this was a western show that was running for in the sixties and the seventies. it started out black and white.It was the longest running series on telivision. The reruns are on everyday of the week now.
2006-08-07 04:40:59 · 7 answers · asked by nanmorgan2005 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television
Yes he is... These days Jim is busy with many projects and charity involvements. One closest to his heart is the United Cerebral Palsy organization. Jim is also hard at work on his long-awaited autobiography. Jim and his wife Janet live in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles and are actively involved with their family, three sons and three grandchildren.
He was born was born on May 26, 1923.
2006-08-07 04:49:23 · answer #1 · answered by Tim B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generations have grown up with James Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon on television's longest running series, Gunsmoke. Born on May 26, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, his long and illustrious career began as a radio announcer in Minnesota in 1945.
After moving to Los Angeles, Arness found work in the movies. His big break came in 1947, when he landed a prime role opposite Loretta Young in "The Farmers Daughter". That year he also received parts in numerous westerns. In 1951, Arness appeared in the classic science fiction movie, The Thing.
In the early 1950's, Arness signed a contract with John Wayne's production company, Bat Jack. During his three years there he made four films with Wayne. It was John Wayne who was instrumental in landing Arness his biggest break ever in 1955 as Marshal Matt Dillon for a new TV series called Gunsmoke. As the story goes, CBS wanted Wayne for the part when the series was adapted from radio to television. He declined, but suggested his good friend for the part. CBS agreed to audition the 6-foot-7-inch actor. (The network also met with 25 other actors, including Raymond Burr.)
After being selected to play Dillon, Arness had second thoughts about doing television but decided to give it a try. He did, and stayed with Gunsmoke for 20 years and three Emmy nominations, until the show was cancelled in 1975. In addition to the series he made four Gunsmoke movies for TV the last of which was produced in 1992 "Gunsmoke IV: The Long Ride"
After the success of Gunsmoke, Arness stayed with the television western. From 1976 through 1979 he starred in "How the West Was Won." His last television series was the police drama "Big Jim McLain" in the early 1980's.
Throughout his career, Arness received numerous awards and honors for his work and dedication to law enforcement. He has twice been made an Honorary United States Marshall in recognition of his many contributions to their charitable activities over the years. He has been inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City and received numerous Western Heritage Awards.
During World War II, James Arness served his country at Anzio where he was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Arness, whose star can be seen on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, is currently involved with many projects and charities, including the United Cerebral Palsy organization. Jim is also hard at work on his long-awaited autobiography. Jim and his wife Janet live in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles and are actively involved with their family, three sons and three grandchildren. Fans can write to Jim through his website, JamesArness.com
2006-08-07 11:50:45 · answer #2 · answered by KIT-KAT 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He was born May 26, 1923 and is still very much alive. In fact he appears as Adjutant General in a new movie "Comanche Stallion" this year (with Harry Carey, Jr., Robert Carradine, Rance Howard, and Hechtor Ubarry)
*Before you ask, YES - Rance Howard is Ron and Clint Howard's dad and Robert Carradine is one of THOSE Carradines.
2006-08-07 14:34:37 · answer #3 · answered by braingamer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think he must be based on this website.
http://www.jamesarness.com/
It was a very good show and my husband and I still enjoy the reruns.
2006-08-07 11:47:18 · answer #4 · answered by Noor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, he is 83.
2006-08-07 11:46:23 · answer #5 · answered by Status: Paranoia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think he's still around.. you want to make contact with him?
http://www.jamesarness.com
he is great.. he was also the monster in the original "the thing" :D
2006-08-07 11:45:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, he's still alive.
he's 83 years old.
2006-08-07 11:46:14 · answer #7 · answered by Azrael 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋