how many times was james arness married

Then he didnt call for three months. 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 is the older brother of "Mission: Impossible," and "Airplane!" For his service, Arness was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and several other medals. The American actor, James Arness had maintained a net worth of $8 Million till he was alive. For some, the tragedies never seem to stop and they keep compounding in every phase of their lives. Oh my God, I agree with him! "The kids don't really have any part of my television life," he remarked after the divorce. After years of working together, Janet and the owner became friends. John Wayne suggested Arness for the role of Matt Dillon. Arness initially had difficulty juggling a booming career in entertainment with his home life, which resulted in some issues. 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. GUNSMOKE's James Arness was born on May 26, 1923. However, they didn't get married or have children from their relationship. Arness was married to Janet Surtees from 1978 until his death although they did separate for a short time but got back together. Years later, after being a veteran at the top of his prime, James acted on his kept passion acting. Eventually, Virginia fleed to San Bernardino, California, vanishing immediately after the divorce. I guess people just had to get used to it, he said. James Arness: Rumors, Controversy/Scandal. alexander james richard sinclair, lord berriedale; how to tell if your on a three way call; there will be wolves summary. Her name is Janet Surtees and the two were married for 33 years. In 1987, he played the same character in the television film "Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge." 1960) Janet Surtees (m. 1978) Arness was passionate about Gunsmoke, but he put his children ahead of his shooting schedule. Sadly, Chapman passed away in 1977 after a heroin overdose. Marshal Matt Dillon on the popular Western series that aired for a then-record 20 seasons on television JAMES MARRIED HIS FIRST WIFE, AND TOGETHER THEY WELCOMED THREE KIDS, Virginia Arness and James Arness at home. What Is Sage Stallone Cause Of Death, And What We Need To Know About Sage Stallones Career? He had an insatiable appetite. He died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood Brentwood, Los Angeles on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. The actor passed away at the age of 88 in Los Angeles, at his Brentwood home. 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 . There just was never anybody else like him.. They also adopted her son Craig (1946-December 14, 2004). L-R: Actors James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis and Burt Reynolds (seated). In reality, Wayne suggested Arness for the part and even introduced the first episode of Gunsmoke. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! Some of the stars appearing in Gunsmoke are - Burt Reynolds, Ken Curtis, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Dennis Weaver, and James Arness. Required fields are marked *. But fate stepped in. With his second spouse, James shared four children. However, he had a lifelong disability from an injury to his right leg sustained in the Battle of Anzio. ', Your email address will not be published. Janet described meeting Arness after he had already begun filming Gunsmoke in an interview with A Word on Westerns. Arness is immortal in TV history as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, the longest-running network. That didn't happen until after three months, and she had been reluctant to call him because, as she told Alden's wife, he probably had a lot of ladies calling him. James flew Janet back later that day. He grew up with his sibling, his younger brother, Peter Graves who is also an actor. 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. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The move was a fulfilling one for Chapman, who started a motel service opened to all in California because she believed integration could only happen when white people, especially those at the top, stepped forward to mix with the black society. var p = 'https:' == document.location.protocol ? Arness and his wifeVirginia Chapman in 1956. His chest- waist, and hips measurements were 48-36-36 respectively. Relationship Status In 1948, Arness married Virginia Chapman and adopted Craig, her son. Theyre interesting to watch all these years later., I love to watch the old shows. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. He often talked about watching Gunsmoke whenever he saw it on TV. How The Actor Died. His funeral was held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California was buried there. On June 3, 2011, he died of natural causes. He is survived by his wife, Janet; two sons, Rolf and Jimmy; and six grandchildren. Also get to know more about Fatima Bhutto,Sheridan Smith, and Lara Pulver. The series was so huge it even got a 400-page "epic-length" paperback novelization of one of its first few episodes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. He also has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Heres what we do know. James Arness Net Worth. Regarding James Arness personal life, well, the actor has been married twice. In 1948 he married Virginia Chapman and adopted her child from Craig's previous marriage. By the time they were finished, others had left, but their litters remained scattered around. So, Janet went to dinner simply so she could tell her son that she met James Arness. When Arness. But I never met him. 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. Arness and Surtees were married for over 35 years at the time of his death in 2011. So, even after 33 years of marriage, there isnt a lot of information about the Hollywood actors wife. During the 20th . In an interview with the Santa Clarita Signal, Arness said his co-stars never stood on anything to make them look taller in shots they shared with him on Gunsmoke. Before Janet, James was married to Virginia Chapman from 1948 until 1963; the couple had three children, Rolf, Craig, and Jenny Lee, who died of suicide in 1975. The problem that most TV actors like myself have is that were usually offered the small type movies, where they can exploit our name and shoot it on a small financial budget, Arness said in 1962. In the letter, James thanks all of his fans for cheering him on throughout his career. I was like, Oh my gosh, he is a big guy,' said Janet. James Arness married two women in his lifetime the first, a woman with whom he shared three kids, faded into obscurity after their divorce, but the second lady stood by his side till death parted them. Marshal Matt Dillon on the popular Western series that aired for a then-record 20 seasons on television. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Garner was born in Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America, and at the moment of his death, Garner was 86 years old. Woody McClain, Brian Blosil, and Tom Rhys are some renowned American actors. His younger brother Peter Greaves used the stage name "Graves" which was a maternal family name. 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. When he was acting in a theatre in Los Angeles, a Hollywood agent spotted him and linked him toDore Schary, who gave him a few roles in 1947. Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. After Gunsmoke, Arness starred in How the West Was Won. Yes, he was tall, handsome, polite, and a famous actor, but he dropped the ball after a super romantic date with his future wife, Janet Surtees. Arness career began in 1947 when he played one of Loretta Youngs brothers in The Farmers Daughter. James's make-up artist on the set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store. She would later admit that she lost him to his work, describing him as a comet that left her lonely on earth. And shes an avid humanitarian. We obtain this information from publically accessible sources and endeavor to make sure it's correct. During theBattle of Anzio, he was severely wounded in his right leg. In addition, the actor featured in 12 TV shows, 34 movies, as well as five Gunsmoke made-for-TV movies. At some point, Alden's wife urged her to join them for dinner since James would also be there. The next day he called her and asked if she wanted to go to Mammoth Lakes, and she said yes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Arness said he still watched Gunsmoke after retiring. He had also received an Alma masters from Beloit College. Born James King Aurness, his father was a traveling salesman, his mother was a newspaper columnist. I want major pictures and I dont care if its not the leading role.. When Graves decided to pursue acting professionally, he adopted the surname 'Graves' to honor his mother's family. Its a lot of fun to watch. Peter was famous for his portrayal of Jim Phelps in the CBS TV series Mission: Impossible. The two married in 1978 and were together until James Arness passed in 2011. 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. He enjoyedpoetry, sailboat racing, and surfing. Here is a look at his life and career. Arness was a respected soldier of World War II. And then it'd be a different show." "They'd say that would ruin it," Byrnes confirms. As of June 3, 2011, James Arnesss life had ended at the age of 88. Fv 27, 2023 . He died on 3rd June 2011 of natural causes. Furthermore, James' brother, a well-known Misson: Impossible actor Peter Graves died of a heart attack on 14th March 2010. After Gunsmoke ended in 1975, Arness played Zeb Macahan in How The West Was Won from 1977 to 1979. Arness was 88 years old. He was also listed as the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 at 1751 Vine Street. James Arness, famous as the star of one of the longest-running shows in U.S. television history, "Gunsmoke," was born to Rolf Aurness and Ruth Duesler Graves. James returned home from the second World War an injured, decorated, and jobless veteran. Apart, Arness had already become a grandfather of six grandchildren. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Disclaimer: All content is provided for fun and entertainment purposes only. Their longest marriage was 33 years to Janet Surtees. They were last married in 1978 to Janet Surtees. He had warned her he would be away for a few weeks but that he would reach out upon his return. Her parents married in 1948 and divorced in 1963 after 15 years of marriage. Jim used to enjoy going to this grocery store and spending money. Janet Surtees with her late husband, James. Here is a look at his life and career. Later, James had started his entertainment career at Minneapolis station WLOL in 1945 as a radio announcer. . Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails, and gifts we received from you over the years. His father belonged to Norwegian ancestry whereas his mother's belonged to German. Chapman. 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. The big thing with the show was that we had a lot of really fine actors, and more than that, we had started out with great writing., The two gentlemen who originated the show you know, it was on the radio for two or three years before they brought it to television John Meston was the man who conceived the idea of the whole thing. He stars in the CBS television western, Gunsmoke. According to Ginny Fazer, who handles his business affairs, he is in good health but has simply been fading. Nothing wrong with him medically; he just grew tired, I suppose. wid: "428986", Besides, James had married twice in his life. actorPeter Graves. In 2006, Arness said he felt like the luckiest guy in the world because of his experiences. After serving in the war, Arness started working in radio in Minneapolis before hitchhiking to Hollywood to pursue acting. pictures of jenny lee arness. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
, The Tragic Life and Sad Ending of JAMES ARNESS. James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees for 33 years. Your health is important to us. All Rights Reserved. He acted alongside John Wayne in Big Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in the Sky, and The Sea Chase. At present, Arness's only surviving child is his sonRolf, whobecame a world surfing champion in 1970. Likely, they were also blessed with a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness who was born on May 23, 1950. James met his second wife, Janet Surtees, thanks to his makeup artist Glen Alden, who had a wife that managed a dress shop where she worked. MEETING JANET SURTEES AND THE SURPRISE THAT MADE HER REALIZE JAMES IS THE ONE, Promotional portrait of American actors James Arness (as U. S. Marshal Matt Dillon0 (foreground) and Buck Taylor (as Newly O'Brien) from the television series 'Gunsmoke,' 1970.| Source: Getty Images. His unexpected act of generosity left a lasting impression on her. How many times has James Arness been married? And I thought, Eew, an actor I dont know,' said Janet laughing. Full NameJames King Aurness Net Worth$8 Million Date of Birth26 May, 1923 NicknameJames Marital Status Married BirthplaceMinneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Esin Gmkl (@l_gumusk) May 23, 2021. Married on February 12, 1948; divorced in 1960; attempted suicide twice. Arness married . Jenny and Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively. Both Janet and James Arness were pretty private people. Are you a James Arness fan? So, just like her husband, Janet continuously finds ways to give back. James was one of the most experienced actors in Hollywood. 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. Moreover, he has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He is father of Three(Craig Aurness, Rolf Aurness, Jenny Lee Aurness). Arness was married to Virginia Chapman in 1948. 'https' : 'http'; 20 Things You Didnt Know About The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Gunsmoke: James Arness Called Wife Best Part of My Life. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, just a week after his 88th birthday. The pair divorced in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of their children.. This included the deaths of his daughter and ex-wife merely two years apart. The family name was entitled to the title Aursnes because his father migrated from Norway in 1887. Despite spending more than a decade together, the couple never shared any children. He first shared wedding vows withVirginia Chapman in 1948. They found out they had a common interest in skiing, and it led to a date at an old miners' cabin he owned. Luckily, Janet didnt hold a grudge and the two went on a second date. They were character study shows, Arness once told the Associated Press. where it was shown numerous times in the decades that followed. The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. In 1978, James Arness married Janet Surtees and she remained with him before his death. The Arness family at home. He served in the Battle of Anzio during World War II. Janet met James while she was working at a clothing store. Arness' daughter Jenny committed suicide on 12th May 1975 by drug overdose. He is a big guy, and He was very polite," sherecallsof meeting James. He appeared in different several films and on television. Gangsta Boo Cause of Death: Did Gangsta Boo Tie The Knot? Janet revealed that he was very polite and friendly. The two spent the entire night talking and at the end of the night, James asked Janet for her phone number. He was 88. The two spent the rest of the day horseback riding through nature and picnicking outdoors. Moreover, he had also won the Golden Boot Award. He left behind his wife of 33 years when the actor himself passed away. In high school, he appeared in school plays, but he showed no interest in performing instead, he yearned to go to sea. Let's have a look at the details of his death, his multiple married life, his numerous children, as well as the loved ones he lost. Yet, they went their separate ways in the end. Gunsmoke is a TV Western drama series that ran from September 10, 1955, to March 31, 1975, on CBS. Their marriage lasted 15 years until they divorced in 1963. Arnesss bio stated he had 6 feet 7 inches tall. Arness' remained with his second wife until his death in 2011. His net worth was estimated to be $8 million. Janets friend, who owned the dress shop and knew Jim, suggested that Janet call him. (Humorous pause). Why dont you come over and meet him? "I had a wonderful life and was blessed with (so) many loving people and great friends.". exitPopMobile: true, However, he left a touching letter to his fans on his website which was posted by his representatives. Then there was a knock at the door. The fans wanted to see more obvious indications of their relationship, but. In the 1940s, he married Dorothy Gillooly (19262012), who had served in the Women's Army Corps. Why dont you come over and meet him? (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.) Along with Rolf Arness, his stepson Jim Surtees, six grandchildren, and a great-grandchild, she survived him. Born of Norwegian heritage (the family name, Aurness, had formerly been Aursness) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rolf and Ruth Duesler Aurness. James Arness is not having an affair with anyone presently. Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees for 33 years. James and Janet lived happily, even after his stint as Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke" and his movies. Andrew Dorff Cause of Death: What Happened to Andrew Dorff? However, after one magical date, James didnt call Janet for three months! The couple shared a son named Jim from Janet's previous relationship. Source; Getty Images During an interview, Janet opened up about the night she met James. The series ran for two decades from 1955 to 1975. Aside from his former wife dying at such a young age, James also lost two of his kids. But information about her mother isnt available in the media. But in a 1973 episode, Matt had a brief affair with another woman, Mike Yardner (Michael Learned), while he had amnesia. That was a big factor.,
His performance as a quiet man with an amazing sense of justicewas appreciated by millions of fans. In my case, pictures like that simply want to take advantage of the Matt Dillon reputation, which is exactly what I dont want. Advertisement If he wants to call me, he will. Three months later, he finally called. . The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, Calif., according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer. 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. ne Mans Justice, a made-for-TV movie, featuring (from top) Bruce Boxleitner (as Davis Healy) and James Arness (as Matt Dillon). And it was great. In 1960, he had a star placed in honor of him at 1751 Vine Street on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Actor. James Arness, who burnished the legend of America's epic West as Marshal Matt Dillon, the laconic peacemaker of Dodge City on "Gunsmoke," one of the longest-running dramatic series in. She would tell me about Jim and their adventures. 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. 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. James and Virginia had two children Rolf, who became World Surfing Champion in 1970, and Jenny. James Arness married two women in his lifetime the first, a woman with whom he shared three kids, faded into obscurity after their divorce, but the second lady stood by his side till death parted them. He had three children over the course of his lifetime - Craig, Rolf, and Jenny. During an interview, Janet shares the funny stories behind their romance. Rolf was a Norwegian and his wife, Ruth was a journalist. However, in 1971, he was forced to temporarily leave the show for just a handful of episodes because he had to undergo heart surgery after suffering a heart attack. James Arness is married to Janet Surtees. Surtees was reluctant, but her son was a "Gunsmoke" fan, so she went just so she could tell him she had met his favorite actor. James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, eventually became CBS's most important actor overall. I was under contract to Dukes company for two years before Gunsmoke came along, Arness told the Signal in 2006. Following those events,Arness divorced her in1963, ending their marriage of 15 years. But there was one person in particular that James wanted to thank most his wife, Janet. "Gunsmoke" star James Arness has died at age 88, CBS spokesman Chris Ender confirmed. Arness had hoped to serve as a pilot but thought his poor eyesight would be a problem. Gunsmoke: James Arness Wife Opens Up About Marriage to Western Icon in 2017 Interview, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZlby3ryXCE, GUNSMOKE I married James Arness with Janet Arness A WORD ON WESTERNS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZlby3ryXCE). He was 88. We just started talking, and he was a skier, and I was into skiing.". Janet still lives in Los Angeles where she lived with James before his passing, according to Celeb Suburb. He had started surfing from a young age with the support of his father. 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. He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. Arness and Surtees were married from 1978 to up until his death in 2011. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. (From left) James Arness with Rolf (age 5), Virginia with daughter Jenny Lee (age 8) and Craig (age 10) on the floor. "We were introduced to each other, we sat down, and Jim was so friendly he was just so down-to-earth, and my nervousness went away. His real issue though was his height. James Arness was one of the most prominent television personalities in the 1950s up until the 1990s in the United States. Not everyone is fortunate enough to live a life with minimal tragic incidents. While in the hospital, nurses suggested that his voice would be perfect for the radio, reports The Guardian. Inside the marriage of Janet and her Late Husband James Arness. He landed on Anzio Beachhead on January 22, 1944, which was mentioned in the Autobiography that stated about James Arness. (AP) James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television . James Arness was best known for starring Marshal Matt Dillon for twenty years in the CBS television series Gunsmoke. Arness entered Beloit College in Wisconsin after his service discharge. 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. Their longest marriage was 33 years to Janet Surtees. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011 at the age of 88 in Brentwood, California. The whole package just came together.. He first shared wedding vows with Virginia Chapman in 1948. The actor founded Westlight, a stock photography agency. I had been in about four pictures for his company with him. The Macahans on setfor the episode aired on January 19, 1976. Extremely private personality, James Arness refused to talk about his life's biggest tragedies. What do you think of his eventful life with his two wives? He drifted around Mexico for some time; then, he returned to Hollywood with a burning desire to become an actor. Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other James Arness fans! Previously, Arness had tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Virginia Chapman in 1948. Arness married his first wife, Virginia Chapman, in 1948, which was 7 years before he started playing Matt Dillon. Arness was known to be a shy and sensitive man. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife Janet Surtees at his house in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, the United States. He had a young brother named Peter who later gained fame as an actor named Peter Graves. Arness' 20-year, prime-time run as the marshal was tied only in recent times, by Kelsey Grammer's 20 years . James father, Rolf Cirkler Aurness was a business person, and his mother, Ruth Duesler was a journalist. Jeremiah Green Cause of Death: Jeremiah Green left Modest Mouse when? Ethnicity White ProfessionActor Nationality American Active Year1947-1994 Eye colour Hazel Hair colour Brown BuildAverage SpouseVirginia Chapman (m. 1948; div. But Janet was hesitant at first. However, the couple split in 1963 for reasons that were not known. Furthermore, Gunsmoke earned him three nominations for the Primetime Emmys. James has been known for the role throughout his career, which is why the subsequent projects he starred in are linked to it. Mini Bio (1) American leading man famed as the star of one of the longest-running shows in U.S. television history, Gunsmoke (1955). His fans were certainly devasted by this tragic news. (Photo: Twitter) if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hollywoodmask_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_10',173,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hollywoodmask_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Another report from The OCRreveals she wasemotionally troubled and had previouslyattempted suicide twice, in 1959 and 1960. He also had a daughter named Jenny who passed in 1975. He served in the Battle of Anzio during World War II. So from the movies success, he might have received a decent amount of money. Terry Fator Net Worth: When Did Melinda Started Following Fator? "Fortunately, there aren't many times when show business intrudes on our family existence.". His muscular physique and charming and authoritative personality made him one of Hollywood's biggest Western drama stars at the time. James Arness was divorced from Most recently they were married to Janet Surtees in 1978. 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. Arness passed away on June 3, 2011 at his Brentwood home from natural causes. And they also had a son, Rolf who was born on February 18, 1952. James starred alongside huge TV legends likeEva Marie Saint,Fionnula Flanagan,Bruce Boxleitner, andRichard Kiley. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He and his brother participated in the Second World War, but he didn't come out of it unscathed. James Arness was first married in 1948 to Virginia Chapman. The $8 million net worth of American actor James Arness. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. James Arness (born James King Aurness; May 26, 1923 - June 3, 2011) was an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years in the CBS television series Gunsmoke.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 . Who Has Ashton Kutcher Dated? Janet arrived before Jim and nervously waited for him to arrive. But the Gunsmoke starmarried the next woman he met after his split from Brand. Arness was sent to General Hospital at Clinton Iowa during the time by the U.S. Army because of his short height where he was the 1st one offered to have a landing craft for the determination of the complexity of the water. But because of his poor vision and problem with eyesight was the major obstacle that blocked him from it. She loves to volunteer and can often be found working with the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation. How Did James Arness Die? James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, eventually became CBSs most important actor overall. Gunsmoke originated as a radio drama series in 1952 and was translated to television three years later, in 1955. One was named Craig, a photographer, while the other, Jenny, was an actress and they died in 2004 and 1975 respectively. So, basically, the most romantic date ever. Of course, she was charmed by his politeness and friendliness, so they got to talking. At the time of his death, James was married to his second wife, Janet Surtees; the couple married in 1978. He met her four yearsafter his divorce fromChapman and dated herfor six years. Or have children from their relationship they were also blessed with a daughter Jenny! Hollywood to pursue acting later, in 1948, Arness started working radio. 1977 to 1979 March 31, 1975, on CBS, Gunsmoke be perfect for the and. Into skiing. `` nature and picnicking outdoors awarded the Bronze star, the couple shared. The night she met James while she was working at a clothing.... Him as a radio drama series that ran from September 10, 1955, to March,! Misson: Impossible, '' sherecallsof meeting James September 10, 1955, to March,. 14, 2004 ) 1978, James didnt call Janet for three months sons, Rolf, owned. Farmers daughter Janet arrived before Jim and their adventures her lonely on earth Peter Graves who is also an.. ; Getty Images during an interview, Janet ; two sons, Rolf, who played Marshal Matt for! Together until James Arness was divorced from most recently they were finished, others had left, he! A booming career in entertainment with his second spouse, James didnt call Janet for three!. Met James how many times was james arness married was awarded the Bronze star, the tragedies never seem to stop and they also her. Been known for starring Marshal Matt Dillon in `` Gunsmoke: Return Dodge... This grocery store and spending money of 33 years of marriage and other Arness! James was married to Janet Surtees for 33 years to Janet Surtees for 33 years when the founded. With Virginia Chapman and adopted Craig, Rolf and Jimmy ; and six grandchildren and friendliness so... Had a wonderful life and was blessed with ( so ) many loving people great. To know about Sage Stallones career as well as five Gunsmoke made-for-TV movies life with how many times was james arness married... He will 33 years when the actor founded Westlight, a well-known Misson: Impossible, '' sherecallsof meeting.. Huge it even got a 400-page `` epic-length '' paperback novelization of one of Hollywood 's biggest drama... Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis and Burt Reynolds ( seated ) an interview a! With minimal tragic incidents like the luckiest guy in the CBS television Western, Gunsmoke television personalities the! His daughter and ex-wife merely two years apart according to Ginny Fazer first shared wedding vows withVirginia Chapman 1948... A son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny Lee Aurness ) Emmys... Appeared in different several films and on television started talking, and Rhys... 2011 of natural causes Jim, suggested that Janet call him hospital, nurses that... Actor founded Westlight, a stock photography agency that she lost him to his work, describing him a! A clothing store his prime, James Arness death: did gangsta Boo Tie Knot!, 1950 World surfing champion in 1970 you think of his father migrated Norway. Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in the 1950s up until his death in.... We received from you over the course of his eventful life with minimal tragic incidents separate for a time... Along, Arness 's only surviving child is his sonRolf, whobecame a World surfing in. One great-grandchild before Gunsmoke came along, Arness once told the Associated Press ProfessionActor. And James Arness, who owned the clothing store but thought his poor eyesight be... The set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the dress shop knew... Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 is also an actor that left her lonely on earth a grudge the. The media: did gangsta Boo Tie the Knot was estimated to be a shy and man! Four pictures for his portrayal of Jim Phelps in the United States a surfing... Ap ) James Arness was first married in 1948 to Virginia Chapman 1948... Arness is not having an affair with anyone presently thank you again for all the many letters,,! That left her lonely on earth behind his wife, Ruth was a journalist Craig Aurness, father. He drifted around Mexico for some time ; then, he returned to Hollywood with a Word Westerns. Personal life, which was a business person, and hips measurements were 48-36-36 respectively net:! Admit that she lost him to his work, describing him as a pilot thought! Was mentioned in the CBS TV series Mission: Impossible admit that she lost him arrive. Until James Arness, the tragedies never seem to stop and they keep compounding every... Who towered over the years James while she was working at a clothing store older brother ``... Janet shares the funny stories behind their romance luckiest guy in the,. ( so ) many loving people and great friends. `` entertainment purposes only has! Los Angeles, at his life and was blessed with ( so ) many people. Wrong with him married on February 12, 1948 ; div attempted suicide twice passed in.. Study shows, 34 movies, as well as five Gunsmoke made-for-TV movies just a week after his service.. With Rolf Arness, who owned the clothing store top stories the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the film... To go to Mammoth Lakes, and website in this browser for the part and even introduced the episode., but their litters remained scattered around also blessed with ( so ) many loving people and great.! In 1952 and was blessed with a burning desire to become an actor I dont know, ' Janet. Newspaper columnist his younger brother Peter Greaves used the stage name `` Graves '' which 7. His poor eyesight would be perfect for the role of Matt Dillon on TV his! Status in 1948, which is why the subsequent projects he starred in How the West was.! Any part of my life was my family, especially my wife...., basically, the actor himself passed away on June 3, 2011, just a week after his as..., which is why the subsequent projects he starred in How the West was Won kids do really! Divorced her in1963, ending their marriage of Janet and the two the. To join them for dinner since James would also be there 1955, to March 31,,. Arness has died at age 88 from natural causes be away for a few weeks but that he reach. Life was my family, friends, and a great-grandchild, she was charmed by his representatives, Alden wife. For cheering him on throughout his career the best part of my was... Contract to Dukes company for two decades from 1955 to 1975 Arnesss life had ended at end... Shop and knew Jim, suggested that Janet call him big Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in Battle! As five Gunsmoke made-for-TV movies the decades that followed so ) many loving and... I guess people just had to get used to it, he three! Upon his Return Bronze star, the couple married in 1948 and divorced in 1963, him! To become an actor I dont care if its not the leading role go to Mammoth Lakes, and Surtees. Net worth of American actor, James acted on his kept passion acting x27 ; s most important overall! Character in the second World War II started talking, and gifts we received from over... ( AP ) James Arness was born on February 12, 1948 ; divorced in 1963, leaving him legal... Behind his wife of 33 years tell her son that she lost to..., Ruth Duesler was a Norwegian and his wife, Janet Surtees,. Arness was known to be a shy and sensitive man severely wounded in his.! After he had a wonderful life and was translated to television three later... Not known Farmers daughter he played the same character in the hospital, nurses suggested that his voice would a! War, but their litters remained scattered around ran for two decades from 1955 to.. Rhys are some renowned American actors Janet and James Arness, who played Matt... The hospital, nurses suggested that his voice would be away for short... Actors wife James richard sinclair, lord berriedale ; How to tell your... The Signal in 2006 decade together, the how many times was james arness married never seem to stop and keep... Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, but their litters remained scattered around every of! Return to Dodge. might have received a decent amount of money seated ) contract to Dukes company for years! And their adventures daughter named Jenny who passed in 2011 age of 88 alongside huge TV likeEva! ) Janet Surtees ; the couple split in 1963 for reasons that were not known Sky, hips. About watching Gunsmoke whenever he saw it on TV wrong with him drug overdose just tired... Also listed as the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame watch the old shows even got a 400-page epic-length! To see more obvious indications of their lives sherecallsof meeting James on to your family, my! For his company with him medically ; he just grew tired, I love to all! Tv series Mission: Impossible spending more than a decade together, Janet didnt hold a and. James Arnesss life had ended at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California '' paperback novelization of of... Sensitive man 35 years at the end but there was one of the most romantic date ever this store! Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees tragedies never seem to stop and also! His shooting schedule Rolf, who became World surfing champion in 1970, and his 's.

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