Dick York
Born
September 4, 1928
Died
February 20, 1992 (63 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA
Dick York 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.

Elizabeth Montgomery: A Bewitched Life
Self/Darrin Stephens (archive footage)
2023

Say Hey, Willie Mays!
Self
2022

Predestination
Darrin Stephens in Bewitched (archive footage) (uncredited)
2014

Bewitched
Darrin Stephens (archive)
2005

Hell's Highway: The True Story of Highway Safety Films
Nick (archive footage)
2003

Reflections of Evil
Darrin Stephens (archive footage)
2002
High School U.S.A.
Superintendant McCarthy
1984

Simon & Simon
(1 episode)
1981

Bewitched
Darrin Stephens · (170 episodes)
1964

Going My Way
Tom Colwell · (30 episodes)
1962

The Alfred Hitchcock Hour
Will Pearce · (1 episode)
1962

The Virginian
Jeff Tolliver · (1 episode)
1962

The Incredible Doktor Markesan
Fred Bancroft
1962

Dr. Kildare
Harry Benton · (1 episode)
1961

Route 66
(1 episode)
1960

Stagecoach West
Webb Crawford · (1 episode)
1960

The Flintstones
Darrin Stephens (voice) · (1 episode)
1960

Outlaws
(1 episode)
1960

Thriller
Fred Bancroft · (1 episode)
1960

Inherit the Wind
Bertram T. Cates
1960

The Untouchables
Ernie Torrance · (1 episode)
1959

Adventures in Paradise
Markham Jones · (1 episode)
1959

The Twilight Zone
Hector B. Poole · (1 episode)
1959

The Twilight Zone
Capt. Phil Riker · (1 episode)
1959

The DuPont Show with June Allyson
Lt. James Whitney · (1 episode)
1959

They Came to Cordura
Pvt. Wilbur James Renziehausen
1959

The Last Blitzkrieg
Sergeant Otto Ludwig
1959

Rawhide
Frank Price · (1 episode)
1959

Rawhide
Elwood P. Gilroy · (1 episode)
1959

Naked City
Charles Colano · (1 episode)
1958

Cowboy
Charlie, Trailhand
1958

Alcoa Theatre
Corporal James Sloan · (1 episode)
1957

Wagon Train
Charley Shutup · (1 episode)
1957

Operation Mad Ball
Cpl. Bohun
1957

Three Stripes in the Sun
Cpl. Neeby Muhlendorf
1955
Playwrights '56
(1 episode)
1955

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Manny Coe · (1 episode)
1955

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Norman Logan · (1 episode)
1955

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
J.J. Bunce · (1 episode)
1955

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Ralph Jones · (1 episode)
1955

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Tom Barton · (1 episode)
1955

Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Herbert Wiggam · (1 episode)
1955

My Sister Eileen
Ted Loomis
1955

The Millionaire
Ken Leighton · (1 episode)
1955

The Millionaire
Sandy Newell · (1 episode)
1955

Climax!
Gordon Bates · (1 episode)
1954

Them!
Teenager in Police Station
1954

General Electric Theater
Ashael Miller · (1 episode)
1953

Omnibus
Nick · (1 episode)
1952

How Friendly Are You?
Phil
1951

Last Date
Nick (as Richard York)
1950

Rest and Health
1949

Studio One
George Fox · (1 episode)
1948

Studio One
George Weston · (1 episode)
1948

Studio One
Lt. Paul Koestler · (1 episode)
1948

The Philco Television Playhouse
Andy · (1 episode)
1948

Shy Guy
Phillip Norton
1947

Kraft Television Theatre
Zack · (1 episode)
1947

Kraft Television Theatre
Deputy Sheriff · (1 episode)
1947

Bookkeeping and You
Bob Thayer
1947
Insomnia
Lucky
1945