Dick Sargent
- Category : Actor
- Type : MGE
- Profile : 3/5 - Martyr / Heretic
- Definition : Split - Small (6,30,48)
- Incarnation Cross : RAX Laws 1
Biography
Richard Stanford Cox (April 19, 1930 – July 8, 1994), known professionally as Dick Sargent, was an American actor, notable as the second actor to portray Darrin Stephens on the television series Bewitched. The actor took the name Dick Sargent from a Saturday Evening Post illustrator/artist of the same name.
Career
Born Richard Stanford Cox in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, Sargent had appeared in films since his debut in Prisoner of War (1954). When Dick York was forced to leave the Bewitched series owing to health problems in 1969, Sargent stepped into the role. He had first been offered the role in 1964 after William Asher and Elizabeth Montgomery were involved and chose him but was under contract to Universal Studios and unable to accept it. His efforts were focused on the short-lived sitcom Broadside instead. He appeared in The Great Locomotive Chase starring Fess Parker, Operation Petticoat starring Cary Grant, and The Ghost and Mr. Chicken starring Don Knotts. Sargent played Darrin until Bewitched ended in 1972. Later in the 1970s, he appeared in Hardcore as Jake Van Dorn's straight laced brother in law, Wes DeJong.
Sargent continued to work in film and made numerous guest appearances on various television shows, including one episode of Three's Company, The Waltons, Charlie's Angels, Knots Landing, Family Ties and two episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard. He also portrayed himself in a 1993 Columbo episode. In the mid-1980s, he landed the steady role of Richard Preston, the widowed father, in the syndicated sitcom Down to Earth. He also appeared in the witch-themed movie Teen Witch in 1989.
Throughout the 1980s, he joined actress Sally Struthers as an advocate of the Christian Children's Fund, which brought relief to developing nations' children.
Personal life
In 1991, Sargent publicly declared his homosexuality and supported gay rights issues. He lived with his domestic partner, Albert Williams, until his death in 1994.
In June 1992, Sargent was a Grand Marshal of the Los Angeles Gay Pride parade along with actress and former Bewitched co-star Elizabeth Montgomery.
Death
Sargent died on July 8, 1994 from prostate cancer at the age of 64.