James Arness: American actor (1923-2011)
James King Arness (May 26, 1923 – June 3, 2011) was an American actor.
He was best known for his role in Gunsmoke. He played the character Marshal Matt Dillon. His younger brother was actor Peter Graves.
James "Marshal Dillon" Arness | |
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| Born | James King Aurness May 26, 1923 |
| Died | June 3, 2011 (aged 88) |
| Cause of death | Natural causes |
| Resting place | Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Minneapolis Washburn High School Minneapolis West High School |
| Alma mater | Beloit College |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1947–94 |
| Television | Gunsmoke, How the West Was Won |
| Height | 201 cm (6 ft 7 in) |
| Spouse(s) | Virginia Chapman (m.1948–1960, divorced) Janet Surtees (m.1978–2011, his death) |
| Children | Rolf, Craig (deceased), Jim, Jenny Lee (deceased) |
| Relatives | Peter Graves (brother, deceased) |
| Website | jamesarness.com |
Early life
Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He dropped the "u" when he started acting. His mother was of German ancestry; his father was of Norwegian ancestry. The family name had been Aursnes, but when Rolf's father, Peter Aursnes, emigrated from Norway in 1887, he changed it to Aurness. Arness and his family were Methodists. He served in the army in Italy during World War II. He received the Bronze Star.
Death
Arness died in Los Angeles at age 88 of natural causes.
Filmography
Movies
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Television
- The Lone Ranger (1950, 1 episode as Deputy Bud Titus)
- Lux Video Theatre, "The Chase" (1954)
- Gunsmoke (1955–1975)
- Front Row Center (1956)
- The Red Skelton Chevy Special (1959)
- The Chevrolet Golden Anniversary Show (1961)
- A Salute to Television's 25th Anniversary (1972)
- The Macahans (1976)
- How The West Was Won (1977-1979 TV series)
- McClain's Law (1981-1982 TV series)
References
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