John Gavin, star of films such as Psycho and Spartacus, has died aged 86.
The actor died at his Beverly Hills home on Friday surrounded by family, following a bout of pneumonia.
Gavin, who played Sam Loomis in the classic horror flick, died from pneumonia, following a long battle against leukemia.
Psycho star turned politician John Gavin, 86, dies of pneumonia after long illness; he is pictured back in 1970
According to TMZ, the former actor was first hospitalized shortly before Christmas.
Having made his name in a string of iconic films, Gavin later turned his hand to politics, becoming the Ambassador to Mexico in 1981.
Appointed by Ronald Reagan, the Republican served in the role for five years.
Iconic: Gavin and Janet Leigh play Sam Loomis and Marion Crane in the horror picture Psycho
A Korean War veteran, Gavin went into acting, landing a starring role in the 1958 film A Time To Love And A Time To Die, for which he was awarded a Golden Globe.
He is best known for his roles in 1959’s Imitation of Life, 1960 films Spartacus and Psycho, and the 1967 film Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Gavin was also signed up to play James Bond, in the 1971 film Diamonds Are Forever, following on from George Lazenby. However after Sean Connery accepted a lucrative offer to return to the role, Gavin was replaced.
He was then considered for 1973’s Live And Let Die, but producer Harry Saltzman insisted a British actor be chosen for the role – leading to the casting of Roger Moore.
Gavin is survived by his wife, Connie, and their two children.
Connie told TMZ: ‘We lost our best friend, father and husband. We were so grateful to have him.’