| Source: Getty Images. James Arness | Television Academy Interviews Thanks for your help! Arness and his wife Virginia Chapman in 1956. Arness and Surtees remained married for more than two decades, during which the latter became stepmother to his kids from his marriage to Chapman. Arness was born on May 23, 1950, in Los Angeles, California, USA. They dated for 2 years after getting together in Feb 1946 and married on 12th Feb 1948. James Arness was previously married to Virginia Chapman (1948 - 1960). Arness married his first wife Virginia Chapman in 1948. [23], In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. cemeteries found within kilometers of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Also, out of sadness comes wisdom. Despite his stoic . Two years later, an overdose that police deemed accidental killed her mother. Are you sure that you want to report this flower to administrators as offensive or abusive? James Arness started dating Thordis Brandt after 4 years of his divorce from Chapman. At the lake, the couple rode horses and had lunch on the beach. The pair welcomed their second child, Rolf, in February 1952, and with Arness making between $20-30,000 a year, life looked perfect. Virginia Chapman and Janet Surtees, were actresses. Then on December 16, 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. However, the Wayne-Fellows Agency would not allow women or wives to participate in film planning or script rehearsals. When & how actor James Arness died? Height, Children, Wife & Net Worth This new arrangement annoyed Chapman and even led to an argument between her and the agency. $1 Million - $5 Million. Prior to the show's launch, Arness was a World War II hero-turned-actor. Different rumors were there about the long-term relationship between James Arness and actress Thordis Brandt. Make sure that the file is a photo. James Arness Bio (Wiki) - Married Biography Champman disclosed that she had overly exerted into her husband and his career and, in doing so, lost her identity. In fact, many also believe that Jenny appeared in the show which made her father a superstar i.e., Gunsmoke. Arness met future wife Virginia Chapman while both were studying at Southern California's Pasadena Playhouse. Before Janet, James was married to Virginia Chapman from 1948 until 1963; the couple had three children, Rolf, Craig, and Jenny Lee, who died of suicide in 1975. Although they were together for over 10 years, the couple never had children together. The wealth and fame Arness gained from Gunsmoke could not protect him from tragedy in his personal life: His daughter and his former wife, Virginia, both died of drug overdoses. Arness could not believe he would get to work with stars while making such a staggering amount. At 6 feet, 7 inches, Arness played a serious lawman in Dodge City. James King Arness (May 26, 1923 - June 3, 2011) was an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke for 20 years. He describes his experiences in early television, including anthology series that were . | Source: Getty Images. James Arness and Virginia Chapman - Dating, Gossip, News, Photos Janet Surtees (James Arness Wife) Wiki, Age, Height - FactsBio Jennys parents, Arness and Chapman, had a very loving marriage for years. [29], Arness was nominated for these Emmy Awards:[16], Last edited on 26 February 2023, at 21:28, EuropeanAfricanMiddle Eastern Campaign Medal, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, "Friday's with Fred: Bright Lights and 'Beloit's Paul Bunyan', "Newsmaker of the Week: TV Interview Transcript", "How did James Arness first come to Hollywood? In 1948, he married Virginia Chapman, whom he divorced in 1960. . He was only married twice. Off camera, his loud, infectious laugh could bring filming to a halt. This new arrangement annoyed Chapman and even led to an argument between her and the agency. Furthermore, he won theWorld War II Victory Medal, and theCombat Infantryman Badge. Arness and Chapman had two children, a daughter as well as a son. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Guys like Gregory Peck and I dont want a big lug like you towering over us. Arness married his first wife, Virginia Chapman, in 1948, which was 7 years before he started playing Matt Dillon. See the article in its original context from. Arness married Virginia Chapman in 1948, and adopted her son Craig (1946 . Arness has the distinction of having played the role of Dillon in five decades: 1955 to 1975 in the weekly series, then in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987) and four more made-for-television Gunsmoke films in the 1990s. He now lives a private lifein Los Angeles and regularly volunteers at a Santa Monica mental health clinic. James and Virginia had two children - Rolf, who became World Surfing Champion in 1970, and Jenny. The kids dont really have any part of my television life, he once remarked. Arness due to his height was the first man to be ordered off his landing craft to determine the depth of the water; it came up to his waist. Her parents married in 1948 and . On the day he was to meet Chapmans parents, Arness showed up in a wrecked car and did not look like he took life seriously. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Chapman's parents could not help but wonder what their daughter saw in Arness. He tried to guard them from the spotlight. Arness was married twice, first to Virginia Chapman in 1948, and then to Janet Surtees in 1978. As U.S. She was 56 years old at the time of her death. Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA, Malibu, Los Angeles County, California, USA. Jenny took her own life by doing a drug overdose on 12th May 1975. Arnesss bio stated he had 6 feet 7 inches tall. She married Arness as a beachcomber who would later become a superstar actor due to his sterling performance in the TV show "Gunsmoke." Unlike the latter show, Gunsmoke featured its lead character in each of its 21 seasons; Gunsmoke also aired 179 more episodes, and was in the top 10 in the ratings for 11 more seasons, for a total of 13, including four consecutive seasons at number one. Well have the answers soon enough. The marriage foundered and in 1963 Arness sought a divorce and custody of the three children, which he was granted. I already tried to do it, and it was denied. He appeared in different several films and on television. James Arness & Mom of His 3 Kids Wed When He Was 'A Beach - AmoMama He returned to Minneapolis to work as a radio announcer and in small theater roles. James Arness' Wife Vanished After Their Divorce But He Married The Remove advertising from a memorial by sponsoring it for just $5. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. Of course, we have to start with the star himself, James Arness. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Zaya Wade Stuns in White Halter Top & Green Pants after Legal Name Change, Scotty McCreery Celebrates Son Merricks 4-Month Milestone with Adorable Photo, Home Alone 2: The Fate of the Cult Actors of the Movie People Love to Rewatch, Duane Chapman's Daughter Wed Her Girlfriend - He 'Was Unable' to Attend the Nuptials, Kathleen Turner Was Told to Keep Her Hands off Michael Douglas by His Wife before Actress Wedding, Betty White Wed 'Wonderful Man' Who Wanted Her to Quit Her Career He Married Another Actress after Their Divorce. Primetime Emmy . Salary in 2022. Rolf Aurness became World Surfing Champion in 1970. James Jim Arness And Wife Janet Pose For A Photograph In Their Garden In 1995 In Brentwood, Ca. She was only 56 years old at the time. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. They had tied the knot in 1948. Arness was a respected soldier of World War II. . 1. He received theBronze Star and thePurple Heart. Private. Arness married Janet Surtees in 1978. : Actor James Arness poses with his wife Janet during a signing of his new book "James Arness: An Autobiography" at the Gene Autry Museum November 3, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) The actor called her his best friend, who had supported him through some rough times. Try again later. We have set your language to His marriage to Virginia Chapman ended in divorce in 1960. We hope she is at peace now. Ex-Wife of James Arness. After Gunsmoke ended, Arness performed in Western-themed movies and television series, including How the West Was Won, and in five made-for-television Gunsmoke movies between 1987 and 1994. [3], Arness entered Beloit College that fall, where he joined the campus choir and became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity. . Surtees got married to James Arness on December 16th, 1978. Details on His Parents, High School Football, and more, Chance Hogan: Things You Didnt Know About Paul Hogans Son, Who Is Laela Wilding? Arness played marshal 67 Matt Dillon for 20 years as Gunsmoke became televisions longest-running primetime drama He died of natural causes at the age of 88. What happened to James Arness first wife? After a few months at a local station, he quit to visit California, where he fell in with a beach crowd, learned to surf and took acting lessons. Mr . Jenny Lee Arness was famously known for being the daughter of the late renowned veteran actor. They wed in 1948 and had two children, Jenny and Rolf. They also adopted her son Craig (1946-December 14, 2004). 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I thought you might like to see a memorial for Virginia Chapman Arness I found on Findagrave.com. James Arness & Janet Surtees: The Actor's Life, Career and Love Story Discharged in early 1945, Arness returned to Minneapolis and entered a two-year program at the University of Minnesota. Chapmans parents could not help but wonder what their daughter saw in Arness. James King Arness was a very famous American actor who was well known for starring in Gunsmoke (1955), one the longest-running shows on American televisions. His role in the popular TV seriesGunsmokeskyrocketed his fame. Home. Well, Arness passed away at a very young age; Lee was just 24 years old when the star kid took her own life. James Arness Family Life. James Arness was married twice in his life. [8], On the 50th anniversary of television in 1989 in the United States, People magazine chose the "top 25 television stars of all time." A private memorial service will be held. Nonetheless, this new deal started causing problems in Chapman and Arnesss marriage. [10], Determined to find work in films, Arness hitchhiked to Hollywood,[11] where he made the rounds to agencies and casting calls and soon began acting and appearing in films. Relationship Statistics of James Arness: What is James Arness's marital status? 29: 29 "Doc's Revenge" Ted Post: John Dunkel: June 9, 1956 () Doc becomes enraged when he sees a man from his past and swears to Chester that he's going to kill him. James Arness with Rolf (age 5), Virginia with daughter Jenny Lee (age 8) and Craig (age 10) on the floor on May 4, 1957. . They wed in 1948 and had two children, Jenny and Rolf. [14] Gunsmoke made Arness and his co-stars, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Dennis Weaver, Ken Curtis, Burt Reynolds, and Buck Taylor, world-famous, and ran for two decades, becoming the longest-running primetime drama series in US television history by the end of its run in 1976. He adopted Chapman son's Craig (1946 - December 14, 2004). Moreover, He was the tallest leading man in Hollywood by the time. James Arness (born James King Aurness; May 26, 1923 - June 3, . It aired for 20 seasons and made him and other actors in it world-famous. However, his 6-ft, 7-in (2.01 m) frame ended his chances because the limit for aviators was set at 6ft, 2 in (1.86 m). In 1978, Arness married Janet Surtees. Add to your scrapbook. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. of a drug overdose.Ex-sister-in-law of Peter Graves (brother of James Arness). On the other side, James had two children; a son Rolf (born February 18, 1952), and a daughter Jenny Lee Arness (b May 23, 1950) from his first marriage to Virginia Chapman. He was a close friend of John Wayne and played supporting roles in films starring Wayne titled Big Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in the Sky and The Sea Chase, and starred in Gun the Man Down, a fast-paced Western, for Wayne's company. The camera really loved his face, and with good reason, novelist Wallace Markfield wrote in a 1975 Gunsmoke appreciation in The New York Times. [19] Former wife Virginia died of a drug overdose in 1977. The TV relationship between Matt and Kitty is a miracle of subtle delineation. Virginia Chapman, who plays the gypsy in the opening town scene, was married to James Arness when this episode aired, which occurred on his 33rd birthday. The couple's 24yearold. However, they didn't get married or have children from their relationship. Craig Aurness (James Arness Son) Cause of Death, Wikipedia - 49 They remained together until his death. James Arness of 'Gunsmoke' fame dies - STLtoday.com Though identified with Westerns, Arness also appeared in two science-fiction films, The Thing from Another World (in which he portrayed the titular character) and Them!. Failed to report flower. On 14 June 1921, Virginia Chapman was born in California, USA. Therefore, after almost 15 years of tying the knot, they officially separated. James Arness, best known for his role as a towering Dodge City lawman in Gunsmoke, died at home in his sleep Friday. His autobiography titledJames Arness: An Autobiographywas released in September of 2001. The former had been involved in his career until that moment and wanted to continue helping her husband. At the time of his death, James was married to his second wife, Janet Surtees; the couple married in 1978. . She died on 29 July 1977 in Malibu, California, USA. Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis to Ruth and Rolf Aurness, a salesman for a medical supply company. The pair divorced in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of their children. However, that changed shortly after Chapman urged her husband to audition at the Players Ring Theater in Virginia, and he was subsequently booked to star in several plays. At the time, Arness struggled to make ends meet as he was not making much from his work as a beachcomber. Mr. Arness met future wife Virginia Chapman while both were studying at Southern California's Pasadena Playhouse. On the contrary, after years of struggling, when Lees father finally got his big break, Chapman started to have problems with his busy actor life. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. He took pride in the surfing prowess of his younger son, Rolf, who became a World Surfing Champion in 1970 at age 18. On the contrary, Jennys father lived quite a great life. The years showed on the weathered-looking Arness, but he and his TV character wore them well. Before dating Janet Surtees, James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman for over thirty years. 'Gunsmoke': James Arness' Brother Was Actually a Hollywood Star June 3, 2011 at 6:05 p.m. 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. A system error has occurred. Following those events,Arness divorced her in1963, ending their marriage of 15 years. Actor James Arness attends the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, California. Virginia Chapman. The pair welcomed their second child, Rolf, in February 1952, and with Arness making between $20-30,000 a year, life looked perfect. Former wife Virginia died of a drug overdose in 1977. Talking about his movies, he appeared in different movies, some of them include The Farmers Daughter, Iron Man, Hondo, The Sea Chase, The First Traveling Saleslady, and many more. According to the coroner's office, she wasfound dead in herbeach home. James Arness has been divorced from Virginia Chapman since 1960. While she had been writing as a hobby in the past, she has lately been using her love for movies and content writing to pursue a career. Sources claim that Arnesss daughter was head over heels for the Allman Brothers Band singer, but the late artist did not feel the same way about her. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? Afterward, Arness started getting acting jobs, and with more money coming in, the couple decided to get their own place, and he also chose to adopt Chapmans son, Craig, from her first marriage. CBS television series Gunsmoke, James Arness died on June 3, 2011, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, United States. His longtime co-stars were Blake as saloon keeper Miss Kitty, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams and Dennis Weaver as the deputy, Chester Goode. For six years, James Arness was in a relationship with Thordis Brandt. Arness, a quiet, intensely private man who preferred the outdoor life to Hollywoods party scene, rarely gave interviews and refused to discuss the tragedies. The pair divorced in 1963, leaving him with legal custody of their children. He had three children, Rolf, Craig and Jenny Lee Arness. Virginia Chapman Arness (1921-1977) - Find a Grave Memorial 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. Mother of Craig Aurness, Rolf Aurness, and Jenny Lee Aurness. Relationship Status. He reprised his role in five made- for-TV movies. But she died of a drug overdose in 1975. Sister of Craig Aurness and Rolf Aurness. Other than that, there is no controversy surrounding him. 'Gunsmoke' Actor James Arness Threatened to Quit if the Schedule Didn't Both mother and daughter passed away, suffering from a drug problem. Arness married his second wife, Janet, in 1978, Good article! James Arness was a prominent American actor. James Arness (born James King Aurness; May 26, 1923 June 3, 2011) was an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years in the CBS television series Gunsmoke. Today, Jenny Lee Arness lies peacefully in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, located in LA, California. Likely, they were also blessed with a daughter, Jenny Lee Arness who was born on May 23, 1950. Surtees was initially not intrigued by the idea of meeting Arness but decided to because her son was a huge fan of his series "Gunsmoke.". Try again later. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. [2] The family name had been Aursnes, but when Rolf's father, Peter Aursnes, emigrated from Norway in 1887, he changed it to Aurness. Although James was married to the love of his life, their relationship could not last. The iconic star wanted him to sign with the Wayne-Fellows Company, where he would earn $1,000 a week with a guaranteed 40 weeks of work. They also adopted her son Craig (1946-December 14, 2004). He was known for his relaxed demeanor, which was unlike many of his colleagues. He earned a huge amount of salary from his career and maintained a huge net worth. Arness 20-year prime-time run as the marshal was tied only in recent times, by Kelsey Grammers 20 years as Frasier Crane from 1984 to 2004 on Cheers and then on Frasier.. She encouraged and motivated him to take acting classes and was his biggest supporter. Blake sure earned a lot of clams working on the show. [1] His parents were businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. "Fortunately, there aren't many times when show business intrudes on our family existence.". They dated for 2 years after getting together in Feb 1946 and married on 12th Feb 1948. He died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood Brentwood, Los Angeles on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. Virginia Arness and James Arness at home. His birth date ison May 26, 1923. Nonetheless, this new deal started causing problems in Chapman and Arness's marriage. Afraid of being typecast, Arness initially rejected it. He was 88 years old. He moved to Hollywood in 1946 at a friends suggestion. Verify and try again. James first married Virginia Chapman at the age of 25. Jenny Lee was born as the only daughter of actor James Arness and his future ex-wife, Chapman. What is the relationship of James Arness? The actor called her his best friend, who had supported him through some rough times. The couple had two children. James Arness portrayed the role of Marshal Matt Dillon for almost 21 years in the TV series, Gunsmoke and stole the hearts of millions. Then he is interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. In an audition at the Pasadena Playhouse, Arness met his future wife, Virginia Chapman, who had studied theater at the University of California at Los Angeles. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. After a divorce from her in 1960, he married Janet Surtees in 1978. However, things started to fall apart between the duo when James Arness became busier with his life in Hollywood. Son of Leo Morton and Virginia Chapman Husband of Private Father of Brian Rolf Aurness and Private Half brother of Private; Private; Private; Jenny Lee Arness and Private . Failed to remove flower. Net Worth in 2022. The former had been involved in his career until that moment and wanted to continue helping her husband. Her younger brother Rolf was born on 18th February 1952. Wounded in the leg during the 1944 invasion at Anzio, Italy, Arness was hospitalized for a year and left with a slight limp. Esin Gmkl (@l_gumusk) May 23, 2021. He had blue-colored eyes and blonde-colored hair. He is the son of James Amess (father) and . Actor James Arness poses for a photo circa 1950 in Los Angeles, California. Surtees was initially not intrigued by the idea of meeting Arness but decided to because her son was a huge fan of his series Gunsmoke.. She was an actress, known for Official Detective (1957), Highway Patrol (1955) and Whirlybirds (1957). Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). The lovely family of 5 lived in a beautiful home at Cape Cod Cottage in Pacific Palisades before things went south. James Arness's daughter, Jenny, died on May 12, 1975 in Malibu, California due to a drug overdose, she overdosed on heroin. In 1975, Jenny Arness died of an apparently deliberate drug overdose. James was . Oops, something didn't work. He enteredBeloit Collegein Wisconsin, but was drafted into the Army in his 1942-43 freshman year. Many speculate it was one of the main reasons why Jenny Lee took her own life in 1975. In January 1950, the pair expanded their family when Chapman gave birth to their daughter, Jenny, at Good Samaritan Hospital. He also lauded her as his champion and bedrock through their 20+ years of marriage. His wife died in 1978 from cancer, his mother Virginia (ne Chapman) died in 1976, and his sister Jenny Lee Aurness committed suicide on May 12, 1975. Four years after his divorce from Virginia Chapman, James Arness met Thordis Brandt, who was his girlfriend for six years before they ended their relationship. [25] Buck Taylor (Newly on Gunsmoke) thought so highly of Arness that he named his second son, Matthew, after Arness' character. cemeteries found in will be saved to your photo volunteer list. James Arness - Updated Mar 2023 - Biography Mask Aurness is the son of Gunsmoke actor James Arness and nephew of Mission Impossible actor Peter Graves. And they also had a son, Rolf who was born on February 18, 1952. This new job allowed Arness to buy a new car and dress up nicely. Arness and Chapman tied the knot in 1948 and moved into the house. His nationality is American. The couple shared two children, a son named Rolf Arness ( (born February 18, 1952) and a daughter named Jenny Arness (born May 23, 1950). [citation needed], For his contributions to the television industry, Arness has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1751 Vine Street.