James Arness was a well-known American actor best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the CBS TV series “Gunsmoke” for over 20 years.

James Arness’s Age, Bio

James Arness, born James King Aurness, was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. He was an American citizen who practiced Christianity and was born under the sign of Gemini. He was the son of businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. He also had a younger brother, Peter Graves, who was an actor as well. Arness attended Minneapolis’ John Burroughs Grade School, Washburn High School, and West High School. He graduated from high school in June 1942. Arness enrolled at Beloit College and became a member of the school choir as well as the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. As World War II raged in Europe and the Pacific, he was drafted into the military. James Arness died of natural causes on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, at his home in Los Angeles.

James Arness’s Height And Weight

James was a tall man, standing 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 105 kg (235 pounds). His chest, waist, and hip dimensions were 48-36-26 inches. He also had beautiful golden-white hair and piercing light brown eyes.

James Arness’s Career

James was drafted into the United States Army and assigned to Fort Snelling. On January 22, 1944, he arrived on the Anzio Beachhead as a rifleman with the 2nd Platoon, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. He was sent to the 91st General Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, after suffering a significant injury to his right leg. His brother Peter paid him a visit when he returned to the United States.

After various missions, he was honorably discharged from the Army on January 29, 1945.

Arness began his career as a radio announcer after being discharged from the military in 1945. He hitchhiked to Hollywood, determined to work in the film industry. He played Loretta Young’s brother, Peter Holstrom, in “The Farmer’s Daughter.”

Arness rose to prominence as Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. For the part, he had to darken his naturally blond hair. His career was bolstered by Gunsmoke, which made him famous all over the world.

The show had lasted two decades when it concluded in 1975, making it the longest-running primetime drama series in US television history.

James Arness’s Net worth

James had worked hard and cleverly. With an estimated net worth of $8 million US dollars, he had earned a large fortune. His success was due to his hard work, persistence, and excellent business acumen, which enabled him to make wise investments and strategic judgments.

James Arness’s Wife, Marriage & Relationship

 James Arness and Virginia Chapman were adopted. In addition to Craig, Arness, and Chapman had a son named Rolf and a daughter named Jenny Lee Arness. Arness was granted legal custody of the kids. After four years, Arness began dating Thordis Brandt. They dated for almost six years before calling it quits. Arness married Janet Surtees in 1978.

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