James Arness
- Born:
- 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 James King Aurness in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
- Served in the United States Army during World War II, wounded at Anzio.
- Attended Beloit College in Wisconsin for one semester.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career in radio.
- Signed a contract with RKO Pictures, making his film debut in 1947.
- Rose to fame as Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke (1955-1975), one of the longest-running primetime drama series in television history.
- Arness was considered for the role of Chester Goode in Gunsmoke, but turned it down, leading to the casting of Dennis Weaver.
- Starred in several science fiction and western films.
Notable Works
Exploring the james arness imdb filmography harrison reveals his extensive contributions to film and television, particularly in the western genre. His portrayal of Matt Dillon solidified his legacy.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | The Farmer's Daughter | Farmhand |
| 1949 | Battleground | Bronte |
| 1951 | The Thing from Another World | The Thing |
| 1955-1975 | Gunsmoke | Marshal Matt Dillon |
| 1981 | How the West Was Won | Zeb Macahan |
Legacy and Impact
James Arness is remembered as a quintessential American actor, best known for his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon. His contributions to the Western genre have cemented his place in television history. He remains a significant figure in popular culture, representing the rugged individualism and moral fortitude often associated with the American West.