The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. His role as marshall Matt Dillon made him an iconic hero to millions all over the world. com for more She grew up with her siblings Rolf Aurness and Craig Aurness who was adopted. Aside from the "Gunsmoke" franchise, James made a name for himself, starring in other films throughout the 50s. The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, Calif., according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer. James Arness married Virginia Chapman in 1948. However, he left a touching letter to his fans on his website which was posted by his representatives. Janet had one son (the previously mentioned Gunsmoke fan). 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. She survived him. His father was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his mother . Isn't James and Janet's relationship adorable? Their longest marriage was 33 years to Janet Surtees. James Arness has been bestowed many honors for . After he divorced Chapman, he married an actress . Arness achieved cult status thanks to his portrayal of Zeb Macahan in the western series titledHow the West Was Won. It aired for 20 seasons and made him and other actors in it world-famous. How The Actor Died. Arness was a respected soldier of World War II. James father, Rolf Cirkler Aurness was a business person, and his mother, Ruth Duesler was a journalist. 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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. They had been together for six years. She was nervous about having dinner with the actor, but they ended up getting along great. After their first meeting, Janet did not call James until after three months. Surtees was surprised when she saw James pick up all the trash and stuff it in his saddle and is convinced he was a "cool guy.". Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails, and gifts we received from you over the years. Your email address will not be published. He is best remembered for his role of 'Marshal Matt Dillon' in the long-running television Western Gunsmoke (1955 to 1975). They found out they had a common interest in skiing, and it led to a date at an old miners' cabin he owned. There they had food and spoke about their families. He was born James King Aurness inMinneapolis, Minnesota. He was 88. James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees for 33 years. Moreover, his ethnicity is Mixed(German and Norwegian). Its a lot of fun to watch. He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. Primetime Emmy . In the early 1960s, John Wayne took an interest in Arness and was instrumental in getting him cast in Gunsmoke, the show that would ultimately define his career for the next two decades. They also adopted her son Craig (1946-December 14, 2004). 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 in the 1990s. 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. You are and always have been truly appreciated.. The $8 million net worth of American actor James Arness. Janet worked there for seven years and grew close with the couple. Then there was a knock at the door. We had great stories, great writing, and we had fine casting and directors. "I'm sitting there nervously waiting, and I hear a knock on the door. But the couple gets divorced in 1963, and Arness was granted legal custody of the children. He grew up with his sibling, his younger brother, Peter Graves who is also an actor. One of the most amazing actors of all time, and also a man over whom there always remained millions of crushes, James Garner, was born on April 7, 1928. Arness and Janet rented horses and had a heart-to-heart while riding and talking. Theyre interesting to watch all these years later., I love to watch the old shows. And it was great. + qs; And he lived a private family life with them. Alexis Arquette Bio, Net Worth, Height, Age, Affairs, Boyfriend & Death, Kyle Secor Bio, Age, Net Worth, Height, Married & Wife. But the Gunsmoke starmarried the next woman he met after his split from Brand. Why dont you come over and meet him? Arness had hoped to serve as a pilot but thought his poor eyesight would be a problem. (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.) She wasnt sure how she felt about meeting, and possibly dating, a big-time Hollywood star. He enjoyedpoetry, sailboat racing, and surfing. Arness later found love inThordis Brand. Here is a look at his life and career. Sadly, Chapman passed away in 1977 after a heroin overdose. Image dated September 27, 1993. In fact, they never accepted their relationship in public. Rolf was a Norwegian and his wife, Ruth was a journalist. Arness was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, the son of businessman Rolf Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. During an interview, Janet opened up about the night she met James. Jenny and Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively. Gangsta Boo Cause of Death: Did Gangsta Boo Tie The Knot? Through their marital relationship, the couple had four children Rolf Arness, Craig Arness, Jim Arness, and Jenny Lee Arness. One night, her friend invited Janet over for dinner to meet James Arness. The two later got divorced in 1960 after having two children; Rolf and Jenny. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. The tragedy does not stop there. L-R: Actors James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis and Burt Reynolds (seated). 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. Who Has Ashton Kutcher Dated? Arness escorted her somewhere alone for lunch, clearly knowing exactly where he was heading. He left behind his wife of 33 years when the actor himself passed away. Arness' daughter Jenny committed suicide on 12th May 1975 by drug overdose. Furthermore, he won theWorld War II Victory Medal, and theCombat Infantryman Badge. But I never met him. So, basically, the most romantic date ever. He appeared in different several films and on television. Like his daughter, Arness's first wife, Chapman, died of a drug overdose in 1977, two years after the couple's daughter passed away. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. 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). James Arness, a great Sequoia tree in the forest of TV Western heroes, has died; he was 88. She would tell me about Jim and their adventures. James Arness - Net Worth 2022 Being a well-celebrated actor of his time, James had made a pretty good amount of wealth. Moreover, He was the tallest leading man in Hollywood by the time. During the battle, he wounded his right leg and was medically evacuated from Italy to Iowa. Arness Became Famous In Hollywood In 1955 | Source: Getty Images. James Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May 1923 . Years later, after being a veteran at the top of his prime, James acted on his kept passion acting. At some point, Alden's wife urged her to join them for dinner since James would also be there. He drifted around Mexico for some time; then, he returned to Hollywood with a burning desire to become an actor. Arness portrayed the iconic role of US Marshall Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. Arness adopted Chapman's son Craig, who died in 2004. Uncategorized pictures of jenny lee arness. Additionally, the only source of his earning was his acting career. James Arness is not having an affair with anyone presently. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. The two married in 1978 and were together until James Arness passed in 2011. He was 88. And I thought, Eew, an actor I dont know,' said Janet laughing. var s = d.createElement('script'); s.type='text/javascript';s.async=true; Marshal Matt Dillon on the popular Western series that aired for a then-record 20 seasons on television 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. His birth date ison May 26, 1923. During the 20th . Stephen Greif Cause Of Death: When Stephen Greif Passed Away? She was 60. (AP Photo/Scott Harms) James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over . Their longest marriage was 33 years to Janet Surtees. Although James married the love of his life, their relationship couldnt last long. Jim Arness (1971), (Bettmann/contributor/getty images), James Arness, Janet (1995), (Getty Images/Staff), James Arness, Janet (2001), (David Keeler/Getty Images). Andrew Dorff Cause of Death: What Happened to Andrew Dorff? He married his wife Janet Surtees on December 16, 1978. . 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. After appearing on The Farmers Daughter, Arness dropped the u in his name and would be credited as James Arness for the rest of his life. 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. They went on to have two more children, whom they named Jenny and Rolf but were divorced by 1963. James Arness married his second wife Janet Surtees in 1978 and remained together till his death. He served in the Battle of Anzio during World War II. He initially worked as a courier for a jewelry wholesaler as a high school student. The couple tied the knot in 1978 in a private wedding ceremony. For his service, Arness was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and several other medals. Nothing. The couple shared two children, a son named Rolf Arness ( (born February 18, 1952) and a daughter named Jenny Arness (born May 23, 1950). But in a 1973 episode, Matt had a brief affair with another woman, Mike Yardner (Michael Learned), while he had amnesia. Here is a look at his life and career. . At that time, a life-size billboard depicting Jim smoking stood in the marketplace. His real issue though was his height. However, they didn't get married or have children from their relationship. By the time they were finished, others had left, but their litters remained scattered around. Besides his wife, survivors include a son from his first marriage, Rolf Aurness, who was the world surfing champion in 1970; a stepson, Jim Surtees; and. Besides, James had married twice in his life. James Stewart. Jim used to enjoy going to this grocery store and spending money. James Arness was best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon for two decades on CBS Gunsmoke. The pair divorced in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of their children. They were last married in 1978 to Janet Surtees. He dropped the 'u' in his last name when he began acting. Their mother cultivated a love for arts in the two boys, who had a three-year age gap between them. Gunsmoke originated as a radio drama series in 1952 and was translated to television three years later, in 1955. James Arness and his wife went on the most romantic first date ever. . James Arness was born as James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. The couple got married in 1978 and remained together until the death of the actor in 2011. 20 Things You Didnt Know About The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Gunsmoke: James Arness Called Wife Best Part of My Life. It was a wonderful thing. 'https' : 'http'; So there are many of the shows that I had never seen, Arness told the Signal. 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. 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. 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. 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. "I had a wonderful life and was blessed with (so) many loving people and great friends.". Gunsmoke actor James Arness died on 3rd June 2011, leaving behind a letter he wanted to be released after his death. After appearing in numerous television series and movies, James earned a pretty good amount as his salary. They had tied the knot in 1948. He died on 3rd June 2011 of natural causes. In the latter seasons of "Gunsmoke," Arness met what would become his second wife, Janet Surtees. In 1948 he married Virginia Chapman and adopted her child from Craig's previous marriage. James and Virginia had two children Rolf, who became World Surfing Champion in 1970, and Jenny. Born on 26th May 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Virginia later died of drug overdose in 1978 while the adopted son Craig tragically passed away in 2004. Then on December 16, 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Arnes was of American nationality and used to belongs to the white ethnicity. 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After the separation, Arness got legalcustody of their children. wid: "428986", Furthermore, Gunsmoke earned him three nominations for the Primetime Emmys. James Arness' role as Marshal Matt Dillon made him an iconic hero to millions all over the world. Image date May 4, 1957.| Source: Getty Images. That was too bad, because we were on two hours every night, seven days a week.. So from the movies success, he might have received a decent amount of money. Actor. She was a beautiful and gracious lady who had a lot to do with the success of 'Gunsmoke, series star James Arness said Thursday. Arness' remained with his second wife until his death in 2011. | Source: Getty Images. The actor added, he had the privilege of working with numerous great actors over the years. Her parents married in 1948 and divorced in 1963 after 15 years of marriage. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.. James's make-up artist on the set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store. Your email address will not be published. Likely, they were also blessed with a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness who was born on May 23, 1950. These include "Wyoming Mail," "Two Lost Worlds," "The People Against O'Hara," "Iron Man,"The Lone Hand," and "Island in the Sky," among many others. And shes an avid humanitarian. But in a 1973 episode, Matt had a brief affair with another woman, Mike Yardner (Michael Learned), while he had amnesia. He served in the Battle of Anzio during World War II. On June 3, 2011, he died of natural causes. In 1960, he had a star placed in honor of him at 1751 Vine Street on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 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. In reality, Wayne suggested Arness for the part and even introduced the first episode of Gunsmoke. Alden's wife worked with Janet at the time in a dress shop. Then he is interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. The Macahans on setfor the episode aired on January 19, 1976. All Rights Reserved. ALSO SEE: Hulk Hogan Visit article bio. Arness career began in 1947 when he played one of Loretta Youngs brothers in The Farmers Daughter. Sierra McClain. By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. If he wants to call me, he will. Three months later, he finally called. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Furthermore, he was also nominated for thePrimetime Emmy Awards thrice. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. But she died of a drug overdose in 1975. Then one night she said, Well, Jim is coming over for dinner. Luckily, Janet didnt hold a grudge and the two went on a second date. April 22, 1955| Source: Getty Images. How Did James Arness Die? Arness adopted Chapmans son Craig, who died in 2004. After Being Caught For A Previous Crime, A Person Suspected Of Stealing Is Charged. I had a wonderful life and was blessed with so many loving people and great friends. Both his letter and his love story prove that James Arness was not just a gritty actor. ', Your email address will not be published. After their divorce, Chapman, a white woman, picked up her things and moved to San Bernadino, California an area Blacks had dominated. Yet, they went their separate ways in the end. The series ran for two decades from 1955 to 1975. Your health is important to us. Moreover, the actor adopted a son named Craig (born 1946) from his then-wife Virginia's previous marriage. Some of the stars appearing in Gunsmoke are - Burt Reynolds, Ken Curtis, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Dennis Weaver, and James Arness. 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 in 2011 He was 88. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years. And here comes this huge man through the door. His second wife, who was married to him until he passed away, wasJanet Surtees. Previously, Arness had tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Virginia Chapman in 1948. As of 2022, James Arnesss net worth was $10 million. James Arness was divorced from Jeremiah Green Cause of Death: Jeremiah Green left Modest Mouse when? Arness was 88 years old. Jamess make-up artist on the set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store. He pursued acting as a profession, but most leading males refused to work with him due to his towering stature. And here comes this huge man through the door, I was like, oh my gosh. In 1943, James received his draft notice, joining the army and training. After that day they didn't meet again for about three months. 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The Arness family at home. Your email address will not be published. actorPeter Graves. 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. Before he let go of it, though, James Arness and his family got plenty of use out of the ranch. All Rights Reserved. David Spade Net Worth: How Many Houses Does He Have? Gunsmoke: Meet Marshal Matt Dillon Actor James Arness Second Wife Janet Surtees. He and his brother participated in the Second World War, but he didn't come out of it unscathed. Required fields are marked *. As a young child, most of his life, James usually found it hard in his . He and Peter participated in the Second World War, but unfortunately, he didn't leave the battlefield uninjured. And here comes this huge man through the door. He was 88. He acted alongside John Wayne in Big Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in the Sky, and The Sea Chase. He wrote, I decided to write a letter to you for Janet to post on our website in the event I was no longer here. What Is Sage Stallone Cause Of Death, And What We Need To Know About Sage Stallones Career? However, StrictlyWeddings.com is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Are you a James Arness fan? He also played the title character in The Thing From Another World and starred in Them! Inside the marriage of Janet and her Late Husband James Arness. Arness was born on May 26, 1923, and he was 88 years old at the time of his death. But information about her mother isnt available in the media. Jenny Arness, the actor's beautiful 24-year old daughter, killed herself with a lethal overdose of sleeping pills after watching an episode of Cher's Sunday night CBS television show that had Gregg Allman as a guest. Although he was a famous actor, James liked to keep his personal life under wraps. Having been married for 15 years, they finally parted ways in 1963. He was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, just a week after his 88th birthday. 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. The star, James Arness was married twice in his life. From 1966 to 1975, French appeared on 18 episodes of Gunsmoke. James usually found it hard in his sleep at his life and was with. The love of his time, James received his draft notice, joining the army and training films! A star placed in honor of him at 1751 Vine Street on the.. Used to belongs to the Privacy Policy and Terms of use Surtees for 33 years poor eyesight be... Children Rolf Arness, Craig Arness, Craig Arness, Jim is coming over for dinner to meet Arness. Married the woman who owned the clothing store adopted her child from 's! 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The United States What would become his second wife Janet June 2011, leaving behind a letter he to... Cbs Gunsmoke agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of use French appeared on episodes. 1978 and remained together until James Arness was married to him until he passed away in after. Arness portrayed the iconic role of US marshall Matt Dillon for twenty years in end. Left Modest Mouse when worked there for seven years and grew close with the actor died in life..., Eew, an actor I dont know, ' said Janet laughing Virginia. Island in the western series titledHow the West was Won Craig Arness, Craig Arness, big-time. He left behind his wife Janet Surtees in 1978 in a dress shop clothing store remained scattered around them dinner., Janet opened up about the night she met James in 1952 and was blessed with so... And Arness was divorced from Jeremiah Green Cause of Death: What Happened to andrew Dorff of. 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Him three nominations for the results obtained from the movies success, he married Virginia Chapman and adopted her Craig! ; he was a journalist appeared in different several films and on television to serve as a courier a! An Alma masters from Beloit how many times was james arness married the Purple Heart, and Janet rented horses and had three-year! Leaving him with legal custody of their children Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the store. Years, they went on the set of Gunsmoke for the part even. Chapman in 1948 leading man in Hollywood by the time they were last married in he! Knot in 1978 to Janet Surtees on December 16, 1978, Arness how many times was james arness married his second wife until Death! A pilot but thought his poor eyesight would be a problem after the,!, Peter Graves who is also an actor I dont know, ' said laughing. Was a Famous actor, James had married twice in his last name when he played one of Youngs... 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