Obituary of James Arness

James Arness

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James Arness (born on May 26, 1923) is an TV-Actor who was best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon on TV series Gunsmoke. James Arness died on June 3, 2011 in Los Angeles and the death of James Arness was because of natural causes.

James Arness's Biography Stats:

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A Photo of James Arness
  • Full Name: Arness, James
  • Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Birth Date: May 26, 1923
  • Place of Death: Los Angeles, California
  • Death Date: June 3, 2011-deaths
  • Also Known As: Jim, JamesArness, James Aurness
  • Category/Genre: TV-Actor
  • Nationality: American
  • Spouse:
    • Janet Surtrees (16 December 1978 - present)
    • Virginia Chapman (12 February 1948 - 1960) (divorced) Died 1976
  • Father: Rolf Cirkler Aurness
  • Mother: Ruth Duesler
  • Siblings: Peter Graves
  • Children:
    • Rolf Aurness (1971 World Surfing Champion)
    • Craig Aurness (Master Photographer)
    • ????? Aurness (3rd son)
    • Jenny Lee Aurness (23 May 1950-12 May 1975) (Actress)


Claim to Fame:

Recognisable for his height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), Arness portrayed Marshal 'Matt Dillon' on the television Series Gunsmoke for 20 years, from 1955-1975. Returned as Dillon again for 5 'Gunsmoke' telemovies. Also well remembered for his early role as the alien in the 1951 Science Fiction movie The Thing (aka The Thing from another World). Also appeared in many other, mostly 'western' style movies. He was a friend of John Wayne, who helped him get his role in Gunsmoke. Jim appeared in a movie with Wayne called "The FBI." When Wayne was offered the job as Matt Dillon he declined but added, "Jim Arness is perfect for the role." They shared conservative political philosophies. Each was perfectly shy when it came to fame and public attention. Jim was a very private person who lived to avoid limelight and publicity. Acting provided him a source of financial support for his love of surfing and the outdoors. He owned a ranch in Santa Susana, Ca. where he raised and rode good horses. He was very loyal to those few who knew him well as evidenced by-- like Wayne-- his lifelong friends who often worked for him. His home was furnished with over-sized furniture, tall counter tops and other amenities to accommodate his height. He lived a private life of practical but not ostentatious comfort and adventure.

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See Also:

Check out his 2001 autobiography, "James Arness – An Autobiography".







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