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James Garner Biography

Birth Name:James Scott Bumgarner

Birth Place:Norman, Oklahoma, United States

Profession Actor, Producer, Soundtrack, Director

Fast Facts

Enjoyed starring in a supporting role alongside Marlon Brando in 1957's "Sayonara", which would later help catapult him to leading man status
Despite never graduating from the university, he would go on to donate $500,000 to the University of Oklahoma School of Drama in 2003
Following the death of his mother at age five, he and his brothers were sent to live with his step-mother whom they all describe as a 'damn no-good woman'
Quote: "(Asked if he would ever appear nude on film) "I don't do horror films․""
Quote: "I'm a Spencer Tracy-type actor․ His idea was to be on time, know your words, hit your marks and tell the truth․ Most every actor tries to make it something it isn't [or] looks for the easy way out․ I don't think acting is that difficult if you can put yourself aside and do what the writer wrote․"
Began his career by modeling Jantzen bathing suits at the suggestion of his high school gym teacher, something which he stated as hating despite being well-paid
Gained wide-spread acclaim with NBC's "Rockford Files" in the 1970s after being approached by Roy Huggins to remake his former "Maverick" character with a modern-day twist
Following the completion of 1966's "Grand Prix", he caught the bug to invest into a racing team
Has enjoyed playing golf since high school and regularly appeared at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in the '80s and '90s
Joined the United States Merchant Marines near the end of World War II, but was later discharged after realizing he suffered from chronic seasickness

Awards

1958Golden Globe-Most Promising Newcomer - Male: winner
1959Primetime Emmy-Best Actor in a Leading Role (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series: nominated
1964Golden Globe-Best Actor - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1964Golden Laurel-Top Action Performance: nominated
1965Golden Laurel-Dramatic Performance, Male: nominated
1970Golden Laurel-Male Comedy Performance: nominated
1976Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
1977Bambi-TV Series International: winner
1977Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: winner
1978Golden Globe-Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama: nominated
1978Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
1979Golden Globe-Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama: nominated
1979Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
1980Golden Globe-Best Actor in a Television Series - Drama: nominated
1980Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
1982Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1982Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
1985Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1985Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special: nominated
1986Oscar-Best Actor in a Leading Role: nominated
1986Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
1987Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1987Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
1987Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special: winner
1989Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
1989Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special: nominated
1991Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
1991Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
1993American Television Award-Best Actor in a Made for TV Movie: nominated
1993Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
1994Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
1994Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
1995Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries: nominated
1995Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: nominated
1996Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries: nominated
1996Bronze Wrangler-Television Feature Film: winner
1999Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries: nominated
2001Blockbuster Entertainment Award-Favorite Action Team (Internet Only): nominated
2003Movies for Grownups Award-Best Grownup Love Story: nominated
2005Movies for Grownups Award-Best Grownup Love Story: winner
2005Actor-Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
2005TV Land Award-Favorite Private Eye: nominated