Job Actor
Years active 1947-94
Known for Marshal Matt Dillon in TV's Gunsmoke; brother of actor Peter Graves
Top Roles Peter Holstrom, Leon Williams, Marshal Matt Dillon, 'The Thing', Matt
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.

BlogHub Articles:

Happy Memorial Day and Happy Birthday !

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: .

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

(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


(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, , Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake Gunsmoke, 1955-1975 / 5 TV movies 1987 - 1994 From Burt Reynolds' foreword to , An Autobiography by 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 said to be somewhat self-conscious about his stature and quite happy when they took measures to obscure his towering height while filming "Gunsmoke".

He is survived by his wife, Janet Surtees of Brentwood, Los Angeles, California; son, Rolf Arness; stepson, Jim Surtees; six grandchildren, and a great grandchild. His adopted son, Craig, died in 2004 and his daughter Jenny died in 1975.

Held the record for the longest continuous role portrayed by a single actor (20 years) on prime-time television (for Marshal Matt Dillon on the CBS western "Gunsmoke" (1955)), until Kelsey Grammer (Dr. Frasier Crane on "Cheers" (1982) and "Frasier" (1993)) tied the record in 2004 (at 20 years).

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