What was James Arness cause of death? Family, Height, Net Worth & Biography

James Arness

James Arness, a towering figure both literally and figuratively was an accomplished American actor. He left a lasting legacy on television with his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running western series Gunsmoke. But there’s more to the man than just a badge and a steely gaze.

James Arness Family

James Arness was born in Minneapolis. 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.

James Arness Quick Info

Full Name	James Arness
Born Date	May 26, 1923
Age	98 years
Horoscope	Gemini
Lucky Number	10
Lucky Stone	Agate
Lucky Color	Yellow
Best Match for Marriage	Leo, Aquarius, Libra
Death Date	June 3, 2011
Gender	Male
Profession	Actor
Country	United States
Height	6 feet 7 inches (2.01m)
Marital Status	married
Wife	Janet Surtees
Break Up	Thordis Brandt
Divorce	Virginia Chapman
Net Worth	$8 million USD
Eye Color	Light Brown
Hair Color	Golden White
Birth Place	Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nationality	American
Religion	Christian
Education	Beloit College
Father	Rolf Cirkler Arness
Mother	Ruth Duesler
Siblings	Peter Graves
Kids	(Two) Rolf and Jenny Lee Arness
James Arness Shoe Size	12 to 15 US (46 to 49 EU)

James Arness History and Education

Arness attended John Burrows Grade School, Washburn High School and West High School in Minneapolis. 

Despite “being a poor student and skipping many classes”, he graduated from high school in June 1942. He then enlisted in the United States Army to serve in World War II. Arness had a brother, actor Peter Graves.

After his discharge from the service, Arness began his entertainment career as a radio announcer at Minneapolis station WLOL in 1945.

How many times did James Arness marry?

James Arness married twice in his life. The first time he was married to Virginia Chapman, who was also an actress  in 1948 and adopted her son Craig.

Along with Craig, Arness and Chapman had a son, Rolf, and a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness. Arness was granted legal custody of the children following their 1963 separation.After four years of divorce from Chapman, James Arness began dating Thordis Brandt. They dated for approximately six years before deciding to call it quits. In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees.

Did James Arness get custody of his children?

Yes, after James Arness and Virginia Chapman divorced in 1960, James Arness was granted custody of their three children: Rolf, Jenny Lee, and Craig (whom he had adopted). This was somewhat uncommon for the time, as custody often favored the mother in divorce cases. Arness’s commitment to his children was noted, and he continued his career while raising them. His role as Marshal Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke” became iconic, and he balanced his professional and personal life during and after the series’ long run.

James Arness Career and TV Series

He was the only actor to appear in all 635 episodes of Gunsmoke (1955).

In 1968, he donated his 1,400-acre ranch in northern Los Angeles County to the Brandis Institute.

On 6/20/05 James Arness was honored at Los Angeles City Hall by the mayor, the 15 City Council members and the City Attorney with a resolution honoring his life’s work as an actor and 60-year resident of Los Angeles. 

The colorful resolution included a depiction of a US Marshal’s badge and a salute to his work as Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke (1955) and its over-20-year duration as television’s longest-running drama series. 

It also recalled his heroism during World War II and thanked him for “leaving us with one of the most telling and realistic portraits ever created of the brave, tall man in the saddle who tames a western town as he searches for justice and peace.” 

Arness called it “the most wonderful day in his life” and says the resolution is now framed and in a prominent place in his home. He received a standing ovation that morning.

James Arness Associates

Dennis Weaver is the only known associate of James Arness who starred as Chester Goode, the sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by James Arness, in the CBS series Gunsmoke.

Films by James Arness

Awards by James Arness

For his contributions to the television industry, Arness has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1751 Vine Street. 

In 1981, he was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. Arness was inducted into the Santa Clarita Walk of Western Stars in 2006, and gave a related TV interview.

On the 50th anniversary of Television in 1989 in the United States, People magazine chose the “top 25 Television stars of all time.” Arness was number six. 

In 1996, TV Guide ranked him number 20 on its “50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time” list.

James Arness was nominated for these Emmy Awards:

• 1957: Best Continuing Performance by an Actor in a Dramatic Series
• 1958: Best Continuing Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic or Comedy Series
• 1959: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series

Who died first James Arness and Peter Graves?

Peter Graves died before James Arness. Peter Graves passed away first on March 14, 2010. James Arness died later, on June 3, 2011.

What was James Arness worth when he Died?

James Arness’ net worth at his death was estimated to be $8 million at the time of his death. In addition, he had appeared in numerous movies and television shows in his long career, which earned him a good salary. 

What was the cause of James Arness death?

James Arness indeed passed away from natural causes at the age of 88 on June 3, 2011, at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. He was laid to rest in the Sanctuary of Abiding Hope alcove in the Jasmine Terrace section of the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

How old was James Arness when he started on Gunsmoke?

James Arness was 32 years old when he began starring in “Gunsmoke.” The show premiered on September 10, 1955, and Arness was born on May 26, 1923.

What health problems did James Arness have?

During the Anzio invasion in Italy in 1944, he sustained severe injuries to his right leg from machine-gun fire, shattering it. He spent close to a year in hospital undergoing multiple surgeries. Despite medical efforts, he endured prolonged pain for many years, particularly when mounting a horse, and walked with a noticeable limp. He was awarded both the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his valor and sacrifices during the war.

Did James Arness wife appear on Gunsmoke?

Yes, James Arness’s wife, Janet Surtees, did not appear on “Gunsmoke.” James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman from 1948 to 1960 and later to Janet Surtees in 1978. However, there is no record of Janet Surtees appearing in “Gunsmoke.” It was James Arness’s first wife, Virginia Chapman, who made appearances in the series. Chapman and Arness had a son, Rolf, and a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness, and he adopted her son Craig. James Arness is most famous for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series “Gunsmoke,” which aired from 1955 to 1975.

Was James Arness in any movies?

Yes, Arness appeared in numerous films before and after Gunsmoke, including “The Thing from Another World” (1951) and “How the West Was Won” (1962).

How long did Gunsmoke run?

Gunsmoke holds the record for the longest-running primetime scripted drama in American television history, airing for an impressive 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975.

What was James Arness known for other than Gunsmoke?

Although forever linked to Marshal Dillon, Arness is also remembered for his distinctive deep voice, which he lent to various characters in cartoons and documentaries.

What kind of person was James Arness?

James Arness was the quiet type while he was away from his character, Marshal Matt Dillon. His Gunsmoke character was known for his strong moral code, sense of justice, and fairness, but off-screen Arness was known to limit personal appearances and interviews.

How was James Arness discovered?

After his discharge from the service, Arness began his entertainment career as a radio announcer at Minneapolis station WLOL in 1945. 

Determined to find work in films, Arness hitchhiked to Hollywood, where he made the rounds to agencies and casting calls and soon began acting and appearing in films.

Did Peter Graves and James Arness Get Along?

Despite their professional paths seldom crossing, there is evidence to suggest they shared a strong familial bond and mutual respect for each other’s work.

In public statements and interviews, both actors spoke highly of each other. James Arness, in his autobiography and interviews, expressed pride in his brother’s achievements. Similarly, Peter Graves often conveyed admiration for his brother’s work and career. Their relationship, as far as public records show, was characterized by support and respect, typical of close siblings. However, it is essential to recognize that the private aspects of their relationship, like with any family, might not be fully disclosed in public domains.

Final Take on James Arness

James Arness was not only a towering figure in Hollywood standing at 6 feet 7 inches, but he also left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his iconic portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke.” 

Beyond his professional achievements, Arness cherished his family life, maintaining a close bond with his children and grandchildren. 

His contributions to Television and film undoubtedly solidified his legacy as one of the most beloved actors of his time. 

James Arness’s biography serves as a testament to his talent, dedication, and enduring impact on audiences worldwide.