Who Is James Arness? Age, Biography, and Wiki
James Arness would have turned 102 years old in 2025. His remarkable career spanned several decades, starting with his breakout role in the early 1950s. Arness served in the U.S. Army during World War II before transitioning into acting, where he quickly gained recognition for his work in Westerns and dramas. His portrayal of lawmen in the Wild West not only won him acclaim but also made him a household name.
Occupation | Republicans |
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Date of Birth | May 26, 1923 |
Age | 88 Years |
Birth Place | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
Horoscope | Gemini |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 3 June, 2011 |
Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
James Arness's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
James Arness was well-known for his towering height, standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm). Throughout his acting career, he maintained a strong physique, ideal for his roles in action-packed Westerns. Although his exact weight fluctuated during different periods of his life, it was typically around 240 pounds (109 kg). His rugged looks and commanding presence were complemented by his broad shoulders and strong build.
Although Arness wanted to be a naval fighter pilot, he was concerned his poor eyesight would bar him. However, it was his 6-ft, 7-in (2.01 m) frame that ended his chances because the height limit for aviators was set at 6 ft, 2 in (1.88 m). He was drafted into the US Army and reported to Fort Snelling in Hennepin County, Minnesota in March 1943.
As a rifleman, he landed on Anzio Beachhead on January 22, 1944, with the 2nd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. Arness–because of his height–was the first man to be ordered off the landing craft to determine the depth of the water; it came up to his waist.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Arness was married twice in his lifetime. He first tied the knot with Virginia Chapman in 1948, and they had three children together before their divorce in 1960. Arness' second marriage to Janet Surtees in 1978 lasted until his passing in 2011. Throughout his life, he cherished his family, and his children, including actor Rolf Arness, carry on his legacy. While there have been no known relationships after his marriage to Surtees, his commitment to family was always paramount.
His parents were businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. His father's ancestry was Norwegian; his mother's was German. The family name had been Aursnes, but when Rolf's father, Peter Aursnes, emigrated from Norway in 1887, he changed it to Aurness. James Arness and his family were Methodists.
Arness' younger brother was actor Peter Graves. Peter used the stage name "Graves", a maternal family name.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2011, James Arness had an estimated net worth of $8 million. His earnings were primarily derived from his successful acting career, which included not only his role in “Gunsmoke” but also numerous films and specials. In addition to his acting income, Arness invested in real estate and various ventures that contributed to his financial stability.
Career, Business, and Investments
James Arness enjoyed a prolific career that spanned over six decades. He starred in several movies, including “Them!” in 1954, and had guest appearances on various television shows. However, his most significant achievement remains his role in “Gunsmoke,” which garnered him numerous accolades and solidified his status as a television icon.
Beyond acting, Arness ventured into business, including real estate investments that contributed to his wealth. His successful career and wise investments allowed him to live comfortably until his death.
Though identified as appearing in Westerns, Arness also acted in two science-fiction films, The Thing from Another World (in which he portrayed the titular character) and Them! He became a close friend of John Wayne and appeared in supporting roles in Big Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in the Sky and The Sea Chase, all starring Wayne.
Arness starred in Gun the Man Down, a fast-paced Western, for Wayne's production company. He also starred in a 1988 TV remake of Wayne's 1948 classic Red River, appearing in Wayne's role as Tom Dunson.
Social Network
Even though James Arness passed away in 2011, his legacy continues to resonate with fans and the entertainment industry. He is remembered fondly through fan pages and tribute sites on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. His contributions to American cinema and television are celebrated by both veteran actors and new generations, ensuring that his spirit lives on within the industry.
An urban legend has it that John Wayne turned down the starring role of Matt Dillon in the classic television Western Gunsmoke, instead recommending James Arness for the part. The only true part of this story is that Wayne did indeed recommend Arness for the role; Wayne was never offered the part.
Wayne appeared in a prologue to the first episode of Gunsmoke in 1955, in which he introduced Arness as Matt Dillon. The Norwegian-German Arness had to dye his naturally blond hair darker for the role.
Arvo Ojala, who taught Arness to shoot, was the first of several actors in the show's opening where Marshal Dillon has a shootout with what is described as "a generic bad guy" representing all those which Dillon must deal with.
Gunsmoke made Arness and his co-stars, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Dennis Weaver, Ken Curtis, Burt Reynolds, and Buck Taylor world-famous, and ran for two decades, becoming the longest-running primetime drama series in American television history by the end of its run in 1975.
The series' season record was tied in 2010 with the final season of Law & Order and tied again in 2018 with season 20 of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Unlike the latter show, Gunsmoke featured its lead character in each of its 20 seasons; Gunsmoke also aired 179 more episodes, and was in the top 10 in the ratings for 11 more seasons, for a total of 13, including four consecutive seasons at number one.
Education
James Arness attended Minneapolis Central High School and later went to the University of Minnesota. Although he left college to pursue a career in acting after his military service, his educational background provided him with skills that would later benefit his film career.
Arness attended John Burroughs Grade School, Washburn High School, and West High School in Minneapolis. During that time, Arness worked as a courier for a jewelry wholesaler, loading and unloading railway boxcars at the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad freight yards in Minneapolis and logging in Pierce, Idaho.
Despite "being a poor student and skipping many classes," he graduated from high school in June 1942.
Conclusion
In 2025, James Arness remains a legendary figure in American cinema, with a legacy defined by his groundbreaking role in “Gunsmoke” and contributions to the Western genre. His life story, marked by dedication to family, a passion for acting, and wise decisions in business, continues to inspire countless individuals. As fans remember his work, James Arness will forever be a celebrated icon of Hollywood’s golden era.