James Arness: Rumors, Controversy/Scandal. But the Gunsmoke star married the next woman he met after his split from Brand. Their longest marriage was 33 years to Janet Surtees. He graduated high school in June 1942, despite being a poor student and skipping classes. Trending :Joanna Gaines || Pat Sajak || Brandi Love || Kamala Harris || Elizabeth Warren ||. But, his role as Zeb Macahan in "How The West Was Won" sealed him as a television icon in the United States and Europe. Different rumors were there about the long-term relationship between James Arness and actress Thordis Brandt. Isn't James and Janet's relationship adorable? 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. where it was shown numerous times in the decades that followed. 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. (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.) Arness died on 3 June 2011 of natural causes at the age of 88. For some, the tragedies never seem to stop and they keep compounding in every phase of their lives. He was one of the tallest leading men of his era. James's make-up artist on the set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store. Chapman. She loves to volunteer and can often be found working with the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation. I was like, Oh my gosh, he is a big guy,' said Janet. From 1955 through 1975, he was widely recognized as Matt Dillon in the Western drama Gunsmoke. Notably, James gained massive popularity when he took on the role of Marshal Matt Dillon in the CBS Television series "Gunsmoke," a role he played for 20 years. Arness was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, the son of businessman Rolf Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. However, the couple split in 1963 for reasons that were not known. Then on December 16, 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Sierra McClain. Arness achieved cult status thanks to his portrayal of Zeb Macahan in the western series titledHow the West Was Won. This included the deaths of his daughter and ex-wife merely two years apart. Some of the stars appearing in Gunsmoke are - Burt Reynolds, Ken Curtis, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Dennis Weaver, and James Arness. As of 2023, The net worth of James Arness to be at $10 million. However, after 15 years of marriage, James and Virginia had a divorce, and James was granted legal custody of their children. After multiple surgeries, he was thenmedically discharged. For the whole 20 years the series was on the air from 1955 until 1975, he appeared in an impressive 605 of 635 episodes, according to IMBD . He died on 3rd June 2011 of natural causes. But they didnt accept their relationship in public. Jenny and Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively. Likely, they were also blessed with a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness who was born on May 23, 1950. After that day they didn't meet again for about three months. On the other hand, the movies, he had appeared on as well in the entertainment industry. Garner was born in Norman, Oklahoma, United States of America, and at the moment of his death, Garner was 86 years old. She wasnt sure how she felt about meeting, and possibly dating, a big-time Hollywood star. James Arness is not having an affair with anyone presently. So there are many of the shows that I had never seen, Arness told the Signal. Arness adopted Chapman's son Craig, who died in 2004. Eventually, Virginia fleed to San Bernardino, California, vanishing immediately after the divorce. James Arness was first married in 1948 to Virginia Chapman. Christian Camargo and His Wife Juliet Are No Longer Together His CurrentRelationship, Nessa Barretts Tattoos Are Tributes to her Boyfriend, Mom And a Friend, Sarah Paulson Had Everyone Confused on Whether She Was Gay or Not, No time for love-life Madeleine Arthur Is Too Busy To Have a Boyfriend, Bob Balabans Wife Lynn Grossman Made Major Impact in His Career, Sam Jaeger and Wife Ambers Relationship From Best Friends to Parents and Co-stars, James Arness Bore the Grief of Losing Two Children before His Death. ', Your email address will not be published. He had also received an Alma masters from Beloit College. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails, and gifts we received from you over the years. Arness career began in 1947 when he played one of Loretta Youngs brothers in The Farmers Daughter. Having lived a fulfilling life as an actor, James Arness died on the 3rd day of June 2011. James Arness is married to Janet Surtees. Your email address will not be published. Marshal Matt Dillon on the popular Western series that aired for a then-record 20 seasons on television. He appeared in different several films and on television. And I thought, Eew, an actor I dont know,' said Janet with a laugh. alexander james richard sinclair, lord berriedale; how to tell if your on a three way call; there will be wolves summary. 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). He also had a daughter named Jenny who passed in 1975. Mini Bio (1) American leading man famed as the star of one of the longest-running shows in U.S. television history, Gunsmoke (1955). He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. Gunsmoke: Meet Marshal Matt Dillon Actor James Arness Second Wife Janet Surtees. (Arness would later say that Matt's . James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011 at the age of 88 in Brentwood, California. 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. [4] She died of a drug overdose [4] in 1976. Actor. They were character study shows, Arness once told the Associated Press. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years. They also adopted her son Craig (1946-December 14, 2004). James Arness has been divorced once, in 1960. And it was great. James wrote, 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. (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.) Fv 27, 2023 . He believed the family seen on Gunsmoke was why people kept going back to it for two decades. After dinner, he walked me out to my car and said, Well, Id like to call you,' said Janet. Jamess make-up artist on the set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store. And he lived a private family life with them. James flew Janet back later that day. I had been in about four pictures for his company with him. He led an incredible life, serving in World War II and becoming an actor without little formal training in the craft. It was reported James passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles. "The kids don't really have any part of my television life," he remarked after the divorce. d.getElementById("contentad428986").appendChild(s); After their divorce, his father James was granted legal custody of the children. Then he is interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Uncategorized pictures of jenny lee arness. 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. During theBattle of Anzio, he was severely wounded in his right leg. James Arness, a great Sequoia tree in the forest of TV Western heroes, has died; he was 88. James Arness Married Two Times In His Life James Arness was married twice in his life. 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. He died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood Brentwood, Los Angeles on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. Andrew Dorff Cause of Death: What Happened to Andrew Dorff? Born James King Aurness, his father was a traveling salesman, his mother was a newspaper columnist. 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. He now lives a private lifein Los Angeles and regularly volunteers at a Santa Monica mental health clinic. Before arriving at his home in the mountains, the two stopped at the grocery store because Jim loved food. They picked up bread, cheese, wine, and other goodies. While shopping, Janet noticed a lifesize advertisement with James on it. He played Detective Jim McClain on the TV show McClains Law for two seasons, 1981 and 1982. He pursued acting as a profession, but most leading males refused to work with him due to his towering stature. His second wife, who was married to him until he passed away, wasJanet Surtees. 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. James has been known for the role throughout his career, which is why the subsequent projects he starred in are linked to it. Married on February 12, 1948; divorced in 1960; attempted suicide twice. He met her four yearsafter his divorce fromChapman and dated herfor six years. His fathers name is Rolf Virkler Aurness who was from Norway. 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. 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. As of June 3, 2011, James Arnesss life had ended at the age of 88. His performance as a quiet man with an amazing sense of justicewas appreciated by millions of fans. He earned a huge amount of salary from his career and maintained a huge net worth. Arness had served as a rifleman in the 3rd range in the United States during the Infantry Division. ALSO SEE: Hulk Hogan Visit article bio. If he wants to call me, he will. Three months later, he finally called. Rolf was a Norwegian and his wife, Ruth was a journalist. Additionally, he directed five episodes of the . 20 Things You Didnt Know About The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Gunsmoke: James Arness Called Wife Best Part of My Life. Janet still lives in Los Angeles where she lived with James before his passing, according to Celeb Suburb. Apart, Arness had already become a grandfather of six grandchildren. Then there was a knock at the door. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. The Arness family at home. Your health is important to us. 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. James Arness' second marriage was to a woman called Janet Surtees. How The Actor Died. James adopted her son, Craig. He had warned her he would be away for a few weeks but that he would reach out upon his return. They found out they had a common interest in skiing, and it led to a date at an old miners' cabin he owned. Janet had one son (the previously mentioned Gunsmoke fan). James Arness was married to In the latter seasons of "Gunsmoke," Arness met what would become his second wife, Janet Surtees. The night they first met, the two spent the night talking about their families, work, and favorite hobbies. Arness escorted her somewhere alone for lunch, clearly knowing exactly where he was heading. Sadly, Chapman passed away in 1977 after a heroin overdose. At the time of his death, he had an estimated net worth of $8 million US dollars. Arness initially had difficulty juggling a booming career in entertainment with his home life, which resulted in some issues. James had a son named Rolf who became a World Surfing Champion in 1970. James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, eventually became CBS's most important actor overall. Of course, she was charmed by his politeness and friendliness, so they got to talking. James Arness was one of the most prominent television personalities in the 1950s up until the 1990s in the United States. During an interview, Janet opened up about the night she met James. Janet has been with him until his dying last breath. So from the movies success, he might have received a decent amount of money. Arness was passionate about Gunsmoke, but he put his children ahead of his shooting schedule. 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. 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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. Actors usually have a hard time watching their own work, but this was not a problem for Arness. However, he left a touching letter to his fans on his website which was posted by his representatives. His wife passed away due to a drug overdose. The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, Calif., according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer. Then, what happened? Nothing. At some point, Alden's wife urged her to join them for dinner since James would also be there. [21] He adopted her son. He tried his hand at a non-Western series with McClains Law, a short-lived 1981-1982 police drama. Arness and Surtees were married from 1978 to up until his death in 2011. He is the older brother of "Mission: Impossible," and "Airplane!" He had blue-colored eyes and blonde-colored hair. Moreover, he was a photographer for National Geographic. "Tell Gregg I love him," were the last words Jenny wrote in a death note with a a cop at the Malibu, Calif., scene . James Arness has been bestowed many honors for . Born on 26th May 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a young child, most of his life, James usually found it hard in his . The couple shared a son named Jim from Janet's previous relationship. 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. James was medically discharged from the army because of his injury, which he got from a German machine gun. Moreover, he had also won the Golden Boot Award. Who is the woman who captured the heart of the 67 tall actor, James Arness? The next day he called her and asked if she wanted to go to Mammoth Lakes, and she said yes. He met her four years after his divorce from Chapman and dated her for six years. She grew up with her siblings Rolf Aurness and Craig Aurness who was adopted. Janets father and brother were both pilots. But in a 1973 episode, Matt had a brief affair with another woman, Mike Yardner (Michael Learned), while he had amnesia. He and Peter participated in the Second World War, but unfortunately, he didn't leave the battlefield uninjured. Alden's wife worked with Janet at the time in a dress shop. Arness was born to James Arness and Virginia Chapman. James Stewart. He received theBronze Star and thePurple Heart. Jim Arness said, "If Matt and Kitty [had] an on-screen love affair, they'd have to get married. GUNSMOKE's James Arness was born on May 26, 1923. 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 . Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.. James Arness was married twice in his life. They tied the knot in 1978 and lived in Brentwood, Los Angeles. When Arness. In addition, he was married to his wife,Daphne, and had two children, Holly and Brian. But the couple gets divorced in 1963, and Arness was granted legal custody of the children. Despite the glamorous life behind the scenes, James had a pretty complicated life leading to her divorce, up until his marriage to his second wife, who became his life-long partner until the very end. 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