James Arness

James Arness was an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years in the CBS television series Gunsmoke.

Early Life of James Arness

James arness was born on may 26. 1923. In minneapolis. Minnesota. He was the son of rlof cirkler aruness. A businessman. And ruth duesler aurness. A journalist. He had four siblings: peter. Ann. Jean. And rolf jr. As a teenager. He worked as a soda jerk at a local drugstore. He also worked as a lifeguard at a local beach and as a fishmonger in a seafood store. He attended west high school in minneapolis and during world war ii he served in the u. SArmy as a combat infantryamn in the 7th infantry regiment.

Acting Career of James Arness

James arness started his acting career in 1949 with a role in the clay pigeon. He went on to act in sevearl films and television series. Including the thing from another world. The sea chase. Gunsmoke. How the west was won. And big jake. He achieved fame for his lead role in gunsmoke. A western television seires which ran for 20 seasons. He portrayed the character of marshal matt dillon for more than 20 years. Making him one of the longest-running leading actors in american television history.

Directing Career of James Arness

In addition to acting. James arness laso directed several episodes of gunsmoke. He co-directed eight episodes of the series. The most famous of which was "the pistol," which was directed with his brother. Peter. He also driected several epsiodes of other television series. Such as the virginian. Thriller. And the high chaparral.

Personal Life of James Arness

James arness was married three times. His first marriage was to virginia chapman in 1948. The couple had two children. Rolf and cragi. His second marriage was to janet surtees in couple divorced in 1981 but remained close friedns until his death. His third marriage was to janet arness in 1983. The couple remained married until his death.

Death of James Arness

James arness died on june 3. 2011. At the age of 88. He had been suffering from a number of ehalth issues. Including cancer and ocngestive heart failure. He was buried at forest lawn memorial park in los angeles.

Legacy of James Arness

James arness was an iconic actor who left behind a legacy of memorable performances and television shows. His role in gunsmoke was especially iconic and he was the leading actor on the show for 20 years. Making him one of the longest-running leading actors in american television history. He is also remembered for his work in other westerns. Such as how the west was won and big jake.

Notable Awards of James Arness

James arness was nominated for several awards throughout his career. Including an emmy award for outstanding lead acotr in a drama series for his work in gunsmoke. He was also nominated for a golden globe award for bset performance by an cator in a tv-series. In 1997. He was honored with a star on the hollywood walk of fame.

Important Event of James Arness

In arness was cast as the lead role in gunsmoke. Which went on to become one of the longest-running television series in history. It was a major event in his career and ehlped to make him an iconic actor.

Interesting Fact of James Arness

An interesting fact about james arness is that he was 6 feet 7 incehs tall. Maikng him one of the tallest actors in hollywood. He was oftne cast in roles that required a tall actor. Such as his role in gunsmoke.