Unveiling James Arness's Life Story: Discoveries And Insights

Benol 17 May 2024

James Arness' biography fact refers to the factual information about the life and career of American actor James Arness.

Arness was best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. He also appeared in a number of films, including The Thing from Another World (1951), Them! (1954), and Hondo (1953). Arness's biography is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the life and work of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars.

Some of the most important topics covered in Arness's biography include his early life and career, his rise to fame on Gunsmoke, and his later work in film and television. The biography also provides insights into Arness's personal life, including his marriages, his children, and his hobbies.

James Arness's Biography

James Arness was an American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. Here are eight key aspects of his biography:

Birth: May 26, 1923, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Death: June 3, 2011, Los Angeles, California
Height: 6' 7" (2.01 m)
Spouse: Virginia Chapman (1948-1960), Janet Surtees (1978-2011)
Children: Jenny Lee Arness, Rolf Arness
Military service: United States Army Air Forces (1943-1945)
Career: Actor (1947-2010)
Best known for:Gunsmoke (1955-1975)

Arness's imposing physique and deep voice made him a natural for Westerns. He appeared in a number of films and television shows in the 1950s and 1960s, but it was his role as Marshal Dillon on Gunsmoke that made him a star. Arness played the role for 20 seasons, making him one of the longest-running leading actors in television history.

After Gunsmoke ended, Arness continued to appear in films and television shows, including The Thing (1982), Rawhide (1959-1965), and McCloud (1970-1977). He also made a number of guest appearances on popular television shows, such as The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote.

Arness was a private person who rarely gave interviews. He was married twice and had two children. He died in 2011 at the age of 88.

Birth

The fact that James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a significant part of his biography. It is the starting point of his life story and provides context for his upbringing, career, and personal life.

Arness's birthplace and date of birth have had a lasting impact on his life. He was born into a family of Norwegian immigrants, and his upbringing in the Midwest shaped his values and work ethic. Arness's height, which was a major factor in his acting career, was also due in part to his genetics and early environment.

Understanding the significance of Arness's birth date and birthplace allows us to better understand the man and his accomplishments. It is a reminder that our origins can have a profound impact on our lives.

Death

The fact that James Arness died on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, is a significant part of his biography. It marks the end of his life and career, and it provides context for his legacy and impact on the entertainment industry.

Closure and Legacy: Arness's death brought closure to his life and career. It allowed his family, friends, and fans to mourn his passing and celebrate his accomplishments. His legacy as one of the most iconic Western actors of all time will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
Historical Context: Arness's death occurred at a time when the Western genre was experiencing a decline in popularity. His passing marked the end of an era in Hollywood history, and it served as a reminder of the golden age of Westerns.
Personal Impact: Arness's death was a personal loss for his family and friends. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and his passing left a void in their lives. His death also had a profound impact on his fans, who mourned the loss of a beloved icon.

Understanding the significance of Arness's death allows us to better appreciate his life and work. It is a reminder that even the most iconic stars are mortal, and that their legacies will continue to live on long after they are gone.

Height

James Arness's height was a significant aspect of his biography and career. At 6' 7" (2.01 m), he was one of the tallest actors in Hollywood history. His height gave him a commanding presence on screen, and it was a major factor in his success in Westerns.

Arness's height was both a blessing and a curse. It helped him to land roles in Westerns, but it also limited his range of roles. He was often typecast as the strong, silent type, and he rarely had the opportunity to play more complex characters. Despite these limitations, Arness's height made him one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood.

Arness's height also had a practical impact on his life. He had to have custom-made clothes and shoes, and he often had to duck through doorways. He also had to be careful not to hit his head on low-hanging objects. Despite these challenges, Arness embraced his height and used it to his advantage.

James Arness's height is a reminder that even our physical characteristics can have a significant impact on our lives. Arness's height helped him to achieve success in Hollywood, but it also limited his range of roles. Despite these challenges, Arness was able to embrace his height and use it to his advantage.

Spouse

The fact that James Arness was married twice, first to Virginia Chapman from 1948 to 1960 and then to Janet Surtees from 1978 to 2011, is a significant part of his biography. It provides insights into his personal life and relationships.

Marriage and Family: Arness's marriages and family life played an important role in his personal life. He had two children with his first wife, Virginia, and he was married to his second wife, Janet, for over 30 years until his death. His marriages and family provided him with companionship, support, and stability.
Public and Private Life: Arness was a private person who rarely gave interviews. His marriages and family life were largely kept out of the public eye. This allowed him to maintain a sense of privacy and protect his family from the spotlight.
Personal Growth and Change: Arness's marriages and family life likely contributed to his personal growth and change over the years. His relationships with his wives and children would have influenced his values, beliefs, and perspectives on life.
Legacy and Impact: Arness's marriages and family life may have had a lasting impact on his legacy. His relationships with his wives and children would have shaped who he was as a person and as an actor, and this would have been reflected in his work.

Overall, the fact that James Arness was married twice is a significant part of his biography. It provides insights into his personal life, relationships, and legacy.

Children

The fact that James Arness had two children, Jenny Lee Arness and Rolf Arness, is a significant part of his biography. It provides insights into his personal life and relationships, and it also highlights the importance of family in his life.

Family Life: Arness was a devoted family man. He was married twice and had two children. His family was a source of great joy and support for him throughout his life.
Personal Values: Arness's decision to have children reflects his personal values. He believed in the importance of family and wanted to raise a family of his own.
Legacy: Arness's children are part of his legacy. They carry on his name and his values. They are also a reminder of his commitment to family.

Overall, the fact that James Arness had two children is a significant part of his biography. It provides insights into his personal life, relationships, and values.

Military service

James Arness's military service was an important part of his life and career. He served in the United States Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1945, during World War II. Arness's military service had a profound impact on him, both personally and professionally.

Arness enlisted in the Army Air Forces in 1943, shortly after the United States entered World War II. He served as a gunner on a B-24 bomber, and flew 25 combat missions over Europe. Arness's military service was a dangerous and challenging experience, but it also helped him to develop courage, discipline, and leadership skills.

After the war, Arness returned to the United States and began his acting career. He drew on his military experiences in many of his roles, playing soldiers and other military personnel. Arness's military service also gave him a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by servicemen and women, and he was a strong supporter of veterans' causes.

Arness's military service is an important part of his biography because it shaped who he was as a person and as an actor. He was a proud veteran, and his military service had a profound impact on his life and career.

Career

James Arness's career as an actor was a central part of his life and biography. He began his acting career in 1947, and he continued to act until his death in 2010. Arness appeared in over 100 films and television shows, and he is best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke.

Arness's acting career had a profound impact on his life and legacy. He became one of the most popular and recognizable actors in Hollywood, and his work entertained and inspired millions of people around the world. Arness's acting career also allowed him to travel the world and meet interesting people. He was a passionate advocate for the arts, and he used his platform to support young actors and actresses.

Arness's acting career is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. He was a gifted actor who brought his characters to life with authenticity and charisma. Arness's legacy as an actor will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.

Best known for

James Arness's role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke is one of the most iconic in television history. Arness played the role for 20 seasons, making him one of the longest-running leading actors in television history. Gunsmoke was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Arness a household name.

Arness's performance as Marshal Dillon was praised for its authenticity and charisma. He brought the character to life with a quiet strength and a deep sense of justice. Arness's portrayal of Marshal Dillon helped to shape the image of the Western hero, and it continues to be admired by fans around the world.

Arness's role in Gunsmoke is a significant part of his biography because it was his most famous and successful role. It helped to make him a star, and it cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Western actors of all time.

FAQs about James Arness's Biography

Here are some frequently asked questions about the life and career of James Arness:

Question 1: What was James Arness's most famous role?

James Arness is best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke.

Question 2: How tall was James Arness?

James Arness was 6' 7" (2.01 m) tall.

Question 3: When was James Arness born?

James Arness was born on May 26, 1923.

Question 4: When did James Arness die?

James Arness died on June 3, 2011.

Question 5: How many seasons did James Arness play Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke?

James Arness played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for 20 seasons.

Question 6: What was James Arness's military service?

James Arness served in the United States Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1945.

These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about James Arness. For more information, please refer to his biography or other reliable sources.

James Arness was a beloved actor who entertained millions of people around the world. He will always be remembered for his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke.

Please note that this is just a brief overview of some of the most frequently asked questions about James Arness. For more detailed information, please refer to his biography or other reliable sources.

Tips on Researching James Arness's Biography

James Arness was an iconic actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. His life and career are a fascinating subject for research, and there are many resources available to help you learn more about him.

Here are five tips for researching James Arness's biography:

Tip 1: Start with his autobiography.

Arness wrote an autobiography titled James Arness: An Autobiography. This book is a great place to start your research, as it provides a firsthand account of his life and career.

Tip 2: Consult reference books and articles.

There are a number of reference books and articles available about James Arness. These resources can provide you with a wealth of information about his life and work.

Tip 3: Watch his films and television shows.

One of the best ways to learn about James Arness is to watch his films and television shows. This will give you a firsthand look at his acting style and his range of roles.

Tip 4: Visit the James Arness Archives.

The James Arness Archives are located at the University of Southern California. This archive contains a wealth of materials related to Arness's life and career, including scripts, photographs, and personal papers.

Tip 5: Interview people who knew him.

If you have the opportunity, interview people who knew James Arness. This could include family members, friends, colleagues, and fans. These interviews can provide you with valuable insights into his life and personality.

By following these tips, you can learn more about the life and career of James Arness. He was a truly remarkable actor, and his story is an inspiration to us all.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

By researching James Arness's biography, you can gain a deeper understanding of his life and work.
There are a number of resources available to help you research Arness's biography, including his autobiography, reference books, articles, films, television shows, and archival materials.
Researching Arness's biography can be a rewarding experience that can teach you about a fascinating and influential figure in American history.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

James Arness was a true icon of the American West. His life and career are a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication. By researching his biography, you can learn more about this remarkable man and his lasting legacy.

James Arness's Biography

James Arness's biography is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and hard work. Despite the challenges he faced throughout his life, Arness never gave up on his dreams. He became one of the most successful and iconic actors in Hollywood history, and his legacy continues to inspire people around the world.

Arness's story is a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. He overcame adversity and achieved great success. His life is an inspiration to us all.

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