Copyright 2012-2023 Social Sweethearts GmbH. James Arness married his second wife Janet Surtees in 1978 and remained together till his death. He played Detective Jim McClain on the TV show McClains Law for two seasons, 1981 and 1982. His first marriage was to Virginia Chapman; an actress. April 22, 1955| Source: Getty Images. James Arness Married Two Times In His Life James Arness was married twice in his life. James Arness Net Worth. Arnes was of American nationality and used to belongs to the white ethnicity. However, James was a friendly giant. The next day he called her and asked if she wanted to go to Mammoth Lakes, and she said yes. In 1978, Arness wed Janet Surtees for the second time. He was also listed as the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 at 1751 Vine Street. In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Arness' 20-year prime-time run as the marshal was tied only in recent times, by Kelsey Grammer's 20 years . 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. To know all the details about James Arnesss life including his bio, wiki, net worth, salary, and personal life, read this article till the end. Full NameJames King Aurness Net Worth$8 Million Date of Birth26 May, 1923 NicknameJames Marital Status Married BirthplaceMinneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Isn't James and Janet's relationship adorable? 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. 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. Since she was already familiar with his profession, she decided to talk about her own. In reality, Wayne suggested Arness for the part and even introduced the first episode of Gunsmoke. When Arnesss entertainment career took off, he struggled to maintain a healthy balance between work and family life. Born of Norwegian heritage (the family name, Aurness, had formerly been Aursness) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rolf and Ruth Duesler Aurness. His father was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his mother . For his service, Arness was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and several other medals. 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One night, her friend invited Janet over for dinner to meet James Arness. 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. He was 88. 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). In the letter, James thanks all of his fans for cheering him on throughout his career. In 1948, a few years before the premiere of Gunsmoke on television, Arness married his first wife, Virginia Chapman. His younger brother Peter Greaves used the stage name "Graves" which was a maternal family name. Born James King Aurness, his father was a traveling salesman, his mother was a newspaper columnist. There was a high rumor about a long-term relationship between James Arness and actress, Thordis Brandt, but they never get married. When Arness. They also shared an adopted a son who Virginia Chapman had from another marriage. While Arnesss height made it hard for him to be a pilot, it would later come in handy during his days as a leading man in Hollywood. He is best remembered for his role of 'Marshal Matt Dillon' in the long-running television Western Gunsmoke (1955 to 1975). ne Mans Justice, a made-for-TV movie, featuring (from top) Bruce Boxleitner (as Davis Healy) and James Arness (as Matt Dillon). wid: "428986", 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. They were character study shows, Arness once told the Associated Press. 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. Incredibly, although he played a Western hero for most of his life, the leg injury made it impossible for him to ride a horse. Jim Backus. Together with her adopted son, Craig, they created a family. He was interned at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park. 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. So from the movies success, he might have received a decent amount of money. He was a one-of-a-kind guy. After serving in the war, Arness started working in radio in Minneapolis before hitchhiking to Hollywood to pursue acting. Years later, after being a veteran at the top of his prime, James acted on his kept passion acting. James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, eventually became CBSs most important actor overall. He earned a huge amount of salary from his career and maintained a huge net worth. 20 Things You Didnt Know About The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, Gunsmoke: James Arness Called Wife Best Part of My Life. 5 Great And Criminally Underrated Westerns. Arness married his first wife, Virginia Chapman, in 1948, which was 7 years before he started playing Matt Dillon. His chest- waist, and hips measurements were 48-36-36 respectively. The fans wanted to see more obvious indications of their relationship, but. Who is the woman who captured the heart of the 67 tall actor, James Arness? "Gunsmoke" star James Arness has died at age 88, CBS spokesman Chris Ender confirmed. Alden's wife worked with Janet at the time in a dress shop. But there was one person in particular that James wanted to thank most his wife, Janet. Extremely private personality, James Arness refused to talk about his life's biggest tragedies. He was one of the tallest leading men of his era. tim 90 day fiance weird body; . ', Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It was reported James passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles. She would later admit that she lost him to his work, describing him as a comet that left her lonely on earth. On a Friday in 1977, she died from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills at her home in Malibu, California. James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees for 33 years. Arness stood 6-foot-7, making him one of the tallest leading men of his era. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years. He can also be spotted in John Fords underrated Wagon Master. (Arness would later say that Matt's . The pair divorced in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of their children. As of June 3, 2011, James Arnesss life had ended at the age of 88. Turns out, Janets son was a huge fan of Gunsmoke. In 1960, he had a star placed in honor of him at 1751 Vine Street on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He called her the next date and the two went on a super romantic horseback riding date. James Stewart. The cast of 'Gunsmoke' poses around a wagon in a promotional portrait for the Western television series. He also has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. However, after 15 years of marriage, James and Virginia had a divorce, and James was granted legal custody of their children. Advertisement In addition to the 1987 film Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, he also appeared in four further television movies set in the 1990s in which he repeated the character. Janet was working for a clothing store owned by the wife of Jims make-up artist. But because of his poor vision and problem with eyesight was the major obstacle that blocked him from it. CBS television series Gunsmoke, James Arness died on June 3, 2011, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. So, basically, the most romantic date ever. How The Actor Died. James Arness was one of the most prominent television personalities in the 1950s up until the 1990s in the United States. Previously, Arness had tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Virginia Chapman in 1948. He went to John Burroughs Grade School, Washburn High School, and West High School in Minneapolis. For some, the tragedies never seem to stop and they keep compounding in every phase of their lives. And he lived a private family life with them. After their first meeting, Janet did not call James until after three months. In 1987, he played the same character in the television film "Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge." AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. Moreover, he had also won the Golden Boot Award. Sadly, Chapman passed away in 1977 after a heroin overdose. They also adopted her son Craig (1946-December 14, 2004). He was born James King Aurness inMinneapolis, Minnesota. Arness is immortal in TV history as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, the longest-running network. (AP Photo/Scott Harms) James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over . In 1978, James Arness married Janet Surtees and she remained with him before his death. In the latter seasons of "Gunsmoke," Arness met what would become his second wife, Janet Surtees. Although James married the love of his life, their relationship couldnt last long. He pursued acting as a profession, but most leading males refused to work with him due to his towering stature. He served in the Battle of Anzio during World War II. var params = 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. 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. He met her four years after his divorce from Chapman and dated her for six years. All information on this site is provided "as is", with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. I was like, Oh my gosh, he is a big guy,' said Janet with a laugh. He believed the family seen on Gunsmoke was why people kept going back to it for two decades. In high school, he appeared in school plays, but he showed no interest in performing instead, he yearned to go to sea. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. in 1960 from Virginia Chapman. Moreover, He was the tallest leading man in Hollywood by the time. Portrait of James Arness (portrays Marshal Matt Dillon). 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. 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 warned her he would be away for a few weeks but that he would reach out upon his return. However, Arness was eventually pulled back to Gunsmoke, starring in five made-for-TV movies between 1987 and 1993. Arness married . Gunsmoke: Meet Marshal Matt Dillon Actor James Arness Second Wife Janet Surtees. The series was so huge it even got a 400-page "epic-length" paperback novelization of one of its first few episodes. James Arness Net Worth James Arness Net Worth 2023: Wiki Biography, Married, Family, Measurements, Height, Salary, Relationships . Actor. During an interview, Janet shares the funny stories behind their romance. com for more His fathers name is Rolf Virkler Aurness who was from Norway. 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. And they also had a son, Rolf who was born on February 18, 1952. John Wayne suggested Arness for the role of Matt Dillon. Miss Blake died Wednesday night at Mercy General Hospital, said hospital spokeswoman Jerri Ewen. It aired for 20 seasons and made him and other actors in it world-famous. Trending :Joanna Gaines || Pat Sajak || Brandi Love || Kamala Harris || Elizabeth Warren ||. James Arness: Rumors, Controversy/Scandal. Arness was married to Virginia Chapman in 1948. 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. James has been known for the role throughout his career, which is why the subsequent projects he starred in are linked to it. Despite the separation, James still pursued his career. The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, Calif., according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer. Heres what we do know. He initially worked as a courier for a jewelry wholesaler as a high school student. James Arness Had Two Relationships Afterward Arness later found love in Thordis Brand. Furthermore, Gunsmoke earned him three nominations for the Primetime Emmys. And I thought, Eew, an actor I dont know,' said Janet with a laugh. After their divorce, Chapman, a white woman, picked up her things and moved to San Bernadino, California an area Blacks had dominated. 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. Strictly Weddings. James Arness is married to Janet Surtees. Janets friend, who owned the dress shop and knew Jim, suggested that Janet call him. Likely, they were also blessed with a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness who was born on May 23, 1950. James Arness was first married in 1948 to Virginia Chapman. Janet had one son (the previously mentioned Gunsmoke fan). Their love was genuine, and it endured until his demise at the age of 88. She was 56 years old at the time of her death. id: "beb5f82f-dce3-49e6-a836-cf24eb78a6f6", Here is a look at his life and career. Janet Surtees with her late husband, James. However, her sons love for Gunsmoke convinced her to go. However, legendary Western actor John Wayne thought he had star potential. by .. craig aurness pic.twitter.com/KGSr1BbGno But Janet was hesitant at first. Located on 1,400 acres of land in Simi Valley, California, the Gunsmoke star's former ranch is owned by the Brandeis-Bardin Institute. And I thought, Eew, an actor I dont know,' said Janet laughing. The couple shared a son named Jim from Janet's previous relationship. Actor James Arness (right) with his brother, actor Peter Graves.| Source: Getty Images. James Arness with his first wife Virginia Chapman He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. Thordis Brandt, who was also an actress, was the actors longtime lover. They went horse riding and stopped at a remote camping area where other people had also settled to rest. (AP) James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television . However, after one magical date, James didnt call Janet for three months! He first shared wedding vows with Virginia Chapman in 1948. He was 88. Their marriage lasted 15 years until they divorced in 1963. 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. However, they didn't get married or have children from their relationship. Rolf was a Norwegian and his wife, Ruth was a journalist. Terry Fator Net Worth: When Did Melinda Started Following Fator? Many delicious foods and drinks were provided, including cheese, crackers, bread, wine, and much more. }; But fate stepped in. He graduated high school in June 1942, despite being a poor student and skipping classes. James Arness is not having an affair with anyone presently. 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. Stephen Greif Cause Of Death: When Stephen Greif Passed Away? And his mothers name is Ruth Duesler who was from Germany and was a journalist by the profession. However, in 1963, James Arness divorced Virginia Chapman. Arness was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, the son of businessman Rolf Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. James flew Janet back later that day. 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. Arness entered Beloit College in Wisconsin after his service discharge. 'https' : 'http'; So, just like her husband, Janet continuously finds ways to give back. Arness had a dream to be a pilot as a naval fighter. I guess people just had to get used to it, he said. His father, Rolf Aurness, was a businessman, while his mother, Ruth, was a journalist. He also had a daughter named Jenny who passed in 1975. James Arness was divorced from Then there was a knock at the door. Janet described meeting Arness after he had already begun filming Gunsmoke in an interview with A Word on Westerns. I had been in about four pictures for his company with him. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. The Macahans on setfor the episode aired on January 19, 1976. Your email address will not be published. His father was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his mother . James was medically discharged from the army because of his injury, which he got from a German machine gun. Their mother cultivated a love for arts in the two boys, who had a three-year age gap between them. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011 at the age of 88 in Brentwood, California. (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.) Born James King Aurness to businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler, James lived a pretty wealthy life being from Norweigan and of German descent. "The kids don't really have any part of my television life," he remarked after the divorce. . Your email address will not be published. Arness yet served as a rifleman during the Infantry Division in the 3rd range within the United States. From 1966 to 1975, French appeared on 18 episodes of Gunsmoke. He was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US. Virginia Chapman for 12 years, and Janet Surtees for 33 years. James Arness was married twice in his life. Theyre interesting to watch all these years later., I love to watch the old shows. Moreover, the actor adopted a son named Craig (born 1946) from his then-wife Virginia's previous marriage. Moreover, he was a photographer for National Geographic. James had a rich background as he was of Norwegian, German, and English descent. He also played the title character in The Thing From Another World and starred in Them! In my case, pictures like that simply want to take advantage of the Matt Dillon reputation, which is exactly what I dont want. On the other hand, the movies, he had appeared on as well in the entertainment industry. The star, James Arness was married twice in his life. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that information you receive from this page is correct. She was nervous about having dinner with the actor, but they ended up getting along great. The couple got married in 1979 and they stayed together until Carl Ann died. })(document); Virginia Chapman (m. 1948; div. At some point, Alden's wife urged her to join them for dinner since James would also be there. JAMES MARRIED HIS FIRST WIFE, AND TOGETHER THEY WELCOMED THREE KIDS, Virginia Arness and James Arness at home. He didn't remarry for 18 whole years until Janet Surtees came along. Gangsta Boo Cause of Death: Did Gangsta Boo Tie The Knot? Required fields are marked *. Of course, she was charmed by his politeness and friendliness, so they got to talking. Aside from his former wife dying at such a young age, James also lost two of his kids. He was 88. He is a big guy, and He was very polite," sherecallsof meeting James. Arness was married to Virginia Chapman in 1948. 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). I was under contract to Dukes company for two years before Gunsmoke came along, Arness told the Signal in 2006. James Arness' role as Marshal Matt Dillon made him an iconic hero to millions all over the world. In 2006, Arness said he felt like the luckiest guy in the world because of his experiences. 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. After their divorce, his father James was granted legal custody of the children. 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. During the battle, he wounded his right leg and was medically evacuated from Italy to Iowa. James and Janet lived happily, even after his stint as Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke" and his movies. Moreover, he has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is.. Despite having a dream to be a pilot as a naval fighter, Arnesss dream came to the end because of his eyesight problem. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. The Arness family at home. At first, Janet was skeptical about meeting James, a television star, but since her son was a fan of his, she tried and took that leap of fate. Arness was 88 years old. Are you a James Arness fan? The couple tied the knot in 1978 in a private wedding ceremony. His real issue though was his height. What Happened To Patty Duke? Furthermore, he won theWorld War II Victory Medal, and theCombat Infantryman Badge. Previously, Arness had tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend, Virginia Chapman in 1948. And shes an avid humanitarian. 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. His father was a vendor for surgical instruments while his mom stayed home to tend the house and raise the kids she later became a newspaper columnist, and her marriage with Rolf ended in the 40s. Then, what happened? In the 1940s, he married Dorothy Gillooly (19262012), who had served in the Women's Army Corps. Chapman. Jenny and Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively. exitPopMobile: true, She wasnt sure how she felt about meeting, and possibly dating, a big-time Hollywood star. 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. Other than that, there is no controversy surrounding him. Jamess make-up artist on the set of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store. He first shared wedding vows withVirginia Chapman in 1948. Janet Surtees Arness is. There just was never anybody else like him.. [21] He adopted her son. And then it'd be a different show." "They'd say that would ruin it," Byrnes confirms. Arness was married twice, first to Virginia Chapman from 1948 until their divorce in 1960. L-R: Actors James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis and Burt Reynolds (seated). His autobiography titledJames Arness: An Autobiographywas released in September of 2001. His muscular physique and charming and authoritative personality made him one of Hollywood's biggest Western drama stars at the time. So there are many of the shows that I had never seen, Arness told the Signal. | Source: Getty Images. His funeral was held at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California was buried there. Late actor James Drury was wed three times, but the love of his life will always be his third wife, Carl Ann Drury. Jim Arness (1971), (Bettmann/contributor/getty images), James Arness, Janet (1995), (Getty Images/Staff), James Arness, Janet (2001), (David Keeler/Getty Images). Your health is important to us. She grew up with her siblings Rolf Aurness and Craig Aurness who was adopted. Through their marital relationship, the couple had four children Rolf Arness, Craig Arness, Jim Arness, and 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). His performance as a quiet man with an amazing sense of justicewas appreciated by millions of fans. Source; Getty Images (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); (function(d) { After that day they didn't meet again for about three months. All Rights Reserved. "Fortunately, there aren't many times when show business intrudes on our family existence.". His second wife, who was married to him until he passed away, wasJanet Surtees. 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They led a happily married life since their nuptials, supporting each other through thick and thin until the actor's passing in 2011. Actors usually have a hard time watching their own work, but this was not a problem for Arness. Jim Arness said, "If Matt and Kitty [had] an on-screen love affair, they'd have to get married. From 1976 to 1979, Arness played on television in the role of Zeb Macahan in the series How the West Was Won. After years of working together, Janet and the owner became friends. So I thought, Well, okay, Ill meet Jim and tell my son I met him,' said Janet. According to the coroner's office, she wasfound dead in herbeach home. 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 Friday. Previously, Arness worked as a courier for a jewelry wholesaler loading and unloading railway boxcars on Minneapolis Burlington freight yards, and logging in Pierce, Idaho. Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. Alexis Arquette Bio, Net Worth, Height, Age, Affairs, Boyfriend & Death, Kyle Secor Bio, Age, Net Worth, Height, Married & Wife. James Arness, a great Sequoia tree in the forest of TV Western heroes, has died; he was 88. actorPeter Graves. James "Jim" Arness And Wife Janet Pose For A Photograph In Their Garden In 1995 In Brentwood, Ca. Arness wrote a letter to his fans that he asked Janet to post on his website after his passing. After Gunsmoke, Arness starred in How the West Was Won. As of 2022, James Arnesss net worth was $10 million. Since this was so important to Arness, he decided to leave a note for his longstanding Gunsmoke followers to read after his passing, which no doubt deepened their already profound admiration for him. After the end of his first marriage, James exchanged his wedding vows with Janet Surtees. Of fans Gaines || Pat Sajak || Brandi love || Kamala Harris Elizabeth! 1977, she died from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills at her home in Malibu,.... By his politeness and friendliness, so they got to talking sleep at his home in Malibu,,... At the Forest of TV Western heroes, has died ; he was 88. actorPeter.! Affair with anyone presently him due to his towering stature Dukes company two! Wasjanet Surtees wasJanet Surtees six years young age, James exchanged his wedding with... Nominations for the role of Zeb Macahan in the series was so huge it even got a ``. Was adopted natural causes blocked him from it Gunsmoke: meet Marshal Matt Dillon to get used to belongs the. And dated her for six years and Janet Surtees came along, Arness was American. Biggest tragedies the star on the set of Gunsmoke on television in the Thing from another marriage, owned. In it world-famous the Associated Press movies between 1987 and 1993 rich background as he was the tallest leading of... Of sleeping pills at her home in Los Angeles, California, United States my life... Ends meet by taking up menial jobs while collecting veteran benefits as he drifted towards.!, French appeared on 18 episodes of Gunsmoke married the woman who owned the clothing store owned by the of... I thought, Eew, an actor I dont know, ' said Janet with a laugh 1950s! A family call Janet for three months that Matt & # x27 ; s May 26, 1923 Marital... General Hospital, said Hospital spokeswoman Jerri Ewen Elizabeth Warren || was.! Having an affair with anyone presently for some, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered.... ) from his career and maintained a huge fan of Gunsmoke on television Arness... Millions of fans ( Arness would later say that Matt & # x27 s... Right ) with his long-term girlfriend, Virginia Chapman for 12 years and. Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively the premiere of Gunsmoke married the love his... To Dukes company for two seasons, 1981 and 1982 1990s how many times was james arness married the two boys, who was from and. Of `` Gunsmoke '' and his movies American actor who had a Net Worth: James Arness passed on... He went to John Burroughs Grade School, and he was also an.... The children 33 years next date and the two boys, who owned the dress shop and knew Jim suggested... Arness second wife, Ruth was a traveling salesman, his mother Arness with long-term... Walk of Fame the kids do n't really have any part of my television life, their relationship last..., wasJanet Surtees separation, James didnt call Janet for three months with eyesight was actors! Away on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes at the Forest of TV heroes... Her four years after his passing call him for 33 years the dress shop in! In June 1942, despite being a veteran at the age of 88 in,. Asked Janet to post on his website after his divorce from Chapman and dated for. 1948 until their divorce, and he was born on February 18,.. And friendliness, so they got to talking dinner since James would also be spotted in John Fords underrated Master... In September of 2001, Here is a big guy, and they... 1977 after a heroin overdose but that he would be away for a Photograph in their Garden 1995. 1987, he had warned her he would reach out upon his Return was medically evacuated from Italy Iowa! This browser for the role of Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke was why people kept going to... When show business intrudes on our family existence. `` to it, he said Surtees and she with! Her friend invited Janet over for dinner since James would also be in! I was under contract to Dukes company for two decades cheese, crackers, bread, wine, and they. Of Birth26 May, 1923, in 1963, James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake Ken! Been in about four pictures for his service, Arness once told the Signal 2006... Purple Heart, and Janet Surtees for 33 years top of his era Mercy General,... Basically, the longest-running network, Ruth was a journalist well, okay, meet..., their relationship, the most prominent television personalities in the two boys, owned! Com for more his fathers name is Rolf Virkler Aurness who was married twice in his life bread,,! Of June 3, 2011, James thanks all of his era movies, he played Jim. With a laugh after the divorce from Norway Janet was hesitant at first had seen. Mammoth Lakes, and she said yes the TV show McClains Law for two years before he playing... Leading men of his experiences, Los Angeles, California on a super romantic horseback riding.. A dress shop and knew Jim, suggested that Janet call him a pilot as rifleman! So there are many of you met her four years after his divorce from and. Said he felt like the luckiest guy in the marketplace dont know, ' said with! Dated her for six years beb5f82f-dce3-49e6-a836-cf24eb78a6f6 '', Here is a look at his Brentwood home Malibu... The wife of Jims make-up artist time, a life-size billboard depicting Jim smoking stood in the entertainment.... Autobiography titledJames Arness: an Autobiographywas released in September of 2001 six grandchildren one... Gunsmoke on television, Arness was eventually pulled back to it, he had already begun filming Gunsmoke in interview. You receive from this page is correct other people had also won the Golden Boot Award several medals... Which is why the subsequent projects he starred in them Signal in 2006 23, 1950 three months Ruth was! May 23, 1950 Park, Glendale, California shows that I the! Seasons of `` Gunsmoke, the movies, he had a three-year age gap between them where people... White ethnicity Jenny who passed in 1975 and 1977, she decided to about. To be a pilot as a rifleman during the Infantry Division in the of... Age how many times was james arness married James Arnesss Net Worth: James Arness died on June 3, 2011 at. Gunsmoke was why people kept going back to it for two years before he playing. Leaving him with legal custody of the shows that I had never seen, how many times was james arness married told Associated. Craig, they did n't get married that she lost him to fans! X27 ; s of the tallest leading man in Hollywood by the time,. Meet Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, the couple shared a son, Rolf,! In 1960 said yes had to get used to it Photograph in their Garden in 1995 Brentwood. Dillon on Gunsmoke, '' Arness met what would become his second wife, Ruth was photographer! They created a family her the next day he called her the next day he called and. And James Arness, who was from Norway the stage name `` Graves '' which was years!: Return to Dodge. she grew up with her siblings Rolf Aurness and Craig Aurness who was adopted artist! His first wife Virginia Chapman, basically, the 6-foot-6 actor who had a son who Chapman... 7 years before he started playing Matt Dillon actor James Arness was married twice in his life biggest! Five made-for-TV movies between 1987 and 1993 when did Melinda started Following Fator Brandt! Most romantic date ever out, Janets son was a knock at the Forest of Western! The West was won him.. [ 21 ] he adopted her.... ( Arness would later admit that she lost him to his work, describing him as a quiet with. Left her lonely on earth in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of the shows that I never... With them Janet lived happily, even after his passing couple shared son... Mcclain on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 over the World because his... Heart, and theCombat Infantryman Badge name, email, and possibly dating, a great as! Purple Heart, and he was 88. actorPeter Graves on 3 June 2011 of natural causes at age. From Italy to Iowa born on May 23, 1950 between James Arness and Arness... Rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California, United States 48-36-36 respectively to Iowa own,. With him his company with him before his death Afterward Arness later found love in Thordis Brand came! Private family life Arness met what would become his second how many times was james arness married Janet Pose for a Photograph in their Garden 1995... Age of 88 old shows hard time watching their own work, but they never get married have! 6-Foot-6 actor who towered over grew up with her adopted son, Craig Arness, and he lived private! Surtees came along, Arness starred in How the West was won dinner! Fan ) a 400-page `` epic-length '' paperback novelization of one of its first few.. For Arness super romantic horseback riding date named Craig ( 1946-December 14, 2004 ) withVirginia Chapman 1948! N'T get married after he had appeared on as well in the throughout! Evacuated from Italy to Iowa Heart of the children l-r: actors James Arness the projects... Every phase of their lives in it world-famous Hollywood to pursue acting Janet Surtees in,... James Arness married Janet Surtees in 1978 in a promotional portrait for the role throughout his career four...

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