Darren McGavin was an American actor who is best known for roles in The Night Stalker, A Christmas Story, and Mike Hammer. He had a long and versatile career on stage and screen from the 1940s until his passing in 2006.
Personal and Family Life
Darren McGavin was born William Lyle Richardson on May 7, 1922, in Spokane, Washington. He was the son of Grace Mitton and Reed D. Richardson. McGavin was married twice; first to Melanie York, with whom he had four children, and later to Kathie Browne, who remained his spouse until her death in 2003. His children include York, Bridget, Megan, and Bogart McGavin.
Career Highlights
McGavin gained fame for his role as Carl Kolchak in Kolchak: The Night Stalker, which became a cult classic. He showcased his acting skills in various genres, from horror to comedy. Some notable performances in films include A Christmas Story and The Man with the Golden Arm, where he played complex characters that highlighted his versatile talent.
Death and Legacy
Darren McGavin passed away on February 25, 2006, from natural causes in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a rich legacy in film and television, influencing future generations of actors. McGavin was honored in the “In Memoriam” segment at the 79th Annual Academy Awards for his significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Man with the Golden Arm | 1955-12-26 | Louie |
| A Christmas Story | 1983-11-18 | Mr. Parker |
| Raw Deal | 1986-06-06 | Chief Harry Shannon |
| Billy Madison | 1995-02-10 | Brian Madison |
| By Dawn’s Early Light | 1990-05-19 | Condor |
| The Night Stalker | 1972-01-11 | Carl Kolchak |
| Kojak: It’s Always Something | 1990-01-31 | Wainwright |
| Murphy Brown | 1988-11-14 | Bill Brown |
| The X-Files | 1993-09-10 | Agent Arthur Dales |
| Kolchak: The Night Stalker | 1974-09-13 | Carl Kolchak |