The Hollywood actor passed away on Friday morning, aged 86, after battling leukaemia.
Gavin is best know for playing Julius Caesar opposite Kirk Douglas in Spartacus and the role of Sam Loomis in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.
Aside from acting he had a short spell in politics, being the US ambassador to Mexico from 1981-86 – during President Ronald Reagan’s administration.
But what isn’t so well known about the late star is that he almost became the first American actor to portray James Bond in the official film franchise.
After George Lazenby quit 007 having only appearing in 1969’s On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, Gavin was offered Bond as his replacement.
Being due to star in 1971’s Diamonds Are Forever, the actor’s hopes were crushed when Connery decided to return for his sixth outing.
Come 1973, he was also set for Live And Let Die, but producers went with Sir Roger Moore, because they felt Bond should be played by a British actor.
That is of course despite the fact that Lazenby was an Australian. Speaking of which, Chris Hemsworth has admitted he’d be interested in being the next Bond.
According to Hollywood Life, he said: “Yeah, I mean, I think any actor would jump at that opportunity. I’m certainly a fan.”
“A lot of pressure comes with that though – the Bond fan base is probably more critical than the comic book fan base.
“I feel like it’s an English world. There’s plenty of guys who would do a better job than I would – plenty of men English men or women.”