John Garfield

John Garfield (born March 4, 1913 in New York City; died May 21, 1952 in New York City) was an American actor. Born Jacob Julius Garfinkle to a family of Jewish immigrants, he was sent to a school for problem children after the early death of his mother. It was there that he was introduced to boxing and acting. He won a scholarship to an acting school hosted by Maria Ouspenskaya, and made his Broadway debut in 1932. The play Golden Boy was written for him, but he was passed over for the role. He decided to leave Broadway and try his success in Hollywood. In 1938 he received critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Four Daughters.

Related Topics:
March 4 - 1913 - New York City - May 21 - 1952 - Jewish - Boxing - Maria Ouspenskaya - Broadway - 1932 - Golden Boy - Hollywood - 1938 - Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor - Four Daughters

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He graduated to leading roles and in 1948 was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his starring role in Body and Soul. Garfield was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7065 Hollywood Blvd.

Related Topics:
Academy Award for Best Actor - Body and Soul - Hollywood Walk of Fame

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Involved in liberal politics, Garfield became caught up in the McCarthy Communist scare of the late 1940s and, even though he denied having ever been a Communist, his forced testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee damaged his career and he was blacklisted by the Hollywood movie studio bosses.

Related Topics:
McCarthy - Communist - 1940s - House Un-American Activities Committee - Blacklisted - Movie studio

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Heart problems, aggravated by the stress of his blacklisting, led to his early death at the age of 39.

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