on his two most iconic roles, which saw him play Sam Loomis, Marion Crane’s boyfriend, in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho and Julius Caesar in Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus.
Today we’re sad to report that Gavin has passed away at 86. The news comes to us from The Exorcist director William Friedkin, who tweeted today, “[Gavin was] one of the finest men I knew, and like a brother to me.”
What you may not know about John Gavin (born John Anthony Golenor) is that he was originally attached to play James Bond in the 1971 film Diamonds are Forever, which needless to say would’ve taken his acting career to a whole new level. Ultimately, Sean Connery was convinced to return, but Gavin saw it as a blessing in disguise.
Leaving acting behind after appearing in a handful of films and television shows throughout the ’70s, the Golden Globe-winning Gavin was freed up to pursue his real childhood dream, which saw him appointed Ambassador to Mexico by President Reagan in 1981. He served until 1986, later becoming a successful businessman and civic leader.
Other titles on John Gavin’s acting resume include Imitation of Life, “Destry,” “The Alfred Hitchcock Hour,” “The Love Boat” and “Fantasy Island.”
All of us here at Bloody Disgusting are deeply sad to learn that The Blob director Chuck Russell has passed away at 74 years old.
Russell’s career began with his directorial debut, 1987’s A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
The multihyphenate film director, screenwriter, and producer is best known for helming 1994 comedy The Mask starring Jim Carrey, Arnold Schwarzenegger actioner Eraser, and adventure spinoff The Scorpion King. The latter served as the first leading role for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
The filmmaker left an indelible mark on horror with his ANOES sequel, 1988’s The Blob, and 2000’s Bless the Child.
Russell’s final film credit is 2024’s Witchboard remake starring Madison Iseman (I Know What You Did Last Summer), Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building), and Jamie Campbell Bower (“Stranger Things”).
It marked Russell’s return to horror after a lengthy hiatus, and he shared sequel hopes to Bloody Disgusting in an interview ahead of the remake’s release: “I got to design the board with real mystical symbols and things that I know represent good and evil, and where that board takes us if the audiences respond to the film, and I hope they will; I know it’s out there for you guys, but the sequel is a world we’ll get to go a little further. That’s sure the intention.”
He also recently expressed interest in returning to the franchise that began his career.
TMZ notes that Russell passed away at his San Diego-area home.
We send our deepest condolences to Chuck Russell’s family, friends, and fans.
Director, Co-Writer & Producer Chuck Russell behind the scenes of the horror film, WITCHBOARD. Photo courtesy of The Avenue and Atlas Distribution
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