'A Christmas Story' Dad Dies

[Gemini Cricket]

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," and endearing holiday audiences with his role as the grouchy dad in the 1983 comedy classic "A Christmas Story."

McGavin, 83, died Saturday of natural causes at a Los Angeles-area hospital with his family at his side, said his son Bogart McGavin.
Source (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060226/ap_en_tv/obit_mcgavin)
Bummerific.
:(

[Kevy Baby]

For a Disney tie-in, he was also in several movies on The Wonderful World of Disney.

[flippyshark]

For me, he will always be Carl Kolchak, in THE NIGHT STALKER made for TV movie, its sequel THE NIGHT STRANGLER, and the short lived Kolchak series. All the above are available on DVD now. I particularly recommend the double DVD with both of the movies on it. They are fantastic, especialy for 70's made for TV horror. The series is not the greatest, but McGavin makes every scene he is in worth watching.

[Boss Radio]

For me, he will always be Carl Kolchak, in THE NIGHT STALKER made for TV movie, its sequel THE NIGHT STRANGLER, and the short lived Kolchak series. All the above are available on DVD now. I particularly recommend the double DVD with both of the movies on it. They are fantastic, especialy for 70's made for TV horror. The series is not the greatest, but McGavin makes every scene he is in worth watching.

I concur.

[flippyshark]

There's actually a movie that unites both of these dear departed actors.

Walt Disney Pictures' NO DEPOSIT NO RETURN

Don Knotts and Darrin McGavin star as safecrackers who get saddled with some kids. I've never seen it, but the set-up sounds kind of Damon Runyon-esque. Anyway, it's on DVD, if anyone wants to check it out for a dual honorary viewing.

(I've posted this same message on the other tribute thread as well.)

[orbitalpunk]

God I love 'A Christmas Story'.