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? 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 served in the Battle of Anzio during World War II. "Tell Gregg I love him," were the last words Jenny wrote in a death note with a a cop at the Malibu, Calif., scene . In 1978, James and Janet tied the knot at a wedding in Brentwood, Los Angeles wedding. He even worked as a radio announcer before moving to Los Angeles in 1946. Furthermore, he won theWorld War II Victory Medal, and theCombat Infantryman Badge. James Arness Net Worth. After Gunsmoke ended in 1975, Arness played Zeb Macahan in How The West Was Won from 1977 to 1979. Like his daughter, Arness's first wife, Chapman, died of a drug overdose in 1977, two years after the couple's daughter passed away. This is not the case. After that day they didn't meet again for about three months. James has been known for the role throughout his career, which is why the subsequent projects he starred in are linked to it. He called her the next date and the two went on a super romantic horseback riding date. Born of Norwegian heritage (the family name, Aurness, had formerly been Aursness) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rolf and Ruth Duesler Aurness. His first marriage was to Virginia Chapman; an actress. James Arness has been bestowed many honors for . On a Friday in 1977, she died from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills at her home in Malibu, California. Jim Backus. Jeremiah Green Cause of Death: Jeremiah Green left Modest Mouse when? Apart, Arness had already become a grandfather of six grandchildren. James Arness was married twice in his life. 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. After the separation, Arness got legalcustody of their children. The couple tied the knot in 1978 in a private wedding ceremony. Moreover, he was a photographer for National Geographic. She was nervous about having dinner with the actor, but they ended up getting along great. After multiple surgeries, he was thenmedically discharged. David Spade Net Worth: How Many Houses Does He Have? 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. Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees for 33 years. And it was the work they did with local Jewish youth that motivated Arness to donate the property in the first place. Mini Bio (1) American leading man famed as the star of one of the longest-running shows in U.S. television history, Gunsmoke (1955). The whole package just came together.. 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. For his service, Arness was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and several other medals. When he was drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II, he wanted to become a naval fighter pilot but couldnt because of his poor eyesight and excessive height. There was a high rumor about a long-term relationship between James Arness and actress, Thordis Brandt, but they never get married. It plagued him for the rest of his life. Who is the woman who captured the heart of the 67 tall actor, James Arness? The series ran for two decades from 1955 to 1975. Arness adopted Chapmans son Craig, who died in 2004. In 1943, James was drafted into the Navy. He met her four years after his divorce from Chapman and dated her for six years. We had great stories, great writing, and we had fine casting and directors. Her parents married in 1948 and divorced in 1963 after 15 years of marriage. After Cry Macho, What Clint Eastwoods Next Movie Should Be. They found out they had a common interest in skiing, and it led to a date at an old miners' cabin he owned. Then he is interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. His former wife Virginia also died of a drug overdose in 1977. 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). World War II soldier turned actor James Arness had trouble finding meaty roles due to his height; his greatest was as the title monster in The Thing from Another World before the show premiered (1951). And here comes this huge man through the door. His role in the popular TV seriesGunsmokeskyrocketed his fame. He was a one-of-a-kind guy. But I never met him. He amassed most of this through his long-standing Hollywood career. They led a happily married life since their nuptials, supporting each other through thick and thin until the actor's passing in 2011. Janet was working for a clothing store owned by the wife of Jims make-up artist. He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. He received theBronze Star and thePurple Heart. So I thought, Well, okay, Ill meet Jim and tell my son I met him,' said Janet. Many delicious foods and drinks were provided, including cheese, crackers, bread, wine, and much more. Then on December 16, 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. The series was so huge it even got a 400-page "epic-length" paperback novelization of one of its first few episodes. 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. Your email address will not be published. (AP Photo/Scott Harms) James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over . 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. 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 . Furthermore, Gunsmoke earned him three nominations for the Primetime Emmys. Talking about his achievements in his acting career, he had won the Bronze Wrangler Award thrice. He had blue-colored eyes and blonde-colored hair. James Arness: Rumors, Controversy/Scandal. There just was never anybody else like him.. April 22, 1955| Source: Getty Images. In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Besides, James had married twice in his life. Peter was famous for his portrayal of Jim Phelps in the CBS TV series Mission: Impossible. Arness was passionate about Gunsmoke, but he put his children ahead of his shooting schedule. He believed the family seen on Gunsmoke was why people kept going back to it for two decades. Kim Kardashian Net Worth: Which Company Does Kim K Owns? JAMES MARRIED HIS FIRST WIFE, AND TOGETHER THEY WELCOMED THREE KIDS, Virginia Arness and James Arness at home. By the time they were finished, others had left, but their litters remained scattered around. Different rumors were there about the long-term relationship between James Arness and actress Thordis Brandt. Janet still lives in Los Angeles where she lived with James before his passing, according to Celeb Suburb. During an interview, Janet shares the funny stories behind their romance. Despite this, Janet and Arness had a great day as they strolled by a beautiful waterfall. where it was shown numerous times in the decades that followed. James Arness married Virginia Chapman in 1948. Following those events,Arness divorced her in1963, ending their marriage of 15 years. Likely, they were also blessed with a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness who was born on May 23, 1950. Furthermore, James' brother, a well-known Misson: Impossible actor Peter Graves died of a heart attack on 14th March 2010. James was one of the most experienced actors in Hollywood. He was 88. He was 88. One was named Craig, a photographer, while the other, Jenny, was an actress and they died in 2004 and 1975 respectively. 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. Stephen Greif Cause Of Death: When Stephen Greif Passed Away? On the other hand, Craig pursued photography and became an official photographer for National Geographic. In my case, pictures like that simply want to take advantage of the Matt Dillon reputation, which is exactly what I dont want. 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. He tried to make ends meet by taking up menial jobs while collecting veteran benefits as he drifted towards Hollywood. Moreover, he had also won the Golden Boot Award. To start, we went to a food store, Janet explained. 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). The pair divorced in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of their children. Having lived a fulfilling life as an actor, James Arness died on the 3rd day of June 2011. James Arness and his wife went on the most romantic first date ever. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.. One night she [her friend] said, Well, Jim is coming over for dinner. 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. His birth date ison May 26, 1923. Located on 1,400 acres of land in Simi Valley, California, the Gunsmoke star's former ranch is owned by the Brandeis-Bardin Institute. The couple shared two children, a son named Rolf Arness ((born February 18, 1952) and a daughter named Jenny Arness (born May 23, 1950). Chapman. 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 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 . Janet Surtees Arness is. 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. Actor James Arness (right) with his brother, actor Peter Graves.| Source: Getty Images. Arness and Surtees were married for over 35 years at the time of his death in 2011. During the 20th and final season of GUNSMOKE (1955-1975), . And it was great. . In reality, Wayne suggested Arness for the part and even introduced the first episode of Gunsmoke. Arness Became Famous In Hollywood In 1955 | Source: Getty Images. He died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood Brentwood, Los Angeles on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. That was too bad, because we were on two hours every night, seven days a week.. So, Janet went to dinner simply so she could tell her son that she met James Arness. Esin Gmkl (@l_gumusk) May 23, 2021. He was found dead at Brentwoods home in Los Angeles, California. Although he could not serve as a pilot, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1943. According to theLos Angeles Times, James passed away at 88 years old on June 3, 2011, due to natural causes. 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. | Source: Getty Images. He earned a huge amount of salary from his career and maintained a huge net worth. And he lived a private family life with them. To make up for the lost role, an actor . In the latter seasons of "Gunsmoke," Arness met what would become his second wife, Janet Surtees. Janet met James while she was working at a clothing store. Apart from his iconic role in "Gunsmoke" which he reprised many times even after it ended in 1975, James played roles in television dramas like "How The West Was Won", "McClain's Law" and more . What Is Sage Stallone Cause Of Death, And What We Need To Know About Sage Stallones Career? Arness had hoped to serve as a pilot but thought his poor eyesight would be a problem. Their longest marriage was 33 years to Janet Surtees. Arness was married to Virginia Chapman in 1948. Not everyone is fortunate enough to live a life with minimal tragic incidents. Who Is Ashton Kutcher Married To? Inside the marriage of Janet and her Late Husband James Arness. Is There Anything Tom Cruise Wont Do For A Mission: Impossible Stunt?! After their divorce, his father James was granted legal custody of the children. Let us know, and pass this on to your family, friends, and other James Arness fans! Born James King Aurness to businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler,Jameslived a pretty wealthy life being from Norweigan and of German descent. Patty Duke Cause Of Death? James Arness' role as Marshal Matt Dillon made him an iconic hero to millions all over the world. Celebritys Net worth, Biography, Sports, Health, Technology, & Entertainment. In 1978, Arness wed Janet Surtees for the second time. At present, Arness's only surviving child is his sonRolf, whobecame a world surfing champion in 1970. 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. Its a lot of fun to watch. They went on to have two more children, whom they named Jenny and Rolf but were divorced by 1963. Arness had served as a rifleman in the 3rd range in the United States during the Infantry Division. James Arness doesnt seem to be active on different social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. How many times was James Arness married? He was very polite and friendly.. 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. In 1987, he played the same character in the television film "Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge." His real issue though was his height. The night they first met, the two spent the night talking about their families, work, and favorite hobbies. { Required fields are marked *. He was 88. He served in the United States Army for two years from 1943 to 1945. His fathers name is Rolf Virkler Aurness who was from Norway. James Arness was best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon for two decades on CBS Gunsmoke. It was reported James passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles. wid: "428986", A year later, he married his first wife,Virginia Chapman. They tied the knot in 1978 and lived in Brentwood, Los Angeles. cb: (new Date()).getTime() 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. 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. 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. Arness' 20-year, prime-time run as the marshal was tied only in recent times, by Kelsey Grammer's 20 years . (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (function(d) { However, her sons love for Gunsmoke convinced her to go. Theyre interesting to watch all these years later., I love to watch the old shows. Additionally, the only source of his earning was his acting career. After years of working together, Janet and the owner became friends. 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 also reprised his role in the movies that came after: "Gunsmoke: The Last Apache" in 1990, "Gunsmoke: To the Last Man" in 1992, "Gunsmoke: The Long Ride" in 1993, and "Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice" in 1994. From 1955 through 1975, he was widely recognized as Matt Dillon in the Western drama Gunsmoke. Despite spending more than a decade together, the couple never shared any children. Arness was married to Virginia Chapman in 1948. If Gunsmoke icon James Arness was a Tinder date, he would be the worst. TV Land, theyre on there; we were on the Westerns channel but then a few months ago they took us off. Terry Fator Net Worth: When Did Melinda Started Following Fator? Arness entered Beloit College in Wisconsin after his service discharge. James Arness, the towering actor best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon, the strong and commanding symbol of frontier justice on the landmark TV western series "Gunsmoke," died Friday.. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. She was a beautiful and gracious lady who had a lot to do with the success of 'Gunsmoke, series star James Arness said Thursday. 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