Actor Darren McGavin is best known for playing the title role in the ABC
television horror series Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974- 1975), and for
his portrayal of the grumpy father in the film classic  A Christmas Story
(1983). He also appeared in the starring role in the 1950s syndicated 
TV series Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer (1958 – 1960). McGavin 
also starred in the NBC western series Riverboat (1959 – 1961).

 
Darren McGavin in A Christmas Story