Darren McGavin

Born William Lyle Richardson, Darren McGavin began his acting career in the 1950s, starring in the television series Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer as a tough-talking, funny detective. His breakthrough role came when he played the lead in the NBC western series Riverboat, initially alongside Burt Reynolds before being replaced by Noah Beery, Jr. In addition to his work in television, McGavin also appeared in films such as A Christmas Story, where he portrayed a grumpy father prone to outbursts. He gained further recognition for his portrayal of Carl Kolchak in the television series Kolchak: The Night Stalker.