Following the success of "Imitation of Life", Gavin was often cast as the handsome opposite to leading ladies but as characters whom were permitted little action. He co-starred against Doris Day in the thriller "Midnight Lace", Sophia Loren in the comedic "A Breath of Scandal" (both 1960), Susan Hayward in the melodrama "Back Street" and with Sandra Dee in "Romanoff and Juliet" and "Tammy Tell Me True" (all 1961). Most of these films were produced by Ross Hunter. Gavin also appeared periodically on television in various anthology series. He was directed by a young William Friedkin in the episode 'Off Season', S3, Ep29 of "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour".