
Dick York
Dick York (born September 4, 1928 – February 20, 1992) was an American actor best known for his role as Darrin Stephens on the classic television sitcom *Bewitched* (1964–1972). His portrayal of the character made him a beloved figure in American television history. Dick York was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He showed an early interest in acting and eventually moved to New York City to pursue a career in theater. Before his acting career took off, York worked various odd jobs, including as a radio announcer. His big break came in the 1950s when he began landing roles in both television and film. York's early acting career was filled with roles in movies and television series. He appeared in films such as They Came to Cordura (1959) and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), where he played small but significant parts. His television appearances also included guest spots on a number of popular series. However, it was his role as Darrin Stephens on Bewitched that brought him lasting fame. The show, which debuted in 1964, starred Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, a witch married to an ordinary man, Darrin. York played the first Darrin, a role he portrayed for the first five seasons of the show. The show became a massive hit and is remembered as one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1960s. His portrayal of Darrin was beloved for his humorous and often exasperated reactions to the magical chaos caused by Samantha’s powers. In 1969, due to health issues, York was forced to leave Bewitched during the sixth season. His departure was explained on the show by having Darrin suffer an illness that made him unable to continue working. Actor Dick Sargent replaced him in the role for the final three seasons, but York's version of Darrin remains the most fondly remembered by fans of the show. Throughout his life, Dick York struggled with health problems. In the early 1950s, he was diagnosed with a severe back injury that led to chronic pain. The pain became debilitating, and York became addicted to painkillers, which contributed to his departure from *Bewitched*. His health issues were often a private struggle, and they affected his career in the latter part of his life. York married his wife, Joan Alt, in 1951, and they had three children together. Despite his professional struggles and health challenges, York remained committed to his family and enjoyed a relatively quiet life outside the public eye in his later years. Dick York passed away on February 20, 1992, at the age of 63, from complications related to emphysema. His death was a great loss to the entertainment world, as he was widely regarded as a talented and beloved actor, especially for his work on Bewitched.
Known For
Credits
- 2023 · Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitched Life as Self/Darrin Stephens (archive footage)
- 2022 · Say Hey, Willie Mays! as Self
- 2014 · Predestination as Darrin Stephens in Bewitched (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 2005 · Bewitched as Darrin Stephens (archive)
- 2003 · Hell's Highway: The True Story of Highway Safety Films as Nick (archive footage)
- 2002 · Reflections of Evil as Darrin Stephens (archive footage)
- 1984 · High School U.S.A. as Superintendant McCarthy
- 1981 · Simon & Simon as
- 1964 · Bewitched as Darrin Stephens
- 1962 · Going My Way as Tom Colwell
- 1962 · The Alfred Hitchcock Hour as Will Pearce
- 1962 · The Virginian as Jeff Tolliver
- 1962 · The Incredible Doktor Markesan as Fred Bancroft
- 1961 · Dr. Kildare as Harry Benton
- 1960 · Route 66 as
- 1960 · Stagecoach West as Webb Crawford
- 1960 · The Flintstones as Darrin Stephens (voice)
- 1960 · Outlaws as
- 1960 · Thriller as Fred Bancroft
- 1960 · Inherit the Wind as Bertram T. Cates
- 1959 · The Untouchables as Ernie Torrance
- 1959 · Adventures in Paradise as Markham Jones
- 1959 · The Twilight Zone as Hector B. Poole
- 1959 · The Twilight Zone as Capt. Phil Riker
- 1959 · The DuPont Show with June Allyson as Lt. James Whitney
- 1959 · They Came to Cordura as Pvt. Wilbur James Renziehausen
- 1959 · The Last Blitzkrieg as Sergeant Otto Ludwig
- 1959 · Rawhide as Frank Price
- 1959 · Rawhide as Elwood P. Gilroy
- 1958 · Naked City as Charles Colano
- 1958 · Cowboy as Charlie, Trailhand
- 1957 · Alcoa Theatre as Corporal James Sloan
- 1957 · Operation Mad Ball as Cpl. Bohun
- 1955 · Three Stripes in the Sun as Cpl. Neeby Muhlendorf
- 1955 · Playwrights '56 as
- 1955 · Alfred Hitchcock Presents as Manny Coe
- 1955 · Alfred Hitchcock Presents as Norman Logan
- 1955 · Alfred Hitchcock Presents as J.J. Bunce
- 1955 · Alfred Hitchcock Presents as Ralph Jones
- 1955 · Alfred Hitchcock Presents as Tom Barton
- 1955 · Alfred Hitchcock Presents as Herbert Wiggam
- 1955 · My Sister Eileen as Ted Loomis
- 1955 · The Millionaire as Ken Leighton
- 1955 · The Millionaire as Sandy Newell
- 1954 · Climax! as Gordon Bates
- 1954 · Them! as Teenager in Police Station
- 1953 · General Electric Theater as Ashael Miller
- 1952 · Omnibus as Nick
- 1951 · How Friendly Are You? as Phil
- 1950 · Last Date as Nick (as Richard York)
- 1949 · Rest and Health as
- 1948 · Studio One as George Fox
- 1948 · Studio One as George Weston
- 1948 · Studio One as Lt. Paul Koestler
- 1948 · The Philco Television Playhouse as Andy
- 1947 · Shy Guy as Phillip Norton
- 1947 · Kraft Television Theatre as Zack
- 1947 · Kraft Television Theatre as Deputy Sheriff
- 1947 · Bookkeeping and You as Bob Thayer
- 1945 · Insomnia as Lucky