Trivia

He was indeed "curiously" uncredited in The Natural (1984). During the filming of the movie, Robert Redford was so pleased with McGavin's portrayal of his character that they began to expand the role. However, after a certain point, union rules dictated that the actor's contract needed to be renegotiated for salary and billing. After haggling on salary, and holding up production of the movie because of it, the billing had to be decided. Apparently, McGavin became somewhat fed up with the proceedings and instructed his agent to waive his billing entirely so they could get back to filming.

Was to assume the Larry Hagman role of "Major Anthony (Tony) Nelson" for the sixth season of I Dream of Jeannie (1965), but NBC canceled the series before production began.

In the remake Night Stalker (2005) as a tribute to the original Night Stalker Darrin McGavin, in a newsroom scene in the pilot, the image of Darren McGavin (the original Kolchak from the 1970s movies and television series) can be seen standing at one of the desks, dressed as the 1970s Kolchak, chatting with one of the reporters. This image was digitally sampled from an episode of Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974), and placed into the scene.

Received a special mention as part of the Annual ' In Memoriam ' tribute at The 79th Annual Academy Awards (2007).

He has appeared in two films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) and A Christmas Story (1983).

Studied Martial Arts when he was starting his career as an actor for his acting abilities.

Received a B.F.A. in Theatre / Acting from the prestigious Actors Studio, New School University in New York City.

Children by Melanie York: Megan, Bridget, York, and Bogart.

Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch).

Studied acting at New York City's prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse under legendary acting coach, Sanford Meisner.

He studied drama at HB Studio in Greenwich Village in New York City.

Darren McGavin is a direct descendant of Pilgrim William White, who arrived in America on the Mayflower.

Separated from Melanie York in September, 1966.

Starred in Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974) (the title character) & Raw Deal (1986) which were both filmed in Chicago.

Has twice said, "...whatever it takes.": The Six Million Dollar Man (1973) & Raw Deal (1986). Has also twice played a character named Harry: Hangar 18 (1980) & Raw Deal (1986).

Interred at Hollywood Forever. Hollywood, Los Angeles County, California. Plot Section 7 (Griffith Lawn), Lot 203, Grave 14.