James Arness is married to Janet Surtees. Fv 27, 2023 . Arness has the distinction of having played the role of Dillon in five decades: 1955 to 1975 in the weekly series, then in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987) and four more made-for-television Gunsmoke films in the 1990s. One of the most amazing actors of all time, and also a man over whom there always remained millions of crushes, James Garner, was born on April 7, 1928. Born on 26th May 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His wife passed away due to a drug overdose. Arnesss bio stated he had 6 feet 7 inches tall. Terry Fator Net Worth: When Did Melinda Started Following Fator? His younger brother Peter Greaves used the stage name "Graves" which was a maternal family name. Growing up, their mother instilled a love for the arts, Peter pursued it immediately, but James, it took him a lot longer before realizing it was his destiny. He first shared wedding vows withVirginia Chapman in 1948. However, Arness was eventually pulled back to Gunsmoke, starring in five made-for-TV movies between 1987 and 1993. She was 56 years old at the time of her death. Luckily, Janet didnt hold a grudge and the two went on a second date. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Following those events,Arness divorced her in1963, ending their marriage of 15 years. Born James King Aurness to businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler, James lived a pretty wealthy life being from Norweigan and of German descent. However, James was a friendly giant. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Ethnicity White ProfessionActor Nationality American Active Year1947-1994 Eye colour Hazel Hair colour Brown BuildAverage SpouseVirginia Chapman (m. 1948; div. Arness was 88 years old. Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other James Arness fans! (Arness would later say that Matt's . From 1966 to 1975, French appeared on 18 episodes of Gunsmoke. At the time of his death, James was married to his second wife, Janet Surtees; the couple married in 1978. But my son was a really big fan of Gunsmoke and was watching it every Monday night. Married on February 12, 1948; divorced in 1960; attempted suicide twice. So from the movies success, he might have received a decent amount of money. James Arness played law-abiding Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke (CBS, 1955-1975), the longest-running drama in television history, and became one of the most well-known actors of the 1950s through the 1970s. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. He now lives a private lifein Los Angeles and regularly volunteers at a Santa Monica mental health clinic. Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails, and gifts we received from you over the years. Furthermore, he was also nominated for thePrimetime Emmy Awards thrice. Arness adopted Chapman's son Craig, who died in 2004. He was also listed as the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 at 1751 Vine Street. Uncategorized pictures of jenny lee arness. Mini Bio (1) American leading man famed as the star of one of the longest-running shows in U.S. television history, Gunsmoke (1955). After their divorce, his father James was granted legal custody of the children. Most recently they were married to Janet Surtees in 1978. His father was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his mother . (Arness would later say that Matt's only onscreen kiss was in that episode, "Matt's Love Story," but Kitty did in fact kiss him once.) Arness initially had difficulty juggling a booming career in entertainment with his home life, which resulted in some issues. (AP) James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television . They were character study shows, Arness once told the Associated Press. The tragedy does not stop there. James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees for 33 years. However, her sons love for Gunsmoke convinced her to go. His father was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his mother . Your health is important to us. And they also had a son, Rolf who was born on February 18, 1952. Here is a look at his life and career. GUNSMOKE's James Arness was born on May 26, 1923. Arness was married to Virginia Chapman in 1948. His first marriage was to Virginia Chapman; an actress. She loves to volunteer and can often be found working with the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. "Gunsmoke" star James Arness has died at age 88, CBS spokesman Chris Ender confirmed. The couple got married in 1979 and they stayed together until Carl Ann died. From 1955 to 1975, he starred in the weekly series "Gunsmoke." He dropped the 'u' in his last name when he began acting. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. actorPeter Graves. The Farmers Daughter, Iron Man, Hondo, The Sea Chase, The First Traveling Saleslady, and many others all featured Arness in lead roles. As of 2022, James Arnesss net worth was $10 million. Then, after three years, his younger brother Peter was born. Thordis Brandt, who was also an actress, was the actors longtime lover. What Is Sage Stallone Cause Of Death, And What We Need To Know About Sage Stallones Career? James Arness was first married in 1948 to Virginia Chapman. (Humorous pause). James and Janet lived happily, even after his stint as Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke" and his movies. The couple tied the knot in 1978 in a private wedding ceremony. On a Friday in 1977, she died from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills at her home in Malibu, California. When Graves decided to pursue acting professionally, he adopted the surname 'Graves' to honor his mother's family. The pair divorced in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of their children. ', Your email address will not be published. He was also a sensitive and loving man and husband. But Janet was hesitant at first. Why dont you come over and meet him? Arness was passionate about Gunsmoke, but he put his children ahead of his shooting schedule. Theyre interesting to watch all these years later., I love to watch the old shows. Marshal Matt Dillon on the popular Western series that aired for a then-record 20 seasons on television. James father, Rolf Cirkler Aurness was a business person, and his mother, Ruth Duesler was a journalist. Arness had served as a rifleman in the 3rd range in the United States during the Infantry Division. He drifted around Mexico for some time; then, he returned to Hollywood with a burning desire to become an actor. Luckily, she gave him the benefit of the doubt and went on a second date (three months later) and the two were married for 33 years. Surtees was surprised when she saw James pick up all the trash and stuff it in his saddle and is convinced he was a "cool guy.". He was a rifleman and served in the Battle of Anzio with the 2nd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. He went on to star in a few more Western-themed programs after Dodge City was canceled, but he eventually made his way back to the role of Dillon in a series of television movies released in the early 90s. But Arness usually stated that his height was 6 feet 6 inches in the regular newspaper and TV interviews. The American actor, James Arness had maintained a net worth of $8 Million till he was alive. For the whole 20 years the series was on the air from 1955 until 1975, he appeared in an impressive 605 of 635 episodes, according to IMBD . He died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood Brentwood, Los Angeles on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television landscape for two decades as righteous Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke," died in 2011 He was 88. So, Janet went to dinner simply so she could tell her son that she met James Arness. In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. In 1948, a few years before the premiere of Gunsmoke on television, Arness married his first wife, Virginia Chapman. Janet was working for a clothing store owned by the wife of Jims make-up artist. However, in 1963, James Arness divorced Virginia Chapman. He met her four yearsafter his divorce fromChapman and dated herfor six years. L-R: Actors James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis and Burt Reynolds (seated). But they didnt accept their relationship in public. He and his brother participated in the Second World War, but he didn't come out of it unscathed. James and Virginia had two children Rolf, who became World Surfing Champion in 1970, and Jenny. Jim Arness said, "If Matt and Kitty [had] an on-screen love affair, they'd have to get married. And it was the work they did with local Jewish youth that motivated Arness to donate the property in the first place. Arness and Surtees were married from 1978 to up until his death in 2011. We were a family together. During the 20th and final season of GUNSMOKE (1955-1975), . (AP Photo/Scott Harms) James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over . James adopted her son, Craig. Arness had a dream to be a pilot as a naval fighter. He was found dead at Brentwoods home in Los Angeles, California. Source; Getty Images Kim Kardashian Net Worth: Which Company Does Kim K Owns? He was 88. Required fields are marked *. He had also received an Alma masters from Beloit College. The two later got divorced in 1960 after having two children; Rolf and Jenny. After years of working together, Janet and the owner became friends. The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, Calif., according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer. Arness was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, the son of businessman Rolf Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. var s = d.createElement('script'); s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true; In 1943, James received his draft notice, joining the army and training. He often talked about watching Gunsmoke whenever he saw it on TV. He graduated high school in June 1942, despite being a poor student and skipping classes. Late actor James Drury was wed three times, but the love of his life will always be his third wife, Carl Ann Drury. | Source: Getty Images. As a young child, most of his life, James usually found it hard in his . Gunsmoke actor James Arness died on 3rd June 2011, leaving behind a letter he wanted to be released after his death. Their marriage lasted 15 years until they divorced in 1963. Arness was known to be a shy and sensitive man. The actor added, he had the privilege of working with numerous great actors over the years. Janet has been with him until his dying last breath. For some, the tragedies never seem to stop and they keep compounding in every phase of their lives. Arness made one final stab at a weekly series with "McClain's Law" (NBC, 1981-82) which cast him as a retired cop who returns to the force to show a new group of officers the right way to deal with . Arness adopted Chapmans son Craig, who died in 2004. cb: (new Date()).getTime() Died on June 2011, American Actor James Arness Was Married Twice; Has Three Children; Know More About His Family, Updated On 09 Aug, 2018 Published On 09 Aug, 2018. She was 60. So, basically, the most romantic date ever. Your email address will not be published. He led an incredible life, serving in World War II and becoming an actor without little formal training in the craft. The family name was entitled to the title Aursnes because his father migrated from Norway in 1887. He even worked as a radio announcer before moving to Los Angeles in 1946. Keeping this in mind, the American actor James Arness build up his profession in acting, despite having a dream to be a naval fighter pilot. He died at the age of 88. What do you think of his eventful life with his two wives? Born of Norwegian heritage (the family name, Aurness, had formerly been Aursness) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rolf and Ruth Duesler Aurness. He initially worked as a courier for a jewelry wholesaler as a high school student. Regarding James Arness personal life, well, the actor has been married twice. TV Land, theyre on there; we were on the Westerns channel but then a few months ago they took us off. His fathers name is Rolf Virkler Aurness who was from Norway. Although Arness died almost a decade ago, his work continues to be held in high regard by fans who grew up watching him keep the peace in Dodge City. What Happened To Patty Duke? Despite this, Janet and Arness had a great day as they strolled by a beautiful waterfall. Arness and his wifeVirginia Chapman in 1956. Having lived a fulfilling life as an actor, James Arness died on the 3rd day of June 2011. The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. Chapman. Image dated September 27, 1993. Both his letter and his love story prove that James Arness was not just a gritty actor. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.. During the 20th . It aired for 20 seasons and made him and other actors in it world-famous. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (function(d) { James Arness poses with his wife Janet during a signing of his new book "James Arness: An Autobiography" at the Gene Autry Museum November 3, 2001 | Source: Getty Images. Arness was married twice, first to Virginia Chapman from 1948 until their divorce in 1960. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, just a week after his 88th birthday. James Arness was born as James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. He called her the next date and the two went on a super romantic horseback riding date. However, legendary Western actor John Wayne thought he had star potential. Who Has Ashton Kutcher Dated? When the Gunsmoke offer came in, he said, I wouldnt be able to do it, but I have a young man here under contract who I think would maybe fit the bill. So he very graciously offered to introduce the first episode. In 1978, Arness wed Janet Surtees for the second time. | Source: Getty Images. The cast of 'Gunsmoke' poses around a wagon in a promotional portrait for the Western television series. { While in the hospital, nurses suggested that his voice would be perfect for the radio, reports The Guardian. He is father of Three(Craig Aurness, Rolf Aurness, Jenny Lee Aurness). It effectively removed her from the "in" society which her husband, thanks to his role on "Gunsmoke," had become a part of. They had tied the knot in 1948. I was like, Oh my gosh, he is a big guy,' said Janet with a laugh. James Arness with his first wife Virginia Chapman James Arness has been divorced once, in 1960. Furthermore, Gunsmoke earned him three nominations for the Primetime Emmys. He received theBronze Star and thePurple Heart. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years. The couple shared a son named Jim from Janet's previous relationship. A year later, he married his first wife,Virginia Chapman. Their parents were businessmen and journalists. Janet met James while she was working at a clothing store. He played Detective Jim McClain on the TV show McClains Law for two seasons, 1981 and 1982. His fans were certainly devasted by this tragic news. Disclaimer: All content is provided for fun and entertainment purposes only. Different rumors were there about the long-term relationship between James Arness and actress Thordis Brandt. They had been together for six years. James Arness James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television landscape for two decades as righteous Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke," died Friday. They tied the knot in 1978 and lived in Brentwood, Los Angeles. Arness later found love inThordis Brand. In reality, Wayne suggested Arness for the part and even introduced the first episode of Gunsmoke. Oh my God, I agree with him! He appeared in different several films and on television. But the Gunsmoke starmarried the next woman he met after his split from Brand. He was 88. The couple shared two children, a son named Rolf Arness ( (born February 18, 1952) and a daughter named Jenny Arness (born May 23, 1950). He served in the Battle of Anzio during World War II. CBS television series Gunsmoke, James Arness died on June 3, 2011, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. Janet worked there for seven years and grew close with the couple. After serving in the war, Arness started working in radio in Minneapolis before hitchhiking to Hollywood to pursue acting. James "Jim" Arness And Wife Janet Pose For A Photograph In Their Garden In 1995 In Brentwood, Ca. James Arness' role as Marshal Matt Dillon made him an iconic hero to millions all over the world. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. I was under contract to Dukes company for two years before Gunsmoke came along, Arness told the Signal in 2006. . Arness entered Beloit College in Wisconsin after his service discharge. Since this was so important to Arness, he decided to leave a note for his longstanding Gunsmoke followers to read after his passing, which no doubt deepened their already profound admiration for him. James had completed his education at Minneapolis Washburn high school. The Gunsmoke family was the thing that people got used to, and (they) wanted to see that in their homes on Saturday nights, you see, he told the Signal. In 1960, he had a star placed in honor of him at 1751 Vine Street on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There just was never anybody else like him.. His performance as a quiet man with an amazing sense of justicewas appreciated by millions of fans. Together with her adopted son, Craig, they created a family. With his second spouse, James shared four children. He started acting in an amateur theater; then, he caught the eye of an agent who linked him up with producer Dore Schary, who gave him a few roles in 1947. Arness' 20-year prime-time run as the marshal was tied only in recent times, by Kelsey Grammer's 20 years as Frasier Crane from 1984 to 2004 on "Cheers" and then on "Frasier." . We just started talking, and he was a skier, and I was into skiing.". He is best remembered for his role of 'Marshal Matt Dillon' in the long-running television Western Gunsmoke (1955 to 1975). They found out they had a common interest in skiing, and it led to a date at an old miners' cabin he owned. But Janet was hesitant at first. Arness portrayed the iconic role of US Marshall Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. Mini Bio (1) American leading man famed as the star of one of the longest-running shows in U.S. television history, Gunsmoke (1955). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The fans wanted to see more obvious indications of their relationship, but. It plagued him for the rest of his life. James Arness enjoyed a wonderful professional career but the same can't be said of his personal life where he prematurely lost so many people he loved before he inevitably passed away himself. As a result, he played a role in getting Arness to accept the role of Matt on Gunsmoke, the show that would prove to be the pinnacle of his career. He did most or all the radio shows, and then when it came to television, he did most of those for the first couple of years, Arness later explained. Some of his films include The Farmers Daughter, Roses are red, Man from Texas, Stars in My Crown, Flame of the Islands, and Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge. Obviously, Janet accepted. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. Janets father and brother were both pilots. He was an infantryman and was wounded in the battle of Anzio, Italy, but his brother was posted to the Army Air Force which later became a separate branch of the U.S. military. Patty Duke Cause Of Death? He had three children over the course of his lifetime - Craig, Rolf, and Jenny. }; So I thought, Well, okay, Ill meet Jim and tell my son I met him,' said Janet. Apart, Arness had already become a grandfather of six grandchildren. Of course, she was charmed by his politeness and friendliness, so they got to talking. Through their marital relationship, the couple had four children Rolf Arness, Craig Arness, Jim Arness, and Jenny Lee Arness. Relationship Status In 1948, Arness married Virginia Chapman and adopted Craig, her son. But because of his poor vision and problem with eyesight was the major obstacle that blocked him from it. James's make-up artist on the set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store. He went to John Burroughs Grade School, Washburn High School, and West High School in Minneapolis. He had one sibling, Peter Aurness, who would later become known as Mission: Impossible star Peter Graves. The Macahans on setfor the episode aired on January 19, 1976. James had a stint in performing onstage when he was young, but later on, he expressed little interest in pursuing a career out of it and heeded the call of the seas instead. After Being Caught For A Previous Crime, A Person Suspected Of Stealing Is Charged. Then there was a knock at the door. He left behind his wife of 33 years when the actor himself passed away. He called Janet the next day and asked if he could fly her to the mountains on his private plane (nice move, Jim). And here comes this huge man through the door, I was like, oh my gosh. One was named Craig, a photographer, while the other, Jenny, was an actress and they died in 2004 and 1975 respectively. Nothing happened for three months. There is a longstanding rumor that John Wayne was considered for the part of Matt Dillon, but he turned it down. Who is the woman who captured the heart of the 67 tall actor, James Arness? He is a big guy, and He was very polite," sherecallsof meeting James. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Garner was born in Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America, and at the moment of his death, Garner was 86 years old. Peter was famous for his portrayal of Jim Phelps in the CBS TV series Mission: Impossible. One night, her friend invited Janet over for dinner to meet James Arness. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, they didn't get married or have children from their relationship. Arnes was of American nationality and used to belongs to the white ethnicity. Arness died from natural causes at his home in Los Angeles on June 3, 2011, a family spokesman said at the time. James Arness Had Two Relationships Afterward Arness later found love in Thordis Brand. They were last married in 1978 to Janet Surtees. 5 Great And Criminally Underrated Westerns. Arness had hoped to serve as a pilot but thought his poor eyesight would be a problem. One night, her friend invited Janet over for dinner to meet James Arness. Arness had hoped to serve as a pilot but thought his poor eyesight would be a problem. He also became the adoptive father to Virginia's son Craig. 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