James Arness: A Legendary Biography

Who was James Arness, and why is his biography important?

James Arness was an American film and television actor. He is best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the CBS television series Gunsmoke, which aired from 1955 to 1975. Arness's portrayal of Dillon made him a household name and helped to establish the Western genre on television.

Arness was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He served in the United States Army during World War II, and after the war, he began his acting career in Hollywood. Arness appeared in a number of films and television shows before landing the role of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke.

Gunsmoke was a critical and commercial success, and Arness became one of the most popular actors on television. He played the role of Matt Dillon for 20 seasons, and the show became one of the longest-running Western series in television history.

Arness continued to act after Gunsmoke ended, but he never achieved the same level of success. He appeared in a number of films and television shows, but he is best remembered for his role as Matt Dillon.

James Arness's Biography

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

• Birth: May 26, 1923, Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Death: June 3, 2011, Los Angeles, California
• Occupation: Actor
• Best known for: Gunsmoke
• Other notable roles: The Thing from Another World, The Sea Chase

Arness's portrayal of Matt Dillon made him a household name and helped to establish the Western genre on television. He played the role for 20 seasons, and the show became one of the longest-running Western series in television history. Arness also appeared in a number of films, including The Thing from Another World and The Sea Chase.

Arness was a private person who rarely gave interviews. He was married twice, first to Virginia Chapman from 1948 to 1960, and then to Janet Surtees from 1978 until his death in 2011. He had three children: Jenny Lee Arness, Rolf Arness, and Craig Arness.

Birth

The fact that James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a key piece of information in his biography because it provides context for his life and career. Arness was born into a family of Norwegian immigrants, and he grew up in the Midwest during the Great Depression. These experiences shaped his values and his work ethic.

Arness's birthplace is also significant because it was where he began his acting career. He started out in local theater productions, and he eventually made his way to Hollywood, where he landed the role of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. This role made him a household name, and it helped to establish the Western genre on television.

Arness's birthplace is a reminder that he was a product of his time and place. He was a man of the Midwest, and he brought his values and his work ethic to Hollywood. He was a talented actor, and he helped to shape the Western genre on television. His birthplace is a key part of his story, and it helps to explain why he became one of the most popular actors in American history.

Death

The fact that James Arness died on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, is a key piece of information in his biography because it marks the end of his life and career. Arness was 88 years old when he died, and he had been in declining health for several years. He had suffered a number of strokes, and he had also been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Arness's death was a loss for the entertainment world. He was one of the most popular actors in American history, and he helped to shape the Western genre on television. His death also marked the end of an era. He was one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Television.

Arness's death is a reminder that even the most successful and talented people are not immortal. He was a great actor, and he will be remembered for his work for many years to come. His death is also a reminder to cherish the time we have with our loved ones.

Occupation

The fact that James Arness's occupation was actor is a key piece of information in his biography because it describes his profession and the work that he did for a living. Arness was a professional actor for over 50 years, and he appeared in over 100 films and television shows.

Acting was Arness's passion, and he was a talented and versatile actor. He was able to play a wide range of roles, from the stoic Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke to the menacing in The Thing from Another World. Arness's acting skills helped him to become one of the most popular actors in American history.

Arness's occupation as an actor had a profound impact on his life and career. It allowed him to travel the world, meet interesting people, and experience different cultures. It also gave him the opportunity to make a significant contribution to American popular culture. Arness's work as an actor has entertained and inspired millions of people around the world.

Best known for

The fact that James Arness is best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the CBS television series Gunsmoke is a key piece of information in his biography because it highlights his most iconic and successful role. Arness played Matt Dillon for 20 seasons, and the show became one of the longest-running Western series in television history. Arness's portrayal of Dillon made him a household name and helped to establish the Western genre on television.

Gunsmoke was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to launch Arness's career. He went on to star in a number of other films and television shows, but he is best remembered for his role as Matt Dillon. Gunsmoke is an important part of Arness's biography because it represents the peak of his career and the role that he is most closely associated with.

The connection between "Best known for: Gunsmoke" and "james arness s biography fact" is significant because it shows how Arness's most famous role shaped his career and legacy. Gunsmoke is an important part of Arness's biography because it helped to make him one of the most popular actors in American history.

Other notable roles

James Arness's portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke overshadowed his other notable roles, but they nevertheless showcased his versatility as an actor and contributed to his legacy.

• The Thing from Another World (1951)
  

  Arness played the title role in this classic science fiction film, which was one of the first to depict an alien creature as a sympathetic character. His performance helped to humanize the monster and make the film a critical and commercial success.

• The Sea Chase (1955)
  

  Arness starred as a German U-boat captain in this war film. His performance was praised for its realism and intensity, and the film was a box office success.

These two films, along with Gunsmoke, represent the highlights of Arness's career. They showcase his range as an actor and his ability to bring complex characters to life. While he is best known for his role as Matt Dillon, Arness's other notable roles should not be overlooked.

James Arness Biography Fact FAQs

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions about the life and career of James Arness, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: Was James Arness born in Minnesota?

Yes, James Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 26, 1923.

Question 2: What was James Arness's most famous role?

James Arness is best known for his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in the CBS television series Gunsmoke, which aired from 1955 to 1975.

Question 3: Did James Arness serve in the military?

Yes, James Arness served in the United States Army during World War II.

Question 4: What was James Arness's first acting role?

James Arness's first acting role was in the 1947 film The Farmer's Daughter.

Question 5: How many seasons did James Arness star in Gunsmoke?

James Arness starred in Gunsmoke for 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975.

Question 6: When did James Arness die?

James Arness died on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88.

These FAQs provide a concise overview of key facts and dispel common misconceptions about James Arness's life and career.

Continue reading for a more in-depth exploration of James Arness's biography.

James Arness

Throughout his illustrious career, James Arness left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke cemented his status as a television icon, and his other notable roles showcased his versatility as an actor. Arness's contributions to the Western genre and his dedication to his craft continue to inspire aspiring and established actors alike.

While his physical presence is no longer with us, James Arness's legacy lives on through his films and television shows. His work reminds us of the power of storytelling and the importance of creating characters that resonate with audiences. Arness's life and career serve as an example of how hard work, dedication, and passion can lead to lasting success.