James Arness- Net Worth, Salary, Age, Height, Bio, Family, Career
James Arness, a distinguished American actor, is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke, a role he held for an impressive 20 years.
Throughout his career, he garnered acclaim, earning three Primetime Emmy nominations for his outstanding work.
Tragically, on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, James Arness passed away due to natural causes at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California.
His legacy as Marshal Dillon endures, leaving an indelible mark on the world of television and entertainment.
At the time of his death, James Arness was worth $8 million
James Arness left behind an estimated net worth of $8 million upon his passing, a testament to his successful career in acting and his previous service in the military. A significant portion of his wealth stemmed from his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running TV series Gunsmoke. Reportedly, he earned a handsome sum of approximately $20,000 per episode for his portrayal of the beloved character. This was a substantial increase from the meager $1,200 per episode he initially received for his role in The Thing From Another World.
Arness also graced the big screen in various films such as The Farmer’s Daughter, Iron Man, Hondo, The Sea Chase, The First Traveling Saleslady, and more, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Beyond his acting achievements, James Arness was also a decorated military veteran, having received the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for his service. His dedication, hard work, and talent have left an enduring legacy in both the world of entertainment and in the hearts of his fans.
Behind the Scenes with James Arness
James Arness, born James King Aurness, came into the world on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the eldest son of Rolf Cirkler Aurness and Ruth Duesler, he shared his upbringing in Minneapolis with his brother, Peter Graves. Standing at an impressive 6′ 7″ tall and weighing 235 pounds, according to Time magazine (March 30, 1959), Arness was recognized as Hollywood’s tallest leading man of his era. He completed his education at Minneapolis Washburn High School, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Additionally, he was granted his Alma Master’s degree by Beloit College.
Arness’s Career Highlights As A Militant
Despite being raised by business-oriented parents, Arness harbored no interest in the field. His true aspiration was to become a naval fighter pilot, yet his hopes were dashed due to his poor vision and visual challenges. Instead, he found himself serving as a rifleman in the United States Infantry Division’s 3rd Regiment. His experiences led him to the Anzio Beachhead on January 22, 1944, an event detailed in James Arness’ autobiography. Assigned to the second platoon during this time, his relatively small stature resulted in his transfer to the General Hospital in Clinton, Iowa, by the US Army. There, he became the first to test a landing craft, assessing its suitability for navigating water complexities. Arness held the rank of Corporal throughout his military service from 1943 to 1945.
James Arness is a well-known actor
Following his military service, James Arness ventured into the entertainment realm as a radio announcer at Minneapolis station WLOL in 1945. His cinematic debut arrived in 1947 with “The Farmer’s Daughter”. Subsequently, he graced the screens of both film and television, appearing in notable works such as “Gunsmoke”, “Them!”, “The Thing From Another World”, and “The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory”, among others. Perhaps most iconic was his portrayal of US Marshal Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke”, a role that endured for two decades, endearing him to generations of American television viewers. By the time of his passing, Arness had amassed around 48 acting credits, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s seasoned performers.
Wife and children’s personal lives
James Arness entered into matrimony twice, with both of his spouses being actresses. His first marriage was to Virginia Chapman in 1948, which concluded with a divorce in 1960. Later, in 1978, he tied the knot with Janet Surtees, his second wife. Arness and Surtees had four children together: Rolf Aurness, Craig Aurness, Jim Aurness, and Jenny Lee. Sadly, Jenny Lee Arness, also an actress, passed away due to suicide on May 12, 1975.
Meanwhile, rumors of a romantic involvement between James Arness and actress Thordis Brandt circulated for quite some time, although neither of them publicly acknowledged or confirmed the relationship.
What Year Did James Arness Pass Away?
James Arness passed away at the age of 88 due to natural causes on June 3, 2011. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife Janet Surtees, who was with him at their home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. His funeral and burial were held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
Facts of James Arness
Date of Birth: | 1923 , May-26 |
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Date of Death: | 2011 , June-3 |
Age: | 88 pass away |
Birth Nation: | United States of America |
Height: | 6 Feet 7 Inch |
Name | James Arness |
Birth Name | James King Aurness |
Father | Rolf Cirkler Aurness |
Mother | Ruth Duesler |
Nationality | American |
Birth Place/City | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Ethnicity | Mixed |
Profession | Actor |
Net Worth | $8 Million |
Married to | Virginia Chapman and Janet Surtees |
Children | Rolf Aurness, Craig Aurness, Jim Aurness, and Jenny Lee |
Movies | Gunsmoke, Them!, The Thing From Another World |
Siblings | Peter Graves |
Died | 3 June 2011 |