James Arness
Birth Name:
James King Aurness
Birth Place:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Profession
Actor, Producer
Fast Facts
- Awarded a Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the WWII Victory Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and others for his service during WWII and Operation Shingle in which he was severely injured
- Hoped to fight as an aviator during WWII, but his 6'7" frame was far above the height limit, so he instead enlisted in the Army and served as a rifleman
- After graduating from Beloit College, he began his career in Hollywood by signing with RKO studios
- Would go on to best be known for his role of Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke", a role he would portray throughout five separate decades
- Co-stars would often have to stand on apple crates in order to be included in the shot with his 6'7" frame
- Older brother of the late Peter Graves
Awards
- 1957Primetime Emmy - Best Continuing Performance by an Actor in a Dramatic Series:Nominated
- 1958Primetime Emmy - Best Continuing Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic or Comedy Series:Nominated
- 1959Primetime Emmy - Best Actor in a Leading Role (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series:Nominated
- 1967Gold Medal - Favorite TV Program:Nominated
- 1967Bronze Wrangler - Fictional Television Drama:Winner
- 1972Bronze Wrangler - Fictional Television Drama:Winner
- 2005TV Land Award - Favorite Crimestopper:Nominated