Darren McGavin American actor Date of Birth: 07.05.1922 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Struggles
2. Career Beginnings
3. Hollywood Breakthrough
4. Television Success and "The Night Stalker"
5. "A Christmas Story" and Later Roles
6. Personal Life and Legacy

Early Life and Struggles

Darren McGavin was born as William Lyle Richardson in Spokane, Washington. His family moved to San Joaquin, California, where he attended Puyallup High School. McGavin's parents divorced when he was young, and he was placed in an orphanage at age 11. After running away, he lived in docks and warehouses. He spent time in three orphanages, with Dyslin Boys Ranch in Pierce County, Washington, providing stability and mentorship.

Career Beginnings

Without formal acting training, McGavin worked as an art director at Columbia Pictures in 1945. After appearing in the musical "Song of Memory," he moved to New York City, where he studied acting and performed on television for a decade. McGavin attended the Neighborhood Playhouse and the Actors Studio, where he learned the Stanislavski method. He debuted on Broadway in "Death of a Salesman" and held leading roles in "The Rainmaker" and "The King and I."

Hollywood Breakthrough

Returning to Hollywood, McGavin's breakthrough came in 1955 with roles in "Summertime" and "The Man with the Golden Arm." He appeared in an episode of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and demonstrated his skill in karate by performing his own stunts. McGavin replaced Dean Martin in "The Delicate Delinquent" and was the replacement candidate for Larry Hagman in "I Dream of Jeannie."

Television Success and "The Night Stalker"

McGavin gained recognition for his role as Sam Parkhill in "The Martian Chronicles" and as Eddie Hannigan in "The Name of the Game." In 1972, he starred in the television movie "The Night Stalker," which spawned the television series of the same name. His portrayal of Carl Kolchak inspired the creators of "The X-Files" to cast McGavin as Arthur Dales in three episodes.

"A Christmas Story" and Later Roles

McGavin received his second iconic role in the 1983 comedy "A Christmas Story." He reportedly earned $2 million for the role, making him one of the highest-paid actors at the time. McGavin won a CableACE Award for "Clara" and an Emmy Award in 1990 for his guest appearance on "Murphy Brown."

Personal Life and Legacy

McGavin was married twice, first to Melanie York from 1944 to 1969 and then to Kathie Browne from 1969 to her death in 2003. He had four children with York. McGavin passed away at the age of 83 on February 25, 2006, at a Los Angeles hospital.