Beatles, Revolver
If you are anywhere near my age and you dont know this guy, something is wrong with you. I imagine that one of the many aspirations of every actor is to find that one role that becomes larger than life, growing into a cultural institution that makes lives better and brings people together. Maybe that laguage os a little over the top, but if there ever was such a role and such an actor, it was Darren McGavin in "A Christmas Story." May he rest in peace...
Actor's biggest award may have been a leg lamp
Remembered for roles in `Christmas Story,' 'Mike Hammer'
GREG RISLING
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES - Darren McGavin was painting a movie set in 1945 when he learned of an opening for a small role in the show, climbed off his ladder and returned through Columbia's front gates to land the part.
The husky, tough-talking performer went on to become one of the busiest actors in television and film, starring in five TV series, including "Mike Hammer" in the 1950s, and endearing holiday audiences with his role as the grouchy dad in the 1983 comedy classic "A Christmas Story." In one scene, McGavin's character excitedly opens "a major award" he has won in a contest: a lamp shaped like a woman's stockinged leg.
McGavin, 83, died Saturday of natural causes at a Los Angeles-area hospital, said his son Bogart McGavin.
McGavin also had leading roles in TV's "Riverboat" and cult favorite "Kolchak: The Night Stalker." Among his memorable portrayals was Gen. George Patton in the 1979 TV biography "Ike."
Despite his busy career in television, McGavin was awarded only one Emmy: in 1990 for an appearance as Candice Bergen's opinionated father in "Murphy Brown."
He lacked the prominence in films he enjoyed in television, but he registered strongly in featured roles such as Frank Sinatra's crafty drug supplier in "The Man with the Golden Arm" (1955) and the gambler in 1984's "The Natural."
Born in Spokane, Wash., McGavin was sketchy in interviews about his childhood.
He spent a year at College of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif., then landed in Los Angeles. He washed dishes and painted sets at Columbia studio. He was working on "A Song to Remember" when an agent told him of an opening for a small role.
"I climbed off a painter's ladder and washed up at a nearby gas station," McGavin said. "I returned through Columbia's front gate with the agent."
The director hired him. No one recognized him but the paint foreman, who said, "You're fired."
available at http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/13971169.htm
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