A remarkably seasoned actor of stage, screen and television, Darren McGavin has notched in excess of performances; however, he is most fondly remembered by cult TV fans as heroic newspaper reporter Carl Kolchak in the classic but short-lived horror TV series Kolchak: The Night Stalker In a long and varied career, McGavin has often turned up as authority figures including policemen, military officers, stern-faced business executives or father figures; however, he is equally adept at light-hearted comedic performances. His mother was from Ontario, Canada.

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He was best known for his starring role in the television series Mike Hammer , for his portrayal of newspaper reporter Carl Kolchak in two made-for-TV movies— The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler —and the cult TV series they inspired, Kolchak: The Night Stalker —75 , and for his performance as the grumpy dad in the motion picture A Christmas Story Darren McGavin. Info Print Cite. Submit Feedback. Thank you for your feedback. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree See Article History. Originally published in the Britannica Book of the Year. Presented as archival content.
Movies / TV
Welcome to Darren and Kathie fans everywhere! The text includes commentary and discussion on each episode, a behind-the-scenes look at the trials and tribulations of the series and numerous, never before published production stills. We will be glad to autograph copies sent to us. We hope you enjoy the read and look forward to hearing your comments. There are several things in the works for the web page. Keep checking back here for more details. This revival was performed at the Lincoln Center, being cast and supervised by Richard Rodgers himself in The release date is August 29, and should be available in stores.
A versatile leading and character actor who is equally adept at comedy as he is with drama, Darren McGavin has spent the bulk of his time on television and only occasionally appears in feature films. He also has extensive stage experience. In , he played the title role in the television detective drama Mike Hammer. In feature films, McGavin averaged a film or two per year; by , he had switched to television movies like The Outsider and The Challengers In , he played vampire-hunting investigative reporter Carl Kolchak in The Nightstalker, a popular television movie that successfully blended humor, suspense, and horror. McGavin's wise-cracking character then appeared in a sequel and in starred in the short-lived television series Kolchak: The Nightstalker. While with the show, McGavin directed a few episodes. In , McGavin played one of his most memorable roles, that of the foul-mouthed, somewhat discombobulated, but well-meaning father in the uproarious A Christmas Story.