Job Actor
Years active 1947-94
Known for Marshal Matt Dillon in TV's Gunsmoke; brother of actor Peter Graves
Top Roles Marshal Matt Dillon, Peter Holstrom, Leon Williams, 'The Thing', Robert Graham
Top GenresWestern, Drama, Action, Comedy, Romance, Science Fiction
Top TopicsWorld War II, Based on Play, Politics
Top Collaborators , (Director), (Producer),
Shares birthday with John Wayne, Norma Talmadge, Al Jolson  see more..

James Arness Overview:

Actor, James Arness, was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923 in Minneapolis, MN. Arness died at the age of 88 on Jun 3, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA .

MINO BIO:

Husky leading man James Arness, with his bear-like build, found difficulty getting a range of roles, but then landed the role of Marshal Matt Dillon in TV's Gunsmoke, a series that lasted 20 years. Since it ended in 1972, his giant frame, easy-going drawl and rather strained smile proved just as difficult to cast as before and he was back in the saddle as Marshal Dillon by 1987. He is the brother of actor Peter Graves.

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Film Stars).

HONORS and AWARDS:

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He was honored with one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Television.

James Arness BlogHub Articles:

Happy Memorial Day and Happy Birthday James Arness!

By Marisa on May 26, 2014 From The Timothy Carey Experience

Here in the US we are observing?Memorial Day, in honor of those who gave their lives during war. It seems that every year I post a pic from Paths of Glory (1957) on this date, and this year is no exception. We thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we pray that there be no more sacrifices ... Read full article


In Memory: James Arness.

By Dawn on Jun 4, 2011 From Noir and Chick Flicks

James Arness (May 26, 1923 – June 3, 2011). Was best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for 20 years. His younger brother was actor Peter Graves. Arness, played the role of Marshal Matt Dillon in five decades: 1955 to 1975 in the weekly series, then in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge ... Read full article


James Arness (1923 - 2011)

By Caftan Woman on Jun 4, 2011 From Caftan Woman

Marshal Matt Dillon, Gunsmoke The hero of my childhood became the TV pal of my middle years. Dennis Weaver, James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake Gunsmoke, 1955-1975 / 5 TV movies 1987 - 1994 From Burt Reynolds' foreword to James Arness, An Autobiography by James Arness with James E. Wise... Read full article


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James Arness Quotes:

[the nest has been saturated with cyanide]
Robert Graham: Boy, if I can still raise an arm when we get out of this place, I'm gonna show you just how saturated *I* can get.


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James Arness on the
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James Arness Facts
He was a lifelong supporter of the Republican party.

On Friday, June 20th, 2003, Arness was honored at Los Angeles City Hall by the mayor, the 15 City Council members and the City Attorney with a resolution honoring his life's work as an actor and 60-year resident of Los Angeles. The colorful resolution included a depiction of a U.S. Marshal's badge and a salute to his work as Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke" (1955) and its over-20-year duration as TV's longest-running drama series. It also recalled his heroism during World War II and thanked him for "leaving us with one of the most telling and realistic portraits ever created of the brave, tall man in the saddle who tames a western town as he searches for justice and peace." Arness called it "the most wonderful day in his life" and says the resolution is now framed and in a prominent place in his home. He received a standing ovation that morning.

He never played the lead male role in a theatrical movie, only on the various televised incarnations of "Gunsmoke". In his theatrical films, he usually acted along tall leading men such as John Wayne, Robert Ryan and Jeff Chandler.

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