John Garfield

John Garfield (born Jacob Julius Garfinkle) was an American actor who played brooding, rebellious, working-class characters. He grew up in poverty in New York City. In the early 1930s, he became a member of the Group Theatre. In 1937, he moved to Hollywood, eventually becoming one of Warner Bros.' stars. He received Academy Award nominations for his performances in Four Daughters (1938) and Body and Soul (1947).

Called to testify before the U.S. Congressional House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC), he denied communist affiliation and refused to "name names", effectively ending his film career. Some have alleged that the stress of this persecution led to his premature death at 39 from a heart attack. Garfield is acknowledged as a predecessor of such Method actors as Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and James Dean. (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Sources

• "John Garfield." Wikipedia, revision of 27 May 2023. < link > Accessed 31 May 2023.
• "John Garfield Dies at Home of Friend." The New York Times, published 22 May 1959. < link > Accessed 1 June 2023.
• "John Garfield Dies in N.Y. Home of Actress." The Los Angeles Times, published 22 May 1959. < link > Accessed 1 June 2023.
• http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/125598/the-jewish-...