Gone but never forgotten. He was my favorite actor & was saddened when he died. All content, including text, and images contained on. However, Arness was eventually pulled back to Gunsmoke, starring in five made-for-TV movies between 1987 and 1993. James was a very convincing actor as well as a role model for decency. Aurness launched the Westlight stock picture firm with photographer Charles ORear, one of the first to specialize in the international market. He moved to his father's Hollister Ranch to deal with the loss, where he slowly started regaining his interest in surfing. Thanks for the memories. After Gunsmoke ended in 1975, Arness played Zeb Macahan in How The West Was Won from 1977 to 1979. But looking forward to meeting you in heaven some day. However, it was also his final acting role. . Arness was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, the son of businessman Rolf Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. 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. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. The son of Carroll O'Connor, Hugh, committed suicide in 1995 at the age of 32 after a lengthy battle with drug addiction. Just last night actually! Shedied on May 12, 1975 inMalibu, California. 2003 On Friday, June 20th, 2003, Arness was honored at Los Angeles City Hall by the mayor, the 15 City Council members and the City Attorney with a resolution honoring his life's work as an actor and 60-year resident of Los Angeles. I watch it everyday that I can find it on TV. Happy Birthday later this month! On her part, Janet Surtees had a son named Jim . According to AmoMama, one of the losses the Gunsmoke star endured was the death of his daughter, Jenny Lee. His wounds continued to bother him, and prevented him from mounting a horse, quite a handicap for a western hero. Jenny Lee Arness, the daughter of actor James Arness, committed suicide in 1975, not too long before her 25th birthday. Back to my favorite show and actor. Brother of former surfing . Talking about his movies, he appeared in different movies, some of them include The Farmer's Daughter, Iron Man, Hondo, The Sea Chase, The First Traveling Saleslady, and many more. Ray Milland lost his son Daniel in 1981 due to suicide. I remember growing up watching His shows on TV and I watch all the reruns today. Before his death, he wrote a letter to his fans and asked his wife to post it on his website after his death. Marshal Matt Dillon of Gunsmoke fame was an upstanding man who stood for law and order. She committed suicide by drug overdose and this draws us back to what really caused her to take heroin overdose. Niece of Peter Graves. . Arness adopted Chapman's son Craig, who died in 2004. However, after Virginia and Jenny Lee passed away, surfing held little interest for Rolf. He now lives his quiet life together with his family in his hometown. Love you and miss you. James Arness on "How The West Was Won" - Airdate: February 12, 1978. 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It was acting you would say, but underneath all the dust and dirt you were OK! James Arness. Ever miss it. He was found dead in his home in Los Angeles. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years. He had one sibling, Peter Aurness, who would later become known as Mission: Impossible star Peter Graves. Elaine Fisher is an American personality and pastor famously known as the daughter of thefounding senior pastor of Gateway Church, a multicampus church in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex,Pastor Robert Morris, and his wifeDebbie Morris. I pray that your family is at peace with your great legacy. Loved watching u in gunsmoke tou were awsome. When the US entered the second world war, he wanted to become a navy pilot, but his height disqualified him. She was an american tv actress, but her life period was unfortunately very small, and she died very young on may 12, 1975. the death took place in malibu, a place in california, usa. And it was great. Four years after her fathers divorce from Virginia Chapman, James Arness metThordis Brandt,who was his girlfriend for six years before they ended their relationship. In fact, in 1978 he had his work published in the famous magazine, National Geographic. Much admired and handsome actor James Garner was a Hollywood good guy who took a heartbreaking secret to his grave. James arness daughter on gunsmoke- [Real Research] What happened rolf aurness. Enhancing his body measurements, James was a tall and huge guy. Im glad I shared this planet with you. He married his first wife, Virginia Chapman, in 1948 and adopted . ALSO, READ; Marcia Harvey, Steve Harveys ex-wife. Afraid of being typecast, Arness initially rejected it. A daughter from his first marriage, Jenny Aurness, committed suicide in 1975; Craig Aurness, a stepson from his first marriage, whom he adopted, died in 2004. My own children sure enjoy it as well, four generations strong. Guys like Gregory Peck and I don't want a big lug like you towering over us. Loved the whole cast! Rest Well, James ArnessIm still watching Gunsmoke. He even handled a few tragic personal losses with the stoic nature of his on-screen persona. The information in this article is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. That was too bad, because we were on two hours every night, seven days a week.. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is a member of the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. I miss you Matt Dillard. Susan Saint James. In 2004, Craig started receiving treatment for anemia and lung complications, and unfortunately, in December of the same year, he passed on at the age of 58. She is best known as the daughter of American musician, Travis Barker and actress Shanna Moakler. James Arness was best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon for two decades on CBS Gunsmoke. I was at Anzio during WWII and it makes you realize how very precious life is. Actor Marlon Brando's daughter, Cheyenne Brando, committed suicide in 1995 at the age of 25. The character's durability could be explained by his being a voice of reason, with an unwavering sense of fairness, using his gun only as a last resort. Janet Surtees' Husband's Death The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and her father, James Arness on television. Former National Geographic photographer Craig Aurness died Tuesday, December 14, at Kaiser Hospital in Panorama City, Los Angeles. There just was never anybody else like him.. Arness said he still watched Gunsmoke after retiring. She was the daughter of actor James Arness and Virginia Chapman. "Go ahead and take it, Jim," Wayne urged him. Gunsmoke was the longest-running primetime television drama in television history, tied with the original Law & Order, until Law & Order: Special Victims Unit broke the record when its 21st season debuted . It is darker here without you. Love it to this day. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. You've done good. Matt Dillon . Theyre interesting to watch all these years later., I love to watch the old shows. He Was an extrodinary actor. James Arness: Birth, Parents, Ethnicity. | Source:Getty Images. He then appeared as a soldier in William Wellman's Battleground (1949), a cowboy in John Ford's Wagon Master (1950), a boxer in Iron Man (1951), the title role in The People Against O'Hara (1951), as an innocent accused of murder defended by Spencer Tracy, and one of James Stewart's brothers in Carbine Williams (1952). This child of the Gunsmoke star found his professional calling in photography. Early Life And Birth Details. He . In 1986, the ranch was sold, prompting Rolf to move to Los Angeles, where he worked as a part-time volunteer counselor in a mental health clinic. They shot at him in Korea. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. And he was viewed by many as a very stoic figure. 3. Managed by: Remi Trygve Pedersen: Last . Summary: Two drunken cowboys assault Chavela (Miguel's Daughter). Updates and news about all categories will send to you. You, Jim Arness, brought the gift of yourself to Matt Dillon, and thereby created an iconic character--the quintessential hero. 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. California, United States: Immediate Family: Daughter of James Arness and Virginia Chapman Sister of Private Half sister of Craig Aurness. His business manager, Ginny . Before undertaking any course of treatment please consult with your healthcare provider. He defeated Midget Farrelly in the finals of the 1970 World Surfing Championships, which were held in Johanna, Victoria, Australia. Love him my whole life.God bless, I was a huge fan of James Arness. He always felt appreciation toward his fans for their support, which especially showed during his years traveling to rodeos and fairs to perform as Matt from Gunsmoke and interact with fans of the show. Gunsmoke actor James Arness became CBS most significant actor when it came to their network programming. Happy Birthday! She was an actress, known for Gunsmoke (1955). It was my father's favorite show and it led him to a life as a military policeman in the US Air Force. He had three children, Rolf, Craig and Jenny Lee Arness. His real issue though was his height. After high school he had various jobs, and for a time was a lumberjack. From what read, he was a very humble human being with a heart of gold. I was a kid when GUNSMOKE started on TV, i remember watching Chester on the show. Condolences to his family. Say hello to Kitty, Doc, Chester, Festus, Quint, and your faithful old horse(s), Buck. I have watched gunsmoke since it first began in 1955, Iam now retired and still watch it everyday. In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Besides Craig, Jennys parents, Arness and Chapman also had a son, Rolf, (born February 18, 1952). In reality, Wayne suggested Arness for the part and even introduced the first episode of Gunsmoke. That was a big factor., Your email address will not be published. I all ways loved him and still after all these yrs I still watch him 6 nights a week. He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. James MADE Gunsmoke the best!! I will always and forever love Gunsmoke! He started acting with RKO Pictures and the 6, 6 actor had his first film role in "The Farmer's Daughter." . Blosil previously suffered from a bout with depression. Committed . His birth date is on May 26, 1923. Currently not much is known about his current life after the death of most of his family. His daughter and his former wife, Virginia, both died of drug overdoses. Charles killed himself 13 years later. Great actor a true star still watch reruns Watched GUN SMOKE when I was a Kid never missed a single show, Watched all of gun smoke my life i am 68 years old and still watching now. He had been undergoing treatment for lung and anemia complications. Taking their advice, Arness became an announcer and disc jockey at a Minneapolis radio station, before deciding to try his luck in Hollywood. All you need to know about James Arness, an American actor best known for his role in CBS series Gunsmoke. Arness might be known for Gunsmoke, but that was hardly the only thing he did. You are missed in this world! He was 88. He killed himself by jumping from his mother's apartment on the 14th floor of a building in Manhattan. His adopted son, Craig, died in 2004 and his daughter Jenny died in 1975. That actor, of course, was James Arness. Jennys father Arness, was an American actor, best known for portrayingMarshal Matt Dillonfor 20 years in the CBS television seriesGunsmoke. Jenny and Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively. Although he could not serve as a pilot, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1943. Our main focus is to keep you informed and updated with the latest trending issues. The only other actor to do so was Doc Adams actor Milburn Stone, although Miss Kitty Russell actor Amanda Blake wasnt far behind with a total of 19 seasons. He took an interest in playing jazz piano and even married an astrologer, who passed on in 1978. It is Arness fans have to thank for making Dillon the iconic Western character that he still is decades after the original run of Gunsmoke ended. James Arness, best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on 'Gunsmoke', died today at the age of 88. http://imdb.to/lqz94y #RIP. James Arness was born in Minneapolis in 1913 as the son of businessman Rolf Arness and his wife, Ruth, who was a journalist. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011 at the age of 88 in Brentwood, California. James Arness also had a daughter named Jenny Lee. He took to a career in photography, and in 1978, his first major assignment with National Geographic was published. After serving in the war, Arness started working in radio in Minneapolis before hitchhiking to Hollywood to pursue acting. He was also a radio announcer in Minnesota, a career he began back in 1945. Enter your email address and start getting breaking law firm and legal news right now! Unfortunately, only 11 days to her 25th birthday, Jenny overdosed on sleeping pills and passed on in May 1975. Virginia Chapman James Arness: Trivia (4) Daughter of James Arness and Virginia Chapman. You are and always have been truly appreciated., Enemies beware, Marshal Matt Dillon is back on the job.Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice, tomorrow at 2PM ET. You are Greatly missed even after so many years have passed, I Still watch Gunsmoke and love what greatness you brought to the screen and many people's lives enjoying it. Wayne was still making box office hits at the time anyway, so it would have been a shocker for him to take a lead part in the then-nascent world of television. It appears that James Arness was also a stoic figure in his personal life. Born: 26-May-1923 Birthplace: Minneapolis, MN Died: 3-Jun-2011 Location of death: Brentwood, CA Cause of death: Heart Failure Remains: Interr. Virginia Arness also passed away during the 1970s. Lee passed away on May 12, 1975, in Malibu, California, USA just 11 days before celebrating her 25th birthday. John Wayne suggested Arness for the role of Matt Dillon. RIP Mr. Dillon, I was 5yrs old when I started LOVING Gunsmoke!! When World War II broke out, he wanted to become a navy pilot, but . Carol Dumond Ellington, CT. Happiness is watching Gunsmoke over and over and over! Aurness dropped out of surfing in the decade following his World Surfing Championship victory because his wife, mother, and sister all died. The show was canceled in 1975 making it the longest-running series ever produced. The world needs more of this. The daughter of Angie Dickinson and Burt Bacharach, Nikki Bacharach, committed suicide in 2007 at the age of 40 via suffocation. Hugh became addicted to painkillers after a fight with cancer. After playing the role for over 20 years, he earned three Emmy nominations and other numerous awards. 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Back in 1978, I was in six grade, and our classroom assignment was to chose a actor/actress that we idolized, and I chose James Arness, I wrote him a letter and in return he sent me a autograph picture of himself, in his cowboy/sheriff uniform, which consisted of the beige pants, shirt, cowboy hat and badge rip always a fan, Mr Arness was great to watch on anything he play but I still watch Gunsmoke everyday, Thank God for people like Mr Arness, who was a super talented legend in Hollywood for Gunsmoke, How The West Was Won ,and his films that he starred in . Read below for the letter that Arness wrote to be shared after his death: I decided to write a letter to you for Janet to post on our website in the event I was no longer here. . A daughter and an adopted son predeceased him. I was under contract to Dukes company for two years before Gunsmoke came along, Arness told the Signal in 2006. James Arness (1950), (John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) With a total of 21 seasons throughout its two-decade run, "Gunsmoke" became the longest-running primetime drama series in US television history by the time it went off the air in 1976.James also lived a wonderful life outside his career as an actor. I guess people just had to get used to it, he said. Still my favorite show. James Arness was the whole show. They were character study shows, Arness once told the Associated Press. His first wife and his daughter both had abused drugs and ended their lives untimely. Do what you can. Here is a look at his life and career. Jenny Lee Arness Cause of Death. HE was perfect for the role as Matt Dillen. His wife died of cancer in 1978, his mother Virginia (ne Chapman) died of cancer in 1976, and his sister Jenny Lee Aurness committed suicide on May 12, 1975. Arness and Surtees were married for over 35 years at the time of his death in 2011. Four years after the divorce, Arness got into a six-year-long relationship with Thordis Brandt. I know that you are with God in heavenI hope that I get there someday to meet you. Aurness has an estimated net worth of $1 million as of 2022. Death: May 12, 1975 (24) . (1954), he played it straight as an FBI agent on the trail of huge mutant atomic ants, good practice for his later dealings with human beasts in Gunsmoke. I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. 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. With a championship under his belt and two consecutive family tragedies - the deaths of his sister and mother - Rolf started losing interest in surfing. That means he lived 36 after the death of his daughter. Arness died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood, said family spokeswoman Ginny Fazer. According to Reuters, Arness died on June 3, 2011, of natural causes at the age of 88 in Los Angeles, California. 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Arness has the distinction of having played the role of Dillon in five decades: 1955 to 1975 in the weekly series, then inGunsmoke: Return to Dodge(1987) and four moremade-for-televisionGunsmokefilms in the 1990s. James (Marshal Matt Dillon) was an outstanding Actor. She died on May 12, 1975 in Malibu, California.Trivia (4)Daughter of James Arness and v*rginia Chapman.Niece of Peter Graves.Sister of Craig Aurness and Rolf Aurness.Committed suicide by drug overdose. So there are many of the shows that I had never seen, Arness told the Signal. Rolf Arness became World . In 1978, Mr. Arness married Janet . Especially now. Memories will last and what wonderful ones you gave us. James Arness. Your email address will not be published. #SaddleUpWeekends pic.twitter.com/ADCeVmlOPU, Gunsmoke: James Arness Found 1 Unique Way to Use Matt Dillon to Make More Money Than From the Show. James Arness' Second Wife. He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Grew up watching Gunsmoke. Even the bad guys. Former wife Virginia died of a drug overdose in 1977. 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. Thanks for continuing to give me pleasure watching Gunsmoke. She has appeared alongside her mother Dawn Kilmeade and sister Kirstyn on some of the shows on Fox and Friends in the Cooking with Friends segment and much more. Thankyou Mr. ARNESS. In 2006, Arness said he felt like the luckiest guy in the world because of his experiences. I watched Gunsmoke as a child with my father & family. rarely gave interviews, and refused to discuss his personal tragedies (his daughter and his former wife . He was 88. She was an American actress. Biography - A Short Wiki. The "Gunsmoke" star, who passed on in 2011, outlived his beloved daughter by 36 years. I still to this day enjoy the Gunsmoke series, James Arness was a true natural, he shouldve been a real Marshall and run cities like he did dodge. is for general information purposes only.