John Garfield

John Garfield was born Jacob Julius Garfinkle on the Lower East Side of New York City to Hannah Basia (Margolis) and David Garfinkle, Jewish immigrants from Zhytomyr, now in Ukraine. After his mother's death in 1920, when he was seven, he was raised by his father, a clothes presser and part-time cantor. He was sent to a special school for problem children, where he was introduced to boxing and drama. He won a scholarship to Maria Ouspenskaya's drama school and joined the Civic Repertory Theatre in 1932, changing his name to Jules Garfield and making his Broadway debut in the company's *Counsellor-at-Law*. He later joined the Group Theatre, earning acclaim for his role in *Awake and Sing*. Embittered over being passed over for the lead in *Golden Boy*, a play written for him, he signed with Warner Brothers, who changed his name to John Garfield. He received widespread praise for his portrayal of the cynical Mickey Borden in *Four Daughters* (1938), and appeared in similar roles throughout his career despite his efforts to play a variety of parts. He had three children: Katherine (1938–1945), David Garfield (1942–1995), and Julie Garfield (1946–). Active in liberal political and social causes, he became embroiled in the Communist scare of the late 1940s. Though he testified before Congress that he was never a Communist, his ability to find work declined. While separated from his wife, he succumbed to long-term heart problems and died suddenly at the home of a female friend at age 39. His funeral was attended by thousands of fans, marking the largest turnout for an actor since Rudolph Valentino.