John Merton (born Myrtland F. LaVarre; February 18, 1901 – September 19, 1959) was an American film actor.

He was the brother of filmmakers André de la Varre and William LaVarre, the father of actor Lane Bradford, the grandfather of actress Diane Delano, and the great-uncle of academic Hollis Robbins.

[3][4] Born and raised in Seattle with three other brothers, Franklin, Claude, and William LaVarre,[5] he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War I.

[6] He joined the New York Theatre Guild in 1919 and appeared in a variety of shows, including playing the robot Marius in R.U.R.

It was DeMille who suggested he change his name to a more masculine John Merton.