He always showed respect and empathy to everyone. As a little girl, my granny (80 yrs old). She was 87. Still watch it everyday. Love it to this day. They take pride in their active churches, PTAs, and youth sports leagues. Parts in more than 20 films followed, including The Thing, Hellgate and Hondo with Wayne. Guys like Gregory Peck and I don't want a big lug like you towering over us. However, the classic movie star recommended Arness to accept the role of U.S. "Happy Trails"our beloved brother!Ride into the sunset with us all in mind! Why she was used so little? Peter, who changed his last name to Graves, {{#isTree}}Plant Memorial Trees{{/isTree}} I read that you felt you couldnt live up to what people thought of you. I loved this man. Will they let regular citizens past the gate or do we have to sit outside the gates and watch the big muckety-mucks go up the hill in their limos?. So sorry his personal life was marred by tragedy. I always enjoyed James. James did so, and a teacher recommended him for a job as an announcer at a Minneapolis radio station. She pressed him to study acting and to work harder in pursuit of a career, but Arness has been consistent in ascribing his success to luck. With James Arness, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone, Barbara Lord. He told Signal, Gee, I dont think there were many good Western television shows at the time. A man's man! But this one has the pride and identification of Reagan that goes along with it.. It was Wayne who suggested Arness for Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. I will always and forever love Gunsmoke! By the time Simi Valley was selected in November, 1987, one of the main concerns of library officials was to find a friendly environment so the project could move forward. I get sad when I think of all the characters who have died. Just last night actually! The Arness brothers (James Arness - Gunsmoke's Matt Dillon, and Peter Graves - Mission Impossible's Jim Phelps) are originally from Minnesota. 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 . We did a show after Gunsmoke, of course How the West Was Won. The show first debuted in 2004 and aired through 2006, bringing the episode total to 36. His father's name is Rolf Virkler Aurness who was from Norway. A common rejoinder is: Its a great place to raise a family. What a great actor he was. James Arness Gunsmoke Marshal Dillon 8 x 10 Photo #010321 C $26.60. Mormann, a ranch specialist, has had such celebrity clients as Fess Parker, Andy Granatelli and James Arness. Arness, a quiet, intensely private man who preferred the outdoor life to Hollywoods party scene, rarely gave interviews and refused to discuss the tragedies. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). It must end, Hyundai was poised to become Teslas top contender. I feel like James Arness is a family member of mine. Peter, who changed his last name to Graves, went on to star in the TV series Mission Impossible.. During the 20th and final season of GUNSMOKE (1955-1975), . His wounds continued to bother him, and prevented him from mounting a horse, quite a handicap for a western hero. James Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May 1923 . The years showed on the weathered-looking Arness, but he and his TV character wore them well. Currently watching Gunsmoke with my grandfather. She fears the library could lead to school bus accidents on the steep road leading to the site, increased traffic and air pollution. He notes his break into acting in movies and lists several in which he appeared. Melody Ranch. Im 64 I watch it every day. Thank you for the gift of yourself and your life. Weaver died in 2006. For Gunsmoke, he talks about his initial reluctance to take the part (until he was convinced by John Wayne for whom he was under contract). A portion of all proceeds from their website is donated to United Cerebral Palsy. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Drugmaker Eli Lilly to slash insulin prices, Stocks drift as Wall Street braces for higher interest rates, TikTok to set default daily time limit of up to 60 minutes for minors, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Dramatic before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, Newsom rescinds Californias COVID-19 state of emergency, marking an end to the pandemic era, A $150,000 executive protection dog? Coreless Stretch Film; Pre-Stretch Film; Hand Roll; Machine Roll; Jumbo Roll; Industrial Plastic Division. You could see that he just hated to have to do that and he felt a sort of revulsion over it. Gone but never forgotten. A presidential library is a plum. He will never be forgotten, My husband and I watch Gunsmoke everyday, even if it's a episode that we have already seen on the Insp.channel and our 52 year old son favors James Arness in looks and height he is 6'4". He was 88. Thank you James/Matt for allowing some great memories with my Opa! Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. God Rest his Sweet Soul and same to his beloved brother Peter. The communities voted overwhelmingly for Reagan as President, twice. Sending our sincere condolences Now I watch ALL the reruns and DVD's!!! The county wanted all of the acreage to remain undeveloped. It was my father's favorite show and it led him to a life as a military policeman in the US Air Force. In a county that is increasingly intent on putting the skids on pell-mell growth, congestion and pollution, Simi Valleys elected leaders are among the few still talking in favor of development. You, Jim Arness, brought the gift of yourself to Matt Dillon, and thereby created an iconic character--the quintessential hero. He was my favorite person. His father was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his mother later became a newspaper columnist. At last, the 20th Season is available on DVD, so I remember you with much affection and admiration. Edward Norton. How many celebrities do you see in everyday life? From what read, he was a very humble human being with a heart of gold. It became clear that continual agitation from left-wing faculty members would affect the progress of the library, said former Atty. Jim Backus. Matt had softer moments when it came to those he cared about, such as Miss Kitty Russell, Doc Adams, and Chester Goode. I was limping around, and I had to have an operation. Arness and Surtees were married for over 35 years at the time of his death in 2011. Before he was a successful actor, he was a radio announcer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was a face that would age well and that, while aging, would carry intimations of waste, loss and futility.. He was an awesome actor and friend enjoyed watching all the episodes of gun smoke and the show how the west was won, I like him I still watch hi smoke everyday. James Arness was a wonderful actor and fit the role of Matt Dillon to a "T"! Some are apathetic. James Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon in a scene from an episode of 'Gunsmoke' circa 1970 in Los Angeles, California. (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. Today is the 65th anniversary of the premier of GUNSMOKE. Find out about the remarkable donation and more about his life. Happy Heavenly birthday Mr. James Arness. The flavor of politics here is very conservative, regardless of national patterns, said Prof. Jonathan Steepee, chairman of the political science department at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. He was quick to remind me that he spent his acting days at Warner Bros., Gallegly said, which apparently did not use Corriganville for filming. It is darker here without you. Back to my favorite show and actor. Its author was Kathleen Hite. Watched it as a little girl with my parents and still watch it every night on INSP. Big Jim McLain. I watch so much I feel as if I know them. Record information. He returned to Minneapolis to work as a radio announcer and in small theater roles. They assisted in every way, said Fred Hummel, the library project director and associate architect. They sold a condo in Century City several months ago, which had a private elevator. He lived a full life, leaving him with a solid net worth at his death. Barbara L Bowman December 13 . Have always love Mr. Arness's character. Great actor fit the part in gunsmoke watched everyday as a kid and adult. Im glad I shared this planet with you. James Arness Amanda Blake & Cast Gunsmoke Photo 8X10" Photo #AA4717. The 1,400-acre Rancho Dos Vistas, adjoining President Reagans Santa Barbara ranch and overlooking actor John Travoltas home, was auctioned off Oct. 12, all right, but there was a big foul-up: At the last minute, they decided to sell it at a per-acre price, and that caused some confusion, Kerry Mormann, an independent Santa Barbara real estate broker, recalled last week. Its heavily wooded with an adobe house and a spectacular ocean view. Both ranches are in the Santa Ynez Mountains, 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles. 830 BROOKTREE ROAD - PACIFIC PALISADES. Even the bad guys. Built in 1966, the modern home features three . The world needs more of this. Actress Amanda Blake poses with James Arness at the Golden Boot Awards in 1986. God Bless , I watch you everyday. . So they just folded the show. The actress co-stars with James Arness and James Brolin in the upcoming CBS movie "Gunsmoke: The Long Ride," which was filmed entirely in the New Mexico capital. RIP. RIP, Marshall Matt Dillion. Beloved actor James Arness donated his ranch worth $2 million to neighborhood kids in his lifetime. You are still just as much a hero to me. He entered Beloit College in Wisconsin, but was drafted into the Army in his 1942-43 freshman year. Arness describes the series characters and their relationships with each other, and discusses working with the behind-the-scenes talent, including key producers and directors. I all ways loved him and still after all these yrs I still watch him 6 nights a week. And at another fund-raiser: A 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, donated by real estate developer Richard C. Browne of Carlton Browne & Co., was auctioned for $26,000 at the 14th annual Long Beach Cancer League auction, which raised about $500,000. James was truly a hero. See production, box office & company info, (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited), Janss Conejo Ranch, Thousand Oaks, California, USA. John Wayne asked James Arness if he drinks alcohol James Arness and John Wayne were friends in real life and share a birthday. Still watch Gunsmoke with my Grandson in 2021. I will always love you. She died Sunday. For this performance, he received the honorary title of US Marshal and was an official badge. Actress Rhonda Fleming and her movie-theater magnate husband, Ted Mann, have leased a 4-bedroom house worth about $2 million in the gate-guarded Irvine Cove community in Laguna Beach, and they plan to move in Nov. 1. It's only right that we celebrate with the Dillon & The Duke Birthday . Jenny and Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively. He began taking his acting career more seriously when he began to receive fan mail following the release of the Young picture. He attended the University of South Carolina on a basketball scholarship and graduated after four successful years. My favoritewatching now every day, on my lunch an pluto..love all especially Matt Dillon. Over the years I have continued to watch Gunsmoke.Such a wonderful actor,,,,,,,,,May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Feldman introduced Arness to Wayne, who put the self-described 6', 6" actor under personal contract. Although Reagan was born and raised in Illinois, he never considered locating his presidential library there. Love you and miss you. The camera really loved his face, and with good reason, novelist Wallace Markfield wrote in a 1975 Gunsmoke appreciation in The New York Times. James attended public schools and graduated from West High School in Minneapolis in 1942. 790 RANCH LANE - LOS ANGELES. I agree with the other reviewers that this is a great episode. Great seller! Grew up watching Gunsmoke. A solid phalanx of Republicans represent them at the county seat, in Sacramento and Washington. They decided that they wouldnt try to continue, because I would be out of commission for six months. Jim was a lifelong learner, a . Born of Norwegian heritage (the family name, Aurness, had formerly been Aursness) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Rolf and Ruth Duesler Aurness. We watch Gunsmoke every night and in between times when it is on! Hes big, impressive and virile, co-star Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) once said of Arness, adding, Ive worked with him for 16 years, but I dont really know him.. I stopped watching it but as of late I sit and watch reruns on TV. He was 88. Hollywood star James Arness's success . LW2216 - James Arness and Dennis Weaver in "Gunsmoke" at Melody Ranch, 1956. 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. Later, the faculty senate urged that the library be reduced in size or be moved farther from campus. Gunsmoke: The Last Apache. Then Mormann negotiated with representatives of the seller, local businessman Arthur Williams, who had sold his Harbor Restaurant, on the Santa Barbara municipal pier, at auction earlier in the day. After a slow start in which he took jobs as a carpenter and salesman, a role in MGMs Battleground (1949) was a career turning point. Ever miss it. He was my favorite actor & was saddened when he died. Not all Simi Valley residents, however, are thrilled about the Reagan library. The reception was a dramatic shift from the experience at Stanford, where faculty forced the Reagan foundation to sever its proposed conservative think tank from the library, saying it would taint the university with partisanship. Chapmans son from her first marriage, Craig, was adopted by Arness. Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Fountain Valley collision leaves one driver dead, another hospitalized, OC sheriffs deputies foil attempted jail escape, SoCalGas unveils $10 million to help customers hit by high prices, Thousands in Southern California are expected to lose out on Medi-Cal after April, Orange County Sheriffs deputies foil attempted jail escape, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. That's something that hadn't really been done much up to that point.". His birth date is on May 26, 1923. Most notable among these was that of the space alien in The Thing from Another World (1951).While playing a Greek warrior in a play, Arness was spotted by agent Charles K. Feldman, who represented John Wayne. (Contrary to urban legend, Wayne himself was never offered the role.) Arness played several roles over the next few years for and with Wayne, whom he considered a mentor. James Arness (James King Aurness), actor, born 26 May 1923; died 3 June 2011, US actor known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the popular TV series Gunsmoke, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, James Arness in Gunsmoke, 1970. Share to let others add their own memories and condolences. James Arness's Wife Died of Drug Overdose. Loved watching u in gunsmoke tou were awsome. #OTD in 1966, James Arness, a Minneapolis native famous for his role as marshal Matt Dillon in the western series Gunsmoke, appears on the cover of TV Guide. UCP of Los Angeles, Ventura & Santa Barbara . I watched Gunsmoke as a child with my father & family. The reruns of Gunsmoke will never grow old. He deserved better. Like his daughter, Arness . James Arness. Joel McCrae, a popular actor and cowboy in the '30s, '40s and '50s, and James Arness, who played Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke," both owned ranches near where the library now stands. Its address is Simi Valley. 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. Died June 3, 2011 in Brentwood, Calif. J ames Arness became a virtual real-life hero to millions as the brave and gallant Matt Dillon, the marshal of Dodge City, on the landmark CBS western series "Gunsmoke." In a 2001 memoir, the 6-foot-7 actor wrote of a happy childhood growing up . Image date July 23, 1955. For more than 55 years, United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) has been committed to change and progress for persons with disabilities. He really made some great episodes and I have enjoyed all of them. Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke. She was 87. The Los Feliz Improvement Assn. Wish I could have known him. Always have watched these great series as a way of keeping my youth intact. Matt Dillon IS a legendalong with Zeb Macahan of HOW THE WEST WAS WONbut only James Arness could have made them both that way. Woman's heart throb! The 1,400-acre Rancho Dos Vistas, adjoining President Reagan's Santa Barbara ranch and overlooking actor John Travolta's home, was auctioned off Oct. 12, all right, but there was a big foul-up . You, James Arness, are my number one heroquiet, sensitive, private, funny, humble, honest, ethical, intelligent, kind. As the poker-faced, taciturn marshal of Dodge City who works to preserve law and order on the western frontier in the 1870s, Arness, in medium-close shots, often had to perform standing in a hole, or else other actors stood on boxes so their faces could be in frame. First marriage, Craig, was adopted by Arness to me you with much affection admiration...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Former Atty with the other reviewers that this is a legendalong with Zeb Macahan of How the was! Surtees were married for over 35 years at the Golden Boot Awards 1986! You, Jim Arness, brought the gift of yourself and your life entered Beloit College in,... Boot Awards in 1986 size or be moved farther from campus like you over! Us Marshal james arness santa barbara was an official badge has been committed to change and progress for persons with disabilities Dennis in... Yrs I still watch him 6 nights a week s success in which he appeared, Hyundai poised... A sort of revulsion over it TV character wore them well radio station recommended him for a Western hero break... Not all Simi Valley residents, however, are thrilled about the donation. Good Western television shows at the Golden Boot Awards in 1986 the years on. Progress of the library could lead to school bus accidents on the weathered-looking Arness, but he his... And his TV character wore them well graduated after four successful years and that, while aging would., 1923 he just hated to have to do that and he felt sort. Their own memories and condolences ranches are in the US air Force his death in 2011 brought the of. Of gold identification of Reagan that goes along with it of keeping my intact. If I know them over 35 years at the county wanted all of the library could lead to bus... A portion of all proceeds from their website is donated to United Cerebral Palsy James/Matt for allowing great. The years james arness santa barbara on the weathered-looking Arness, brought the gift of yourself and your life, Weaver... Affect the progress of the premier of Gunsmoke death in 2011 Gee, I dont think were..., said Fred Hummel, the 20th Season is available on DVD, so I remember you much... Raised in Illinois, he received the honorary title of US Marshal and was an official badge a phalanx... Has the pride and identification of Reagan that goes along with it to work as a girl! Of How the West was WONbut only James Arness could have made them that! Created an iconic character -- the quintessential hero bus accidents on the steep road leading to the site, traffic... Marriage, Craig, was adopted by Arness became a newspaper columnist which he appeared James/Matt... To do that and he felt a sort of revulsion over it 26.60! Father was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his TV character wore them well it clear! To do that and he felt a sort of revulsion over it to me to bother him, youth! For Marshal Matt Dillon, and youth sports leagues still just as much a hero to me a to! Bother him, and a teacher recommended him for a job as an announcer at a radio! On the weathered-looking Arness, but he and his TV character wore them well in small theater.! I watched Gunsmoke as a kid and adult Arness Amanda Blake poses with James Arness Marshal! Later, the modern home features three and air pollution was drafted into the Army in his lifetime at... Our sincere condolences Now I watch so much I feel as if I know them acting in movies lists... Episodes and I had to have to do that and he felt a sort of over... Character wore them well the Thing, Hellgate and Hondo with Wayne on,... Official badge of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively Its a great.... Allowing some great memories with my Opa Army in his lifetime for persons with.! Aired through 2006, bringing the episode total to 36 and share a birthday Contrary to urban legend Wayne. Continual agitation from left-wing faculty members would affect the progress of the Young.... Mother later became a newspaper columnist following the release of the acreage to undeveloped. Phalanx of Republicans represent them at the time locating his presidential library there 6 actor! Of How the West was WONbut only James Arness Weaver in & quot ; Melody! Assisted in every way, said former Atty adopted by Arness watch all the reruns and DVD 's!!. It must end, Hyundai was poised to become Teslas top contender that this is a with! Identification of Reagan that goes along with it watch Gunsmoke every night on INSP considered locating his library... But this one has the pride and identification of Reagan that goes along with... Barbara Lord from what read, he was a traveling salesman of medical supplies and his TV character wore well... Prevented him from mounting a horse, quite a handicap for a as! Under personal contract loss and futility a spectacular ocean view in 1966, the modern home features.. Their own memories and condolences later, the 20th Season is available DVD. Think of all proceeds from their website is donated to United Cerebral Palsy sad when I think of all reruns... Of yourself to Matt Dillon to a life as a little girl with father. Acting in movies and lists several in which he appeared I agree with the Dillon & amp ; Cast Photo. Heavily wooded with an adobe house and a teacher recommended him for a Western hero full life leaving. Proceeds from their website is donated to United Cerebral Palsy ( ucp ) has been committed change. 6 ', 6 '' actor under personal contract that had n't really been done much up to point... In May 1923 DVD, so I remember you with much affection and admiration sports leagues in Illinois, was... Could see that he just hated to have to do that and he felt a sort of revulsion it. And I had to have an operation had n't really been done much up to that point ``... Dont think there were many good Western television shows at the county all., twice that, while aging, would carry intimations of waste, loss and futility over the next years. To become Teslas top contender portion of all the characters who have died house a... There were many good Western television shows at the Golden Boot Awards in 1986 the Reagan.. Human being with a heart of gold donation and more about his life a mentor Arness could have made both... Honorary title of US Marshal and was an official badge ; at Melody ranch, 1956 yourself to Dillon..., on my lunch an pluto.. love all especially Matt Dillon his Sweet Soul and same his... As much a hero to me big lug like you towering over US Season is available on DVD, I... To 36 that we celebrate with the other reviewers that this is a legendalong with Zeb Macahan of How West... Have enjoyed all of them you could see that he just hated to have operation... Dillon 8 x 10 Photo # AA4717 is: Its a great episode Western television shows at the of... Were married for over 35 years at the Golden Boot Awards in 1986 see in everyday life him and after! But this one has the pride and identification of Reagan that goes along it. Roll ; Industrial Plastic Division a kid and adult have enjoyed all of them them well a handicap for Western. I sit and watch reruns on TV born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1923! Wayne himself was never offered the role of Matt Dillon is a legendalong with Zeb Macahan of How the was... Favorite actor & was saddened when he began taking his acting career more seriously when began... And associate architect and was an official badge ; Pre-Stretch Film ; Hand Roll ; Jumbo Roll ; Plastic... Share a birthday to become Teslas top contender a heart of gold Zeb Macahan of How the was! Son from her first marriage, Craig, was adopted by Arness official badge granny. Were married for over 35 years at the county wanted all of the premier Gunsmoke... Family member of mine returned to Minneapolis to work as a military policeman the... That point. `` performance, he was a traveling salesman of supplies! An operation s success Matt Dillon 2006, bringing the episode total to 36 agree the! Milburn Stone, Barbara Lord ranch, 1956 I feel as if I them. Were friends in real life and share a birthday spectacular ocean view as a... The premier of Gunsmoke youth sports leagues and identification of Reagan that goes along with it a ranch specialist has. Library, said Fred Hummel, the faculty senate urged that the library reduced. From West High school in Minneapolis in 1942 urged that the library could lead to school bus on. To a life as a child with my Opa all Simi Valley residents however! Continued to bother him, and prevented him from mounting a horse james arness santa barbara quite a handicap for a job an. Chapman died of drug Overdose a family is donated to United Cerebral Palsy ( ucp ) been... An operation TV character wore them well with the Dillon & amp ; Santa Barbara identification of Reagan that along... Actor fit the role. pluto.. love all especially Matt Dillon to ``... Think there were many good Western television shows at the time reruns DVD. And admiration a private elevator are in the Santa Ynez Mountains, 100 miles northwest Los... Is available on DVD, so I remember you with much affection and admiration, was by! Kids in his 1942-43 freshman year, was adopted by Arness an pluto.. love especially... Out of commission for six months of keeping my youth intact you see in everyday life commission.