James Arness Biography, Life, Interesting Facts

James Arness was born on May 26th, in 1923. He is celebrated for being a talented actor during the golden era. Her garnered profound fame for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the CBS TV series called Gunsmoke.

One of the main reasons why Arness is best remembered in the entertainment industry is that he played his role in five distinct decades beginning in 1955 to 1990s.

Early Life

James Arness was born on May 26th, in 1923. His place of birth was in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before taking on his acting career, he was known as James King Aurness.

However, he later adopted the name Arness dropping the “u.” He was the son of Rolf Cirkler Aurness and Ruth Duesler.

His father was a businessman whereas his mother worked as a journalist. Arness had a younger brother who was also a known actor. Peter Graves was his younger brother.

Education

James Arness went to John Burroughs Grade School before joining Washburn High School and later West High School. While studying at the school, he also took a part-time job as a courier. Regardless of being regarded as a poor student, he successfully graduated in 1942.

World War II

James Arness was soon called up to fight for his country during the World War II era. However, he had a particular interest in becoming a fighter pilot. Unfortunately, his height 2.01m hindered him from becoming a fighter pilot. As an alternative, he joined the army in 1943.

James Arness served his country during the Anzio Battle where he succumbed to serious bullet injuries after being shot in his right leg. Arness was admitted to the general hospital where he was later discharged in 1945.

The pain inflicted on him from the wound continued even after departing from the army.

Acting Career

Immediately after leaving the army James Arness went on to work as a radio announcer. With time, he moved to Hollywood. His film debut role came with the role he played in The Farmer’s Daughter – 1947. This was followed by other parts in The Thing from Another World and Them!

Rise to Stardom

James Arness rose to fame with the role he played in Gunsmoke. This made him a worldwide film star alongside his co-actors such as Milburn Stone, Dennis Weaver, Buck Taylor and Ken Curtis.

He also landed on many TV roles beginning in 1950 with The Lone Ranger, How The West Was Won – (1977 – 1979), Pioneers of Television – 2011.

Personal Life

James Arness wedded twice in his lifetime. In 1948, he married Virginia Chapman and divorced her in 1960. In 1978, he married Janet Surtees.

The two spent their lives together until James Arness passed away. In this relationship, Arness was blessed with two sons namely Rolf and Craig. He also had a daughter called Jenny Lee Arness.

Death

James Arness breathed last in June 3rd, in 2011. He was 88 years old at the time of his death.