Dick York

Birthday: 1928-09-04
Deathday: 1992-02-20
Birthplace: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Gender: Male
Owned By: Unowned

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.

Credits

Year Title Character
2005-06-21 Bewitched Darrin Stephens (archive)
1984-05-26 High School U.S.A. Superintendant McCarthy
1962-02-25 The Incredible Doktor Markesan Fred Bancroft
1960-07-07 Inherit the Wind Bertram T. Cates
1959-06-01 They Came to Cordura Pvt. Wilbur James Renziehausen
1959-01-30 The Last Blitzkrieg Sergeant Otto Ludwig
1958-01-23 Cowboy Charlie, Trailhand
1957-08-17 Operation Mad Ball Cpl. Bohun
1955-11-23 Three Stripes in the Sun Cpl. Neeby Muhlendorf
1955-09-22 My Sister Eileen Ted Loomis
1954-06-16 Them! Teenager in Police Station
1951-02-21 How Friendly Are You? Phil
1950-03-26 Last Date Nick (as Richard York)
1949-01-01 Rest and Health
1947-08-05 Shy Guy Phillip Norton
1947-01-01 Bookkeeping and You Bob Thayer
1945-11-15 Insomnia Lucky