James Arness

Date of Birth: May 26, 1923

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: June 3, 2011

Biography

James Arness was an American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series “Gunsmoke.” Born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he was the son of Rolf Cirkler Aurness, a businessman, and Ruth Duesler, a journalist. Arness had a younger brother, Peter Graves, who also became a well-known actor. Arness served in the United States Army during World War II, where he was severely wounded during the Battle of Anzio. After recovering, he returned to the United States and began his acting career in Hollywood, initially appearing in B-movies and minor roles. His big break came in 1955 when he was cast as the lead in “Gunsmoke,” a role he would play for 20 years until the show ended in 1975. Apart from “Gunsmoke,” Arness also starred in several other TV series and movies, including “How the West Was Won” and “The Thing from Another World.” He was known for his towering 6’7″ frame, deep voice, and commanding screen presence. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88 in Los Angeles, California. He left behind a legacy as one of television’s most enduring and beloved actors.

5 Interesting Facts about James Arness

1. James Arness was recommended for the role of Marshal Matt Dillon by John Wayne, who turned down the role himself.

2. Due to his height of 6’7″, Arness often faced challenges finding roles that fit his imposing stature early in his career.

3. He received the Purple Heart for his service in World War II after being wounded in the leg.

4. Arness starred in all 635 episodes of “Gunsmoke,” making it one of the longest-running primetime TV dramas in history.

5. He was an avid surfer and enjoyed spending time on the ocean, a hobby he maintained throughout his life.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Arness

1. “What made us different is that ‘Gunsmoke’ wasn’t just a Western, or just a TV show; it was a family.”

2. “I’ve had three great careers: motion pictures and television, military service, and family.”

3. “I really do think that ‘Gunsmoke’ had an influence on people’s behavior. They were living through us.”

4. “It was a different time back then. We filmed so many episodes a season, and we were all like a family.”

5. “The thing that kept ‘Gunsmoke’ fresh for so many years was the quality of the writing and the dedication of the cast and crew.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, James Arness had an estimated net worth of $8 million.

Children

James Arness had three children. He had two sons, Rolf Aurness and Craig Aurness, and a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness. His daughter, Jenny Lee, tragically passed away in 1975.