Who is James Arness?
James Arness was an American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke.
Born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Arness began his acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He got his big break in 1955 when he was cast as Marshal Dillon in Gunsmoke. The show was a huge success, and Arness became one of the most popular actors on television.
Arness played Marshal Dillon for 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975. The show was one of the longest-running Westerns in television history, and it helped to make Arness a household name. After Gunsmoke ended, Arness continued to act in films and television shows, but he never achieved the same level of success as he did with Gunsmoke.
Arness died on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Virginia Chapman, and his three children.
James Arness was a talented actor who brought to life one of the most iconic characters in television history. He will be remembered for his work on Gunsmoke for generations to come.
Actor James Arness
James Arness was an American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke.
- Height: 6' 7" (2.01 m)
- Born: May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Died: June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California
- Spouse: Virginia Chapman (m. 19782011)
- Children: Rolf Arness, Jenny Arness, and James Arness Jr.
- Occupation: Actor
- Years active: 19512010
- Notable works: Gunsmoke, The Thing from Another World, Them!
James Arness was a talented actor who brought to life one of the most iconic characters in television history. He will be remembered for his work on Gunsmoke for generations to come.
Height
James Arness was a towering figure, both literally and figuratively. At 6' 7" (2.01 m) tall, he was one of the tallest actors in Hollywood. His height was a major asset in his career, as it helped him to stand out from other actors and made him a natural choice for roles that required a strong, imposing presence.
Arness's height was particularly well-suited for his most famous role, Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke. Dillon was a tough, no-nonsense lawman who was always ready to stand up for what was right. Arness's height and imposing physique helped to make Dillon a believable and intimidating character.
In addition to his acting career, Arness's height also helped him to become a successful businessman. He was a partner in a number of businesses, including a real estate development company and a cattle ranch. His height gave him a commanding presence that helped him to succeed in business as well as in acting.
James Arness's height was an important part of his identity. It helped him to achieve success in both his acting and business careers. He was a true giant, both in stature and in accomplishment.
Born
James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His birthdate and birthplace are significant for several reasons:
- Astrological sign: Arness was born under the astrological sign of Gemini. Geminis are known for their intelligence, communication skills, and adaptability. These traits likely contributed to Arness's success as an actor.
- Cultural context: Arness was born in the Roaring Twenties, a time of great economic prosperity and social change. This cultural context likely influenced Arness's values and worldview, which are reflected in his acting roles.
- Historical context: Arness was born just a few years before the Great Depression. The economic hardship of this era likely had a profound impact on Arness and his family.
- Geographical context: Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a major city in the Midwest. The Midwest is known for its strong work ethic and sense of community. These values likely influenced Arness's personality and career.
In conclusion, James Arness's birthdate and birthplace are significant because they provide insights into his personality, values, and career. These factors all contributed to making Arness one of the most successful actors of his generation.
Died
The death of James Arness on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, marked the end of an era in American television. Arness was best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running series Gunsmoke, which aired from 1955 to 1975. Arness's death was a major loss for the entertainment industry and for fans of classic television.
Arness's death was due to natural causes. He was 88 years old. He had been in declining health for several years, and he had been hospitalized for pneumonia in the weeks leading up to his death.
Arness's death is a reminder of the mortality of all people, even those who seem larger than life. He was a beloved actor who brought joy to millions of people. He will be missed by his fans and by everyone who knew him.
Spouse
James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman from 1978 until his death in 2011. Chapman was a former actress and model. The couple had no children together, but Arness had three children from his previous marriage to Janet Surtees.
Chapman was a supportive and loving partner to Arness. She was often seen at his side at public events, and she was a source of strength and comfort for him during his later years. Arness was a private person, but he often spoke about his love for Chapman in interviews. He said that she was the "love of his life" and that he was "lucky to have found her."
Chapman's marriage to Arness was a significant part of his life. She was a constant source of support for him, both personally and professionally. She helped him to manage his career and his finances, and she was always there for him when he needed her. Chapman's death in 2011 was a devastating loss for Arness. He never fully recovered from her death, and he died just a few months later.
James Arness and Virginia Chapman had a long and happy marriage. They were a devoted couple who loved and supported each other unconditionally. Chapman's death was a great loss for Arness, but her memory will always be cherished by him and by all who knew her.
Children
Actor James Arness had three children: Rolf Arness, Jenny Arness, and James Arness Jr. His children were an important part of his life, and they played a significant role in his career.
Arness's children were often involved in his work. They appeared in several episodes of Gunsmoke, and they also worked behind the scenes on the show. Arness's children also helped him to manage his finances and his career. They were a source of support for him, both personally and professionally.
Arness's children have continued to work in the entertainment industry. Rolf Arness is a successful actor and director. Jenny Arness is a producer and writer. James Arness Jr. is a musician and composer.
The connection between James Arness and his children is a reminder of the importance of family. Arness's children were a source of love and support for him, and they played a significant role in his success.
Occupation
The occupation of actor is central to the identity of James Arness. Acting was his lifelong passion, and it brought him great success and fulfillment.
Arness began his acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He got his big break in 1955 when he was cast as Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. The show was a huge success, and Arness became one of the most popular actors on television.
Arness played Marshal Dillon for 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975. The show was one of the longest-running Westerns in television history, and it helped to make Arness a household name. After Gunsmoke ended, Arness continued to act in films and television shows, but he never achieved the same level of success as he did with Gunsmoke.
Arness's success as an actor was due to a number of factors, including his natural talent, his hard work, and his dedication to his craft. He was also fortunate to have a long and successful career in a business that is known for its ups and downs.
Arness's occupation as an actor had a profound impact on his life. It brought him fame, fortune, and fulfillment. He was able to use his platform as an actor to make a positive impact on the world. He was a role model for millions of people, and he helped to change the way that people view Westerns.
Arness's story is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of a career in acting. It shows that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Years active
James Arness's career as an actor spanned an impressive six decades, from 1951 to 2010. This remarkable longevity is a testament to his talent, dedication, and hard work.
- Early Career (1951-1954): Arness began his acting career with small roles in films and television shows. He appeared in such films as "The Thing from Another World" (1951) and "Them!" (1954), and in television shows such as "The Lone Ranger" (1951) and "Dragnet" (1953).
- Breakthrough Role (1955-1975): Arness's big break came in 1955 when he was cast as Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series "Gunsmoke." The show was a huge success, and Arness became one of the most popular actors on television. He played Marshal Dillon for 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975.
- Later Career (1976-2010): After "Gunsmoke" ended, Arness continued to act in films and television shows. He appeared in such films as "The Macahans" (1976), "The Fury" (1978), and "Red Dawn" (1984). He also appeared in television shows such as "The Love Boat" (1977), "Fantasy Island" (1978), and "Murder, She Wrote" (1987).
Arness's long and successful career as an actor is an inspiration to anyone who dreams of a career in the entertainment industry. It shows that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Notable works
James Arness is best known for his roles in the films The Thing from Another World (1951) and Them! (1954), and the television series Gunsmoke (1955-1975). These works showcased Arness's versatility as an actor and helped to make him one of the most popular stars of his era.
- Gunsmoke
Gunsmoke was a Western television series that aired on CBS from 1955 to 1975. Arness starred as Marshal Matt Dillon, a lawman in the fictional town of Dodge City, Kansas. The show was a huge success, and Arness became one of the most popular actors on television. Gunsmoke ran for 20 seasons and is one of the longest-running Western television series in history. - The Thing from Another World
The Thing from Another World is a science fiction horror film directed by Christian Nyby and starring James Arness, Margaret Sheridan, and Kenneth Tobey. The film is based on the 1938 novella "Who Goes There?" by John W. Campbell Jr. Arness plays the role of Captain Patrick Hendry, a pilot who is part of a group of scientists who discover a frozen alien creature in the Arctic. The creature thaws out and begins to terrorize the scientists. The Thing from Another World is considered to be a classic science fiction film and is one of Arness's most memorable roles. - Them!
Them! is a science fiction horror film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring James Arness, Edmund Gwenn, and Joan Weldon. The film is about a group of giant ants that are terrorizing the American Southwest. Arness plays the role of Dr. Harold Medford, a scientist who is trying to find a way to stop the ants. Them! was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Arness as a star.
These are just a few of the many notable works in James Arness's long and successful career. His work in these films and television shows helped to make him one of the most popular and respected actors of his generation.
FAQs about Actor James Arness
James Arness was an American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. Here are some frequently asked questions about his life and career:
Question 1: What was James Arness's height?
Answer: James Arness was 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) tall.
Question 2: When and where was James Arness born?
Answer: James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Question 3: When and how did James Arness die?
Answer: James Arness died on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, of natural causes.
Question 4: Who was James Arness married to?
Answer: James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman from 1978 until his death in 2011.
Question 5: How many children did James Arness have?
Answer: James Arness had three children: Rolf Arness, Jenny Arness, and James Arness Jr.
Question 6: What is James Arness best known for?
Answer: James Arness is best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about James Arness. He was a talented actor who brought to life one of the most iconic characters in television history.
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Conclusion
James Arness was an American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. He was a talented actor who brought to life one of the most iconic characters in television history. Arness's work in film and television helped to make him one of the most popular and respected actors of his generation.
Arness's legacy will continue to live on through his work. He was a true giant of the entertainment industry, and his contributions to film and television will be remembered for years to come.
