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James Arness

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James Arness: Biography

James Arness
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  • Birth Name: James Aurness
  • Birth Place: Minneapolis, MN
  • Date of Birth / Zodiac Sign: 05/26/1923, Gemini
  • Date of Death: 06/03/2011
  • Profession: Actor
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James Arness Fast Facts:
  • Was wounded and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his actions at Anzio during World War II.
  • Was a radio announcer in Minnesota in 1945.
  • Signed to play Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke in 1955 after John Wayne turned down the part.
  • Made four films in three years with the Duke: Big Jim McClain (1952), Hondo (1953), Island in the Sky (1953) and The Sea Chase (1955).
  • Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has been inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame.
  • Coauthored the memoir James Arness: An Autobiography (2001).
  • James Arness Relationships:
  • Virginia Chapman - Ex-wife
  • Jenny Lee Arness - Daughter
  • Peter Graves - Brother
  • Ruth Duesler Aurness - Mother
  • Rolf Arness - Son
  • Craig Arness - Son
  • Janet Surtees - Wife
  • Rolf Cirkler Aurness - Father
  • Jim Surtees - Stepson
  • James Arness Awards:
  • 1957 Emmy: Best Continuing Performance by an Actor in a Dramatic Series - Nominee
  • 1957 Emmy: Best Continuing Performance by an Actor - Nominee
  • 1958 Emmy: Best Continuing Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic or Comedy Series - Nominee
  • 1959 Emmy: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series - Nominee
  • College:
  • Attended Beloit College, Beloit, WI

Photos

James Arness, Janet Getty Images
James Arness, Gunsmoke CBS/Landov
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The Alamo: 13 Days to Glory / High Noon Part 2 (Alec Baldwin, James Arness, Lee Majors)
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James Arness: An Autobiography
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