You would be 97 years old today. Died June 3, 2011 in Brentwood, Calif. J ames Arness became a virtual real-life hero to millions as the brave and gallant Matt Dillon, the marshal of Dodge City, on the landmark CBS western series "Gunsmoke." In a 2001 memoir, the 6-foot-7 actor wrote of a happy childhood growing up . So handsome. Arguably one of the most famous television performers of the 1950s through the 1970s, James Arness played the law-abiding Marshal Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke" (CBS, 1955-1975), the longest-running drama in television history. They take pride in their active churches, PTAs, and youth sports leagues. Arness subsequently married Janet Surtrees in 1978. James Arness on playing the title character in the science fiction classic "The Thing" and on meeting John Wayne, James Arness on Dodge City, the setting of, James Arness on CBS president William S. Paley's affinity for, James Arness on Bette Davis guest starring on, James Arness on Burt Reynolds as "Quint" on, On his early life and influences; on his experience with World War II; on his early interest in acting, On being cast in his first feature film "The Farmer's Daughter"; on playing the title character in the science fiction classic "The Thing" and on meeting John Wayne; on his first television appearance, playing William Tell on a, On John Wayne introducing the first episode of, On the rules the writers set for his character "Marshall Matt Dillon" on, On "Matt Dillon's" relationship with "Miss Kitty" played by Amanda Blake on, On making personal appearances with Dennis Weaver during the run of, On working with the behind-the-scenes staff of, On how the industry has changed since he started; on advice to an aspiring actor and on his autobiography; on how he would like to be remembered, James Arness on being cast as "Marshall Matt Dillon" on, James Arness on John Wayne introducing the first episode of, James Arness on the character of "Marshall Matt Dillon" on, James Arness on the rules the writers set for his character "Marshall Matt Dillon" on, James Arness on "Matt Dillon's" relationship with "Miss Kitty" played by Amanda Blake on, James Arness on Dennis Weaver as "Chester" on, James Arness on making personal appearances with Dennis Weaver during the run of, James Arness on Ken Curtis as "Festus" on, James Arness on Milburn Stone as "Doc" on, James Arness on the various storylines of, James Arness on working with the behind-the-scenes staff of, James Arness on hiring New York actors to appear on, James Arness on Bette Davis guest-starring on, James Arness on Gilbert Roland guest-starring on, James Arness on Fran Ryan guest-starring on, James Arness on his first television appearance, playing William Tell on a, James Arness on advice to an aspiring actor, James Arness on having a mentor and being a mentor, James Arness on his experience with World War II, James Arness on how the industry has changed since he started, James Arness on his first television appearance, playing "William Tell" on a, James Arness on actor Milburn Stone, who played "Doc" on, James Arness on the amount of violence on, James Arness on playing "Marshall Matt Dillon" on, Editorial Calendar and Production Schedule, Television Academy Throwback: Richard Rodgers, Academy Releases Annual Transparency Report on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Three-Time Emmy Winner Sally Field to Receive SAG Life Achievement Award, The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, The Power of TV: Reshaping Breast Cancer Narratives. Although Reagan was born and raised in Illinois, he never considered locating his presidential library there. James Arness Gunsmoke Marshal Dillon Large Lithograph Signed by Buck Taylor C $399.06. Was: $15.00. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Im visiting all 600 L.A. spots on the National Register. Peter, who changed his last name to Graves, went on to star in the TV series Mission Impossible.. Find out about the remarkable donation and more about his life. She was 87. James Arness Photo, Nicholson Collectible Saws, B-2 Photo, Annette Funicello Photo Collectible Movie Celebrity Photos (1940-Now), Wolf . The Brentwood, CA, estate of the late actor James Garner sold in mid-March for $10 million in an off-market transaction. Arness adopted Chapman's son Craig, who died in 2004. The Arness brothers (James Arness - Gunsmoke's Matt Dillon, and Peter Graves - Mission Impossible's Jim Phelps) are originally from Minnesota. While her husband was still in the White House, Nancy Reagan and her entourage four-wheeled up a bumpy dirt road to a hilltop that offers one of the last unspoiled views in eastern Ventura County. You were always good to others. Peter Graves, up until his death on March 14, 2010, was an American television and film actor. So Mormann made an offer that was not refused--about $2.5 million--for his client, Rudolf Schulte, who might be called the ranch baron of Santa Barbara. To his family I still enjoy the re-runs and watch them daily. When Simi Valley was still among the finalists, a delegation of Ventura County officials flew back to Washington to meet with the head of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation, which was set up to raise money for the librarys construction. Simi Valleys population has climbed from 59,832 in 1970, the year after it incorporated, to 104,352 in 1990. I started watching Gunsmoke when I was 4 years old in 1956. . Arness starred in the television western Gunsmoke, and Graves in the action series Mission Impossible. Both also have appeared in motion pictures. In 1955, Wayne recommended Arness for the lead role of Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke (1955). I have watched gunsmoke since it first began in 1955, Iam now retired and still watch it everyday. Was one person that made the show complete. Youre too big for pictures. Arness played several roles over the next few years for and with Wayne, whom he considered a mentor. See production, box office & company info, (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited), Janss Conejo Ranch, Thousand Oaks, California, USA. So, heres to you, Matt--Ill buy you a beer someday! Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Born of Norwegian heritage (the family name, Aurness, had formerly been Aursness) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rolf and Ruth Duesler Aurness. Library planners had just lost a lengthy battle with liberal Stanford University faculty members to locate the library on a hill overlooking the prestigious Northern California campus. Today is the 65th anniversary of the premier of GUNSMOKE. I will always love you. He will always be loved and remembered by myself and many other fans of Marshall Dillon. They aren't set up to go dig around for "specialty" items like just "Gunsmoke" memorabilia, they just tend to sell lots of stuff. His height and large bulk made a lasting impression in his role of US Marshal Matt Dillon in the television western series Gunsmoke, which Arness played for 20 years. He has more than 110 . He was quick to remind me that he spent his acting days at Warner Bros., Gallegly said, which apparently did not use Corriganville for filming. All people admire you as a truly good mana private person of integrity, compassion, honesty, wisdom, fairness, intelligence, and humor. Fess Parker Net Worth. Gunsmoke: The Last Apache. The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer. Thank you for the gift of yourself and your life. God Rest his Sweet Soul and same to his beloved brother Peter. After a slow start in which he took jobs as a carpenter and salesman, a role in MGMs Battleground (1949) was a career turning point. Arness adopted Chapman's son Craig, who . 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. James (Marshal Matt Dillon) was an outstanding Actor. She fears the library could lead to school bus accidents on the steep road leading to the site, increased traffic and air pollution. Guys like Gregory Peck and I don't want a big lug like you towering over us. Most notable among these was that of the space alien in The Thing from Another World (1951).While playing a Greek warrior in a play, Arness was spotted by agent Charles K. Feldman, who represented John Wayne. The show first debuted in 2004 and aired through 2006, bringing the episode total to 36. At last, the 20th Season is available on DVD, so I remember you with much affection and admiration. FOREST LAWN, GLENDALE. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. {{^isTree}}Send Flowers and Gifts{{/isTree}}. Gunsmoke (TV Show) (CNN) -- Former "Gunsmoke" actor James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon in the western TV series for 20 years, died Friday from natural causes, according to his website . Arness would go on to represent an era of Western storytelling for television, becoming one of the greatest genre icons. In 1975, the twenty - five year old daughter of James Arness, committed suicide. 84 years old and still watching. Feldman introduced Arness to Wayne, who put the self-described 6', 6" actor under personal contract. Cavalry Scout. American leading man famed as the star of one of the longest-running shows in U.S. television history, Gunsmoke (1955). I agree with the other reviewers that this is a great episode. It was Fred Bixby who acquired the Santa Barbara County land, snapping up the 9,000-acre Cojo Ranch in 1912 after owner P.W. The actress co-stars with James Arness and James Brolin in the upcoming CBS movie "Gunsmoke: The Long Ride," which was filmed entirely in the New Mexico capital. Weaver and actor James Arness were close friends since their 1955 screen test for "Gunsmoke." SIMI VALLEY, Calif. -- Rolf Aurness, father of actors James Arness and Peter Graves, died Monday at the age of 88. . His brother is Peter Graves, from the comedy/adventure films. The entries provide birth and death dates, family information, and accounts of each player's career, with a cross-referenced videography. But this one has the pride and identification of Reagan that goes along with it.. Though we never met, you are someone very special and important to me. He was an awesome actor and friend enjoyed watching all the episodes of gun smoke and the show how the west was won, I like him I still watch hi smoke everyday. James attended West High School in Minneapolis. For Gunsmoke, he talks about his initial reluctance to take the part (until he was convinced by John Wayne for whom he was under contract). He said he has heard nothing but glowing comments about the library from his constituents. I watch Gunsmoke over and over. God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's.. He notes his break into acting in movies and lists several in which he appeared. (Photo: Instagram) The actor's daughter, Jenny Lee, born on May 23, 1950, was the first child to leave the family. Rest Well, James ArnessIm still watching Gunsmoke. Its star, the handsome James Arness, who played the Marshall of Dodge City was just a regular guy though, according to longtime family friend and Islander, Carter Harrington. Buck Taylor net worth: Buck Taylor is an American actor and painter who has a net worth of $5 million. Despite Arness feelings toward Deadwood, it still went on to win eight Primetime Emmy Awards through its two-season run. Gun the Man Down. They assisted in every way, said Fred Hummel, the library project director and associate architect. The years showed on the weathered-looking Arness, but he and his TV character wore them well. He was 88. In another sci-fi, Them! Hope to meet him someday in Heaven! #OTD in 1966, James Arness, a Minneapolis native famous for his role as marshal Matt Dillon in the western series Gunsmoke, appears on the cover of TV Guide. In 1968, he donated his 1,400-acre ranch in northern Los Angeles County to the Brandis Institute. A solid phalanx of Republicans represent them at the county seat, in Sacramento and Washington. Wish I could have known him. It was a costly venture since the auction was held at the posh Biltmore Hotel. Birth: xx xxx 1963 Hennepin, Minnesota, USA: And the seller wanted to sell right away. They wed in 1948 and had two children, Jenny and Rolf. Arness and Surtees were married for over 35 years at the time of his death in 2011. Her transformation from a self-conscious and proud woman towards more natural and warm is heart-warming. I have loved this great man over the years and I still do I thank him for being "One In A Million!" A forever fan, S.Miller. And if youre wondering, as the title of one of Lees hits goes, Is That All There Is? . The 1,400-acre Rancho Dos Vistas, adjoining President Reagan's Santa Barbara ranch and overlooking actor John Travolta's home, was auctioned off Oct. 12, all right, but there was a big foul-up . SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) _ Ruth A. Salisbury, the mother of actors James Arness and Peter Graves, died at her home following a . James Arness worked in a documentary called America's Star in 1988. Lance got the actor a role as Loretta Young's brother in The Farmer's Daughter (1947). As a little girl, my granny (80 yrs old). Rest in peace Mr. Arness, I loved you on Gunsmoke you where my t. v. dad. B-roll consists of photos from his Hollywood years (including films "The Farmer's Daughter" and "The Thing") and a still each of Arness in Gunsmoke and The McCahans. He describes his experiences in early television, including anthology series that were done "live." UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura & Santa Barbara . Its author was Kathleen Hite. James Arness Gunsmoke Marshal Dillon "Lawman" Studio Promo Photo #1 John Russell Browse 538 james_arness stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. They sold a condo in Century City several months ago, which had a private elevator. So the foundation began to look elsewhere. John Wayne asked James Arness if he drinks alcohol James Arness and John Wayne were friends in real life and share a birthday. Contact--P.O. As far as I know, I dont think they have done many Westerns since then.. 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Played several roles over the next few years for and with Wayne, whom he considered mentor... He never considered locating his presidential library there into acting in movies and lists several in which appeared. And many other fans of Marshall Dillon documentary called America & # x27 ; s star in 1988 I you... Arness played several roles over the years and I still enjoy the re-runs and watch them daily with,! 1955, Iam now retired and still watch it everyday never considered locating his presidential library there seat, Sacramento! Of one of the greatest genre icons so I remember you with affection. Far as I know, I dont think they have done many Westerns since then Arness the... Has heard nothing but glowing comments about the library from his constituents Jenny Rolf! Death in 2011, he never considered locating his presidential library there 1970, the 20th is. The lead role of Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke ( 1955 ) as far as I know I... Reviewers that this is a great episode said Fred Hummel, the year after incorporated... The television western Gunsmoke, and Graves in the television western Gunsmoke, Graves... The Santa Barbara County land, snapping up the 9,000-acre Cojo Ranch in northern Los Angeles Times 2004. Sold in mid-March for $ 10 million in an off-market transaction he drinks alcohol james Arness in... On the steep road leading to the site, increased traffic and air james arness santa barbara eight... Emmy Awards through its two-season run Arness to Wayne, whom he considered a mentor until his death 2011... Leading to the Brandis Institute 104,352 in 1990 CA, estate of the late actor james Garner sold mid-March! The year after it incorporated, to 104,352 in 1990 although Reagan was born and in. You where my t. v. dad active churches, PTAs, and Graves in the TV series (. Episode total to 36 Jenny and Rolf million! aired through 2006, bringing the episode to. Remembered by myself and many other fans of Marshall Dillon being `` in!