Sunday, February 26, 2006

Remembering Darren McGavin.

Darren McGavin
1922-2006
Actor Darren McGavin passed away this weekend at the age of 83.

The veteran of stage, screen and television is best known as the supernatural investigator in TV’s “Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” and had a recurring role on “Murphy Brown” as Candice Bergen’s father. He played a bookie in “The Natural,” and was a drug dealer opposite Frank Sinatra in “The Man With the Golden Arm.”

However, it was his performance as Ralphie Parker’s Dad (aka The Old Man) in the 1983 film “A Christmas Story” which will forever be etched in my mind.

Who could forget the scene of the delivery of the big wooden box that read “FRAGILE?” Upon seeing this, McGavin’s character read it: “Frah-JEE-Lay ... It must be Italian!”

What followed was the actual opening of the big crate. You remember the big “Leg Lamp” emerging from the box, with “The Old Man’s” delighted reaction? One of many scenes in that movie which will live on in cinematic lore!
McGavin is survived by four children -- York, Megan, Bridget and Bogart -- from his first marriage to Melanie York McGavin.

No comments: