John Garfield

Actor

Born Jacob Julius Garfinkle on March 4, 1913 in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Died May 21, 1952 of heart attack in New York, NY

Actor John Garfield was the rebellious, tough guy of Hollywood's silver screen and the Broadway stage.

He came to Hollywood reluctantly from his stage successes, saying that motion pictures and accompanying contracts were too demanding of his time.

He once said: "Screen acting is my business. But I got my kicks on Broadway." He seemed satisfied so long as he made enough to get along. To prove it, he once turned down a studio offer reported to run $250,000 a year to go into a Little Theater production of "Skipper Next to God" at $80 a week.

Clifford Odets was said to have had Garfield in mind for the star role of the boxer when he wrote "Golden Boy." But another actor was picked instead. Garfield wanted so badly to be in the play that he gave up a $300 a week role in another show to play the part of a taxi driver for $50.

Fifteen years later, Garfield finally played the lead intended for him when the play was revived on Broadway.

Garfield finally made it in Hollywood in 1938 in the movie "Four Daughters." He portrayed Mickey Borden, the tough, erratic young music arranger and became a star overnight. On Broadway, meanwhile, Garfield appeared in "Having a Wonderful Time," "Awake and Sing" and other stage plays.

Among his screen credits are "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Humoresque," "Juarez," "Dust Be My Destiny," "Body and Soul," "Tortilla Flat," "Force of Evil," "Gentleman's Agreement," "The Sea Wolf," "Saturday's Children," "Destination Tokyo" and "Pride of the Marines."

— Associated Press May 22, 1952 and May 24, 1952