John Garfield Biography: Children, Height, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Age, Wife, Death

Jacob Julius Garfinkle, known as John Garfield, was a pioneering American actor whose intense performances in films like The Postman Always Rings Twice and Body and Soul made him a Hollywood icon of the 1940s.

His raw talent and advocacy for social justice embody the American spirit, leaving a lasting legacy as a trailblazer in the film industry.

Profile

• Full Name: Jacob Julius Garfinkle
• Stage Name: John Garfield
• Born: March 4, 1913
• Died: May 21, 1952 (Age: 39 years old)
• Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor
• Height: 171 cm
• Religion: Judaism
• Parents: David Garfinkle (Father), Hannah Garfinkle (Mother)
• Siblings: Max Garfinkle (Brother)
• Spouse: Roberta Seidman (M. 1935–1952)
• Children: Katherine Garfield (Daughter), David Garfield (Son), Julie Garfield (Daughter)
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $500,000 (equivalent to ~$5,000,000 in 2025)

Early Life & Education

John Garfield was born on March 4, 1913, in New York City’s Lower East Side, a vibrant hub for Jewish immigrants.

His father, David Garfinkle, a clothes presser, and his mother, Hannah Garfinkle, both Russian-Jewish immigrants, raised him in modest circumstances.

His ethnicity was Jewish American, and his religion was Judaism, which shaped his identity and social consciousness.

He grew up with an older brother, Max Garfinkle, but lost his mother at age seven, leading to a tough childhood marked by street life and frequent fights.

Sent to a school for troubled youth, he was mentored by principal Angelo Patri, who introduced him to boxing and acting.

John Garfield attended P.S. 45 and other public schools in New York City but faced challenges due to his rebellious nature.

He studied at the Heckscher Foundation Drama Workshop and later at the O’Connell School of Acting under Maria Ouspenskaya.

Career

John Garfield began his career in theater, joining the Group Theatre in 1932 and performing in plays like Awake and Sing! and Waiting for Lefty.

His Broadway success led to his film debut in Four Daughters (1938), earning an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Known for his brooding intensity, he starred in films like They Made Me a Criminal (1939), The Sea Wolf (1941), The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) with Lana Turner, and Body and Soul (1947), a boxing drama that showcased his raw talent.

Garfield’s method of acting, influenced by the Group Theatre, made him a precursor to actors like Marlon Brando.

He formed his own production company, Enterprise Productions, to champion socially conscious films like Gentleman’s Agreement (1947).

Blacklisted during the McCarthy era for alleged communist ties, he returned to Broadway in 1952 for Golden Boy but died shortly after. His 33 films and stage work left a profound mark on American cinema.

Awards & Nominations

• 1939: Academy Award Nomination – Best Supporting Actor for Four Daughters
• 1948: Academy Award Nomination – Best Actor for Body and Soul

Social Media

John Garfield died in 1952, before social media existed.

Personal Life

John Garfield, who died at 39 on May 21, 1952, from a heart attack, was married to Roberta Seidman, a childhood friend, from 1935 until his death. Standing at 171 cm tall, he had a magnetic, rebellious charm.

They had three children: Katherine (died 1945 at age six), David (1940–1994), and Julie (born 1946), both of whom became actors.

John faced personal tragedies, including his daughter’s death and his own health issues, exacerbated by the Hollywood blacklist’s stress. He was politically active, supporting liberal causes and co-founding the Hollywood Democratic Committee.

Known for his love of New York, he frequented jazz clubs and boxing gyms, embodying the gritty spirit of his hometown.

His Jewish-American identity and commitment to social justice made him a beloved figure in the community.

Net Worth

John Garfield’s net worth was estimated at $500,000 at the time of his death in 1952, equivalent to approximately $5,000,000 in 2025 when adjusted for inflation.

His income came from starring roles in 33 films, Broadway performances, and his production company, Enterprise Productions. His financial success reflected his status as a leading American actor.

Filmography

• Four Daughters (Film, 1938) – Mickey Borden
• They Made Me a Criminal (Film, 1939) – Johnnie Bradfield
• Juarez (Film, 1939) – Porfirio Diaz
• Castle on the Hudson (Film, 1940) – Tommy Gordon
• The Sea Wolf (Film, 1941) – George Leach
• Tortilla Flat (Film, 1942) – Danny Alvarez
• Air Force (Film, 1943) – Joe Winocki
• Destination Tokyo (Film, 1943) – Wolf
• The Postman Always Rings Twice (Film, 1946) – Frank Chambers
• Body and Soul (Film, 1947) – Charley Davis
• Gentleman’s Agreement (Film, 1947) – Dave Goldman
• Force of Evil (Film, 1948) – Joe Morse
• We Were Strangers (Film, 1949) – Tony Fenner