James Arness
- Born:
- James King Aurness, May 26, 1923, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Died:
- June 3, 2011, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to Rolf Cirkler Aurness, a businessman, and Ruth Dillen Aurness, a journalist.
- Of Norwegian and German descent.
- Graduated from West High School in Minneapolis in 1942.
- Served in the United States Army during World War II, receiving the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career after World War II.
- Gained prominence for his roles in science fiction and western films.
- Best known for his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon on the CBS television series Gunsmoke (1955-1975), a role he held for 20 years.
- Starred in the television series How the West Was Won (1978-1979) and McClain's Law (1981-1982).
- Considered one of the tallest leading men in Hollywood, standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m).
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | The Farmer's Daughter | Policeman (uncredited) |
| 1949 | Battleground | Bronte (as James Aurness) |
| 1951 | The Thing from Another World | The Thing |
| 1952 | Big Jim McLain | Mal Baxter |
| 1955-1975 | Gunsmoke (TV Series) | Marshal Matt Dillon |
Legacy and Impact
James Arness left a lasting impact on the western genre, particularly through his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. His stoic and authoritative presence defined the character and contributed significantly to the show's long-running success. Even today, searching for 'james arness biography pictures' shows the continued fascination and respect for his contribution to the world of acting.