John Garfield, one of America’s best known actors who was born Julius Garfinkle in New York’s lower East Side, died yesterday of a heart ailment. He was 39 years-old. He will be buried tomorrow at the Weschester Hill Jewish cemetery.
Mr. Garfield, who starred in numerous plays and movies, often spoke of the fact that his father was a pants presser in a factory during the week and a cantor in a synagogue on week-ends and Jewish holidays. He was known in Hollywood as an actor with no interest in night clubs, fancy cars or other frills. Once he turned down a studio offer reputed to be $250,000 a year to go into a little Theatre production at $80 a week.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
