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Few people merit a Christmas salute as a memorial. But Darren McGavin certainly qualifies. As the grouchy father who ultimately saves the day in the 1983 movie "A Christmas Story," he gave life to the battle cry "Not a finger!" and helped the cause of kitschy lamps the world over. McGavin died Feb. 25, 2006, at the age of 83.
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It stands to reason that McGavin was not always a crusty old curmudgeon. Here, he is seen in character as crusty young curmudgeon Mike Hammer in a 1958 file photo. He played the tough-talking private eye in a TV series that ran for two seasons. McGavin had a loyal fan base because of his work in TV's "Kolchak: The Night Stalker."
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McGavin always had a busy career in television. Here, he is seen at top, with Burt Reynolds, in a scene from a television series called "Riverboat" June 25, 1959. McGavin played the captain of the vessel.
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Here is McGavin in another scene from "Riverboat," this time with Elizabeth Montgomery, who was making a one-time appearance on that series. Montgomery, of course, would go on to become a television icon as Samantha Stephens in "Bewitched" (1964-1972). This photo was taken Aug. 18, 1959.
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Darren McGavin poses with his ACE Award trophy in this Jan. 12, 1992 file photo. The ACE awards are no longer given. They were established at a time when cable TV programs were not eligible for Emmys. McGavin won his ACE for his performance in "Clara," a televised play by Arthur Miller. He also won an Emmy in 1990 for a guest appearance as the father of "Murphy Brown."
