What's After the Movie
Darren McGavin
Darren McGavin, originally named William Lyle Richardson, was an influential American actor known for his substantial work in theater, television, and film. Born on May 7, 1922, in Spokane, Washington, he had a colorful life and prolific career that spanned 1940 to 2003. McGavin began his career as a painter for Columbia Pictures before progressing into the limelight. In 1954, he made his Broadway debut with the productions of My Three Angels and The Rainmaker. His film career also kick-started around this time, with roles in David Lean's Summertime and Otto Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm (both 1955). On television, he portrayed memorable characters in Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (1958–1959), Riverboat (1959–1961), and Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974–1975). He was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his recurring role on the sitcom Murphy Brown. McGavin’s other notable films include A Christmas Story (1983), Happy Hell Night (1992), and Billy Madison (1995). Despite significant contributions, he remained uncredited for his portrayal of a bookie in the baseball film The Natural (1984) due to a contract dispute. McGavin passed away on February 25, 2006, leaving behind a rich legacy in the world of entertainment.
Biography, Career & Filmography
Learn more about Darren McGavin, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how Darren McGavin rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: William Lyle Richardson
Born: Spokane, Washington, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: May 7, 1922
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1940-2003
Children: 4
Spouses: Anita Williams, Melanie York, Kathie Browne
External Links and Streaming Options
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Movies Featuring Darren McGavin
Airport '77
The Man with the Golden Arm
Raw Deal
Turk 182
The 50 Worst Movies Ever Made
By Dawn’s Early Light
Child in the Night
Perfect Harmony
Blood and Concrete
Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker
The Martian Chronicles
Firebird 2015 A.D.
Captain America
Hangar 18
The Baron and the Kid
Kojak: It’s Always Something
My Wicked, Wicked Ways: The Legend of Errol Flynn
From the Hip
Inherit the Wind
Around the World in 80 Days
The Diamond Trap
Dead Heat
Tales from the Hollywood Hills: Natica Jackson
A Word to the Wives…
Happy Mother’s Day, Love George
The Challenge
The Night Stalker
Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole
A Perfect Stranger
The Six Million Dollar Man
Happy Hell Night
Hot Lead & Cold Feet
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell
The Rookies
Witchcraft: The Doll in Brambles
The Great Sioux Massacre
The Users
Ike
Mooch Goes to Hollywood
Crackle of Death
Beau James
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas
Tribes
Summertime
The Death of Me Yet
Banyon
Pros & Cons
Something Evil
Captain America: Director’s Cut
Demon and the Mummy
No Deposit, No Return
The Night Strangler
Disneyland ’59
Mrs. Pollifax — Spy
The Delicate Delinquent
B. Must Die
Zero to Sixty
She Wouldn’t Say Yes
A Song to Remember
Career Timeline
Track the complete movie timeline of Darren McGavin, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.
1991
Perfect Harmony
Mr. Hobbs
Blood and Concrete
Hank Dick
Preminger: Anatomy of a Filmmaker
actor (archive footage) (uncredited)
1990
By Dawn’s Early Light
Condor
Child in the Night
Os Winfield
Captain America
General Fleming
Kojak: It’s Always Something
Wainwright
1973
Happy Mother’s Day, Love George
The Six Million Dollar Man
Oliver Spencer
The Night Strangler
Carl Kolchak
1972
The Night Stalker
Carl Kolchak
Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole
Dr. Lou Grazzo
The Rookies
Sgt. Eddie Ryker
Something Evil
Paul Worden
1971
Mooch Goes to Hollywood
Darren McGavin (uncredited)
The Death of Me Yet
Joe Chalk
Banyon
Lieutenant Pete Cordova
Mrs. Pollifax — Spy
Farrell
1955
The Man with the Golden Arm
A Word to the Wives…
George Peters
The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell
Capt. Russ Peters
Summertime
Eddie Yaeger
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