Darren McGavin, R.I.P. (as of Saturday of “natural causes”).
The Internet Movie Database lists 173 credits to this 83-year-old actor’s name, mostly TV appearances from 1952’s “Goodyear Television Playhouse” to the 2005 remake of his signature mid-’70s series “The Night Stalker.”
But his role that will be seen throughout the ages is the Old Man (Ralphie Parker’s father) in 1983’s “A Christmas Story.” As directed and co-written by Bob “Porky’s” Clark from Jean Shepard’s novel, Mr. Parker was the quintessential dad torn between his authoritarian tendencies and child-like enthusiasm, and McGavin nailed him in all of his stern goofiness.
Who can forget the dad’s reaction when Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) tries on a gift bunny suit (thanks to IMDB):
Mr. Parker: He looks like a deranged Easter Bunny.
Mother: He does not!
Mr. Parker: He does too. He looks like a pink nightmare!
But most memorable was the Old Man’s giddy anticipation and unveiling of what he declares to be “a major award!”
It turns out to be, of course, a lamp in the shape of a leg, but that doesn’t stop him from enthusing, “Would you look at that? Would you look at THAT?” or declaring, “It’s… it’s… it’s indescribably beautiful! It reminds me of the Fourth of July!”
Alas, his wife (Melinda Dillon) fails to agree and finds a way to smash it by “accident,” prompting him to complain ruefully, “You were always jealous of this lamp.”
McGavin never won an Emmy or Oscar, just a Cable ACE for acting in the 1991 series “Clara.” His “major award” was knowing that “A Christmas Story,” which ran in a 24-hour “marathon” on TNT last December, will be highlighting his most indelible comedic performance for generations to come.
(c) 2006, Chicago Tribune.
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