john gavin (john anthony golenor; april 8, 1931 – february 9, 2018) was an american politician and actor. he was the ambassador to mexico from 1981 through 1986 under president ronald reagan. gavin was in many movies. he was president of the screen actors guild from 1971 through 1973. he was originally to play james bond in two movies, but was rejected because he was not british.