The only other actor to do so was Doc Adams actor Milburn Stone, although Miss Kitty Russell actor Amanda Blake wasnt far behind with a total of 19 seasons. I was honored to have served in the army for my country. Image credit: Ranker Jenny Lee Arness, the daughter of actor James Arness, committed suicide in 1975, not too long before her 25th birthday. Burial. At 72 I still watch Gunsmoke everyday. He was one of the tallest leading men of his era. He brilliantly played U.S. My grandparents & mother also watched his shows thank you for keeping it on Regular TV He did most or all the radio shows, and then when it came to television, he did most of those for the first couple of years, Arness later explained. Jenny Lee Arness father, Arness married her mother, Virginia Chapman in 1948, and the couple adopted her brother, Craig. Wish i could have met him rest in peace Marshall Dillon. She was an actress, known for Perry Mason (1957), Highway Patrol (1955) and Sheriff of Cochise (1956). Arness would live until the year 2011. The daughter of television host Art Linkletter, Diane Linkletter, killed herself in 1969 when she jumped from a window at her apartment in West Hollywood at the age of 20. I watch it everyday that I can find it on TV. Jenny Lee Arness was born on 23 May 1950 in Los Angeles, California, USA. James Arness (1950), (John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) With a total of 21 seasons throughout its two-decade run, "Gunsmoke" became the longest-running primetime drama series in US television history by the time it went off the air in 1976.James also lived a wonderful life outside his career as an actor. James Arness on "How The West Was Won" - Airdate: February 12, 1978. GUNSMOKE's James Arness was born on May 26, 1923. You are missed in this world! Craig was married to his wife Daphne. As the poker-faced, taciturn marshal of Dodge City who works to preserve law and order on the western frontier in the 1870s, Arness, in medium-close shots, often had to perform standing in a hole, or else other actors stood on boxes so their faces could be in frame. "Gunsmoke" debuted Sept. 10, 1955, on CBS and, with the start of "The Life and Legend . California, United States: Immediate Family: Daughter of James Arness and Virginia Chapman Sister of Private Half sister of Craig Aurness. Jenny Lee Arness (James Arness' Daughter) Cause of Death, Bio, Gunsmoke. James Arness was born in Minneapolis in 1913 as the son of businessman Rolf Arness and his wife, Ruth, who was a journalist. He was my favorite person. {{^isTree}}Send Flowers and Gifts{{/isTree}}. According to the coroner's office, she was found dead in her beach home. Four years after her fathers divorce from Virginia Chapman, James Arness metThordis Brandt,who was his girlfriend for six years before they ended their relationship. James is an actor best known for the TV series and TV movie franchise Gunsmoke. Born in 1950, she had trouble with drug use for several years and died of a drug overdose at 25. Arness is survived by his second wife, Janet Surtees, and son Rolf, from his first marriage to the actor Virginia Chapman, which ended in divorce. He was 88. I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. He was an awesome actor and friend enjoyed watching all the episodes of gun smoke and the show how the west was won, I like him I still watch hi smoke everyday. He even won the World Surfing Champion title in 1970. Trivia (4) 1. Mel Ferrer Cause Of Death: How old was Audrey Hepburns ex-husband Mel Ferrer when he died? James Arness as U.S. What happened to James Arness's daughter Jenny? William Holden. Rolf Arness became World . So sorry his personal life was marred by tragedy. The son of Carroll O'Connor, Hugh, committed suicide in 1995 at the age of 32 after a lengthy battle with drug addiction. Inscription. Arness and his wife Virginia Chapman in 1956. James Arness: Birth, Parents, Ethnicity. Sadly, just don't make them like that anymore. That was a big factor., Your email address will not be published. "Happy Trails"our beloved brother!Ride into the sunset with us all in mind! Julie was an actress and dancer who was raised in South Africa. I watch Gunsmoke since I was Child. He had one sibling, Peter Aurness, who would later become known as Mission: Impossible star Peter Graves. He even handled a few tragic personal losses with the stoic nature of his on-screen persona. Rolf Aurness is an American surfer well-known as the son of the late actor James Surtees. In an interview with the Santa Clarita Signal, Arness said his co-stars never stood on anything to make them look taller in shots they shared with him on Gunsmoke. He joined the army instead, and was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering serious injuries to his right leg during the 1944 invasion at Anzio, Italy. James Arness/Cause of death James Arness, the towering actor best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon, the strong and commanding symbol of frontier justice on the landmark TV . Jenny Lee Arness was an actress known for starring in the series Gunsmoke in 1955. Still my favorite show. James Arness has died on Friday, June 3, 2011, of natural causes. Daughter of --James Arness and --Virginia Chapman. During his time on-screen, the actor became loved for his giggle fits on set. James Arness 1923 - 2011 . In the 1970s, he worked as an apprentice with Earl Tyson, a photographer for Look magazine. However, his right leg was severely injured during the Battle of Anzio, which stuck with him for the remainder of his life. Former "Gunsmoke" actor James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon in the western TV series for 20 years, died Friday from natural causes, according to his website. Jenny Lee Arness father Arness also died ofnatural causesat the age of 88 years at hisBrentwoodhome in Los Angeles on June 3, 2011. Loving Child of God Om Guru. Photograph: Allstar/Cinetext/CBS. To help his son on his road to recovery, Arness began teaching the boy to surf. From what read, he was a very humble human being with a heart of gold. I remember growing up watching His shows on TV and I watch all the reruns today. His first wife and his daughter both had abused drugs and ended their lives untimely. I watch Gunsmoke over and over. Gunsmoke actor James Arness became CBS most significant actor when it came to their network programming. Charles killed himself 13 years later. You, James Arness, are my number one heroquiet, sensitive, private, funny, humble, honest, ethical, intelligent, kind. Jenny and Chapman died of drug overdoses in 1975 and 1977, respectively. It is the same place where she and her late husband James lived together before his death. Gunsmoke: One Mans Justice didnt bring in the ratings of its predecessors, marking the end of the franchise. Therefore, Arness felt it necessary to leave a note for longtime Gunsmoke fans to read after his death, which certainly added to the heartfelt feelings that they already had for the actor. Guys like Gregory Peck and I don't want a big lug like you towering over us. In another sci-fi, Them! He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. THANK YOU MARSHALL DILLON you just dont see shows on TV like that anymore !!! You could be tough when you had too! Arness's character, in particular, sees red every time he sees a "red" because, as Wayne's voiceover explains: "My partner hates these people. Many people believe Nikki lived with undiagnosed Asperger's Syndrome. A man's man! Great actor a true star still watch reruns Watched GUN SMOKE when I was a Kid never missed a single show, Watched all of gun smoke my life i am 68 years old and still watching now. James was truly a hero. James Arness played Marshal Matt Dillon for a good 20 years on the CBS show "Gunsmoke." He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is a member of the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. does not take responsibility for any action taken as a result of reading this article. She was an actress, known for Gunsmoke (1955). Death: May 12, 1975 (24) . Their son, Rolf Aurness, was born on February 18, 1952, while their daughter, Jenny Lee Aurness, was born on May 23, 1950. . Jenny Lees mother, Virginia also died of a drug overdose in 1977. And he had a talent for the craft. They were married in 1948. RIP. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Gunsmoke Star James Arness Stoically Dealt with Great Personal Loss. After high school he had various jobs, and for a time was a lumberjack. His father was not able to work for the next two years while dealing with the loss of his son. Been watching since I was 5 years old and now I'm 71yrs old. He had a son, Rolf, and daughter, Jenny, with Chapman. He deserved better. James Arness. Now I watch ALL the reruns and DVD's!!! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Daughter of actor James Arness. . Therefore, he had a part to play in convincing Arness to take the role of Matt on Gunsmoke, which was the most significant work of his career. We watch Gunsmoke every night and in between times when it is on! She was diagnosed with schizophrenia prior to her death. . He is best remembered for his role of 'Marshal Matt Dillon' in the long-running television Western "Gunsmoke" (1955 to 1975). Arness himself found the part of the alien plant creature that feeds on human blood embarrassing, remarking that his make-up "made me look like a giant carrot". I miss you Matt Dillard. I thought, "Poor Kitty" & the episode "Sarah" when Matt broke down & went with her to meet her fiance"Poor Kitty! Much admired and handsome actor James Garner was a Hollywood good guy who took a heartbreaking secret to his grave. Arness was made an honorary US marshal, "in recognition of his unique contribution to the image and traditions of the US Marshals Service", and in June 2003 he was honoured for his career by the Los Angeles City Council 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". Was one person that made the show complete. By age, children typically outlive their parents. Matt says that he is the law not Miguel. Arness' death was ruled an accident by coroners. Our main focus is to keep you informed and updated with the latest trending issues. John Wayne suggested Arness for the role of Matt Dillon. I will always and forever love Gunsmoke! Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 from natural causes. After the success of the show, he starred in Gunsmoke IV: The Long Ride in 1992. Starring: Dennis Weaver, James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years. He married first wife Virginia Chapman in 1948. His wife died of cancer in 1978, his mother Virginia (ne Chapman) died of cancer in 1976, and his sister Jenny Lee Aurness committed suicide on May 12, 1975. In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Enter your email address and start getting breaking law firm and legal news right now! Garner - who won millions of fans in the '50s as TV's "Maverick" and then again in the '70s on "The Rockford Files" - was found dead at his Los Angeles home on July 19 at age 86. His wounds continued to bother him, and prevented him from mounting a horse, quite a handicap for a western hero. Arness and Surtees were married for over 35 years at the time of his death in 2011. Condolences to his family. Death 12 May 1975 (aged 24) Malibu, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Talking about his movies, he appeared in different movies, some of them include The Farmer's Daughter, Iron Man, Hondo, The Sea Chase, The First Traveling Saleslady, and many more. He was a one-of-a-kind guy. However, Arness was eventually pulled back to Gunsmoke, starring in five made-for-TV movies between 1987 and 1993. Rolf is the son of actor James Arness and Virginia Chapman. Jenny Lee wasnt the only child James Arness would lose during his lifetime. When World War II broke out, he wanted to become a navy pilot, but . She committed suicide by drug overdose and this draws us back to what really caused her to take heroin overdose. We had great stories, great writing, and we had fine casting and directors. Arness played marshal 6'7 M. Read below for the letter that Arness wrote to be shared after his death: I decided to write a letter to you for Janet to post on our website in the event I was no longer here. Jenny Lee Arness Cause of Death. You would be 97 years old today. He will always be the only true "King of the Cowboys". However, "Gunsmoke" star James Arness sadly had the opposite experience as a father. Arness, despite being famous in his acting career, always found time for his family. Gun Smoke best show ever. He had three children, Rolf, Craig and Jenny Lee Arness. James Stewart. The 6-foot-7 actor, who also starred in the 1950s . Movies. He's been married twice and also had a long-running relationship. Always have watched these great series as a way of keeping my youth intact. During the 20th . Nine years ago today, you left this world. He was 88. The big thing with the show was that we had a lot of really fine actors, and more than that, we had started out with great writing., The two gentlemen who originated the show you know, it was on the radio for two or three years before they brought it to television John Meston was the man who conceived the idea of the whole thing. His adopted son, Craig, died in 2004 and his daughter Jenny died in 1975. When they divorced in 1963, Arness was granted legal custody of Jenny Lee Arness and her brothers. Wayne was still making box office hits at the time anyway, so it would have been a shocker for him to take a lead part in the then-nascent world of television. RIP Mr. Dillon, I was 5yrs old when I started LOVING Gunsmoke!! . Her cause of death was reportedly an overdose of sleeping pills. Unfortunately, only 11 days to her 25th birthday, Jenny overdosed on sleeping pills and passed on in May 1975. Julia Haart Sons Shlomo and Aron Haart Julia Haart has two sons with her previous husband Yosef Hendler. Taking their advice, Arness became an announcer and disc jockey at a Minneapolis radio station, before deciding to try his luck in Hollywood. Love Jackie Turner Nettles Albright, I'm watching the show now. Mark Montalbn: Who is Ricardo Montalbns son? She, unfortunately, died of cancer in 1978. In an article in The Tallahassee Democrat from 1973, the "Gunsmoke" star was called "one of the most private . James Arness (May 26, 1923 June 3, 2011) was an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years in the television series Gunsmoke. Related: Lucia-Belen Duffy (Rachel Campos Duffy's Daughter) Age, Height, Siblings, Father James Arness Death. Love him my whole life.God bless, I was a huge fan of James Arness. Lucia-Belen Duffy (Rachel Campos Duffys Daughter) Age, Height, Siblings, Father. Miguel says the law has to be by a man's own hands. Jenny Lee came into the actors life through his marriage to Virginia Chapman. Actor Robert Taylor lost his battle with cancer in 1969, but lost his stepson Michael Theiss in 1968 due to suicide. He is survived by his wife, Janet Surtees of Brentwood, Los Angeles, California; son, Rolf Arness; stepson, Jim Surtees; six grandchildren, and a great grandchild. All content, including text, and images contained on news.AmoMama.com, or available through news.AmoMama.com is for general information purposes only. Arness died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood, said family spokeswoman Ginny Fazer. He really made some great episodes and I have enjoyed all of them. Jenny Lee Arness was born on May 23, 1950 in Los Angeles, California, USA. James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television landscape for two decades as righteous Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke," died Friday. He married his first wife, Virginia Chapman, in 1948 and adopted . Prior to her death, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. HE was perfect for the role as Matt Dillen. Virginia Arness also passed away during the 1970s. Con James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis. After his parents divorced, his father went on to marry Janet Surtees. Ray Milland lost his son Daniel in 1981 due to suicide. Janet Surtees' Husband's Death Carol Dumond Ellington, CT. Happiness is watching Gunsmoke over and over and over! Watch Gunsmoke every chance I can! Love James Arness! I have loved this great man over the years and I still do I thank him for being "One In A Million!" His daughter and his former wife, Virginia, both died of drug overdoses. While in the hospital, nurses suggested that his voice would be perfect for the radio, reports The Guardian. Thanks for continuing to give me pleasure watching Gunsmoke. Ron Howard Was Most Concerned about His Kids' Values Inside His Decision to Protect Them, Inside Dick Van Dyke & Decades Younger Wifes Home Where He Shows off Routine He Says Will Get Him to 100, Charles Bronsons 2nd Wife Left Her Family for Him & Hid Her Ex-lover Who Disclosed Their Affair Years Later, Who Is Pierce Brosnan Married To? She died on May 12, 1975 in Malibu, California, USA. Nevertheless, Western movie star John Wayne saw potential in him. Craig had been undergoing treatment for lung and anemia complications. . . 30: Fought in the US Army during World War II, taking part in the landing at Anzio, Italy, where he was wounded. James Arness was a wonderful actor and fit the role of Matt Dillon to a "T"! Before his death, Arness was able to return to Gunsmoke five more times over the course of made-for-TV movies between 1990 and 1994.