The late James Arness was, without doubt, one of the biggest western icons in Hollywood history, and along with him on his glorious journey was his wife, Janet Surtees. From Sports, business, entertainment, to celebrity gossip and so much more, Ngozika has got you covered with the latest gist and happenings as they unfold, Bert Kishs Life Story and Cause of Death, Meet T.Is Blended Family of 7 Children From Multiple Women, Meet Big Meechs Younger Brother, Terry Lee Flenory, Who is Arnetta Yardbourgh? She stoutly refused to do so and insisted on leaving the ball in the actors court. The show has been rebroadcast around Europe a number of times. Craig Arness was indeed an accomplished fellow before he died in 2004. His daughter, Jenny, died in 1975, while Chapman passed on two years later. KVS and SoftRight customers now have the ability to upgrade to Springbrooks new Cirrus cloud platform: The actor was 32 when friend John Wayne declined the lead role in "Gunsmoke" and recommended Arness instead. Nothing happened for three months. Arness took on a contemporary role as a police officer in the series "McClain's Law," which aired on NBC from 1981-82. On July 29, 1977, she died in Malibu, California, USA. Marshal Dillon in the 1955-75 CBS Western series, Arness created an indelible portrait of a quiet, heroic man with an unbending dedication to justice and the town he protected. We aim to provide a wide range of injection molding services and products ranging from complete molding project management customized to your needs. In his later years, he suffered from constant leg pain, which sometimes became acute, which was often initiated while he was on horses. Before then, Surtees attended high school and possibly got a college education, but these facts are unknown for sure. ", The years showed on the weathered-looking Arness, but he -- and his TV character -- wore them well. Previous Post Children of Celebrities Who Committed Suicide He was a classmate of Waynes and introduced him to the first episode of GunSmoke in 1955. Janet worked there for seven years and grew close with the couple. James flew Janet back later that day. Enjoy reading!! Surtees married her husband, James Arness, on 16 December 1978. Afraid of being typecast, Arness initially rejected it. James Arness It was a perfect date by any measure, and as such, it came as a rude shock to Janet when Arness stopped all further communication after that date. In 1975, Jenny Arness died of an apparently deliberate drug overdose. Jim is all grown up now but lives his life out of the spotlight. His 20 year run on the show made him a household name in America and beyond. Janet is 75 years old as of January 2021. They wed in 1948 and had two children, Jenny and Rolf. Though Surtees first got to know the Gunsmoke star when he was already one of the biggest screen idols in America, she refused to be blown away by his fame. James Arness is a member of the following lists: American film actors, American When Weaver died in February 2006, Arness called it "a big loss for me personally" and said Weaver "provided comic relief but was also a real person doing things that were very important to the show. It featured a huge star cast such as Robert Ryan, Rock Hudson, Raymond Burr, and James Arness. James Arness "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. James Arness First Wife We offer full engineering support and work with the best and most updated software programs for design SolidWorks and Mastercam. I was like, Oh my gosh, he is a big guy,' said Janet with a laugh. Two years later, an overdose that police deemed accidental killed her mother. In 1976, a year after his first Western role on Gunsmoke, Bruce Boxleitner (right) was cast as Luke Macahan, the son of James Arness (left) in the ABC television series How the West was Won. He was 88 years old at the time of his demise. This could have been for a variety of reasons, but they never lacked love in their lives. He entered Beloit College in Wisconsin, but was drafted into the Army in his 1942-43 freshman year. The Sad Reason Dennis Weaver Was Written off Gunsmoke - Facts Contribute to this page Suggest an edit or add missing content Learn more about contributing But she died of a drug overdose in 1975. If Gunsmoke icon James Arness was a Tinder date, he would be the worst. An initial statement from the hospital and her friends said Blake died of throat cancer. The two spent the rest of the day horseback riding through nature and picnicking outdoors. Janet Surtees has kept out of the spotlight since her husbands death. Family (1) Parents Virginia Chapman James Arness Trivia (4) Daughter of James Arness and Virginia Chapman. During the Battle of Anzio, he was seriously injured in his right thigh. Gunsmoke actor James Arness dead at 88 SheKnows He returned to Minneapolis to work as a radio announcer and in small theater roles. According to the coroner's office, she was found dead in her beach home. All Rights Reserved. His funeral was private, and the family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to his favorite charity, United Cerebral Palsy. Arness died of natural causes at the age of 88 at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles on June 3rd, 2011. Tags: Star Kid And I thought, Eew, an actor I dont know,' said Janet laughing. Parts in more than 20 films followed, including "The Thing," "Hellgate" and "Hondo" with Wayne. James Arness They dated for a few years before tying the knot in 1978. His military awards included the Golden Star, the Purple Heart, the European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal with three bronze battle stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Fighting Infantryman Badge. ", "Gunsmoke" went on to become the longest-running dramatic series in network history until NBC's "Law & Order" tied in 2010. ", The cancellation of "Gunsmoke" didn't keep Arness away from TV for long: He returned a few months later, in January 1976, in the TV movie "The Macahans," which led to the 1978-79 ABC series "How the West Was Won.". James Arnesss Wife Janet Surtees Wiki, Bio He also starred in Gunsmoke, a western-themed TV series. Jenny Lee Arness, the daughter of actor James Arness, committed suicide in 1975, not too long before her 25th birthday. A post shared by Texas Trail of Fame (@texastrailoffame). WebThe Gunsmoke star was 60 when she died on Aug. 16, 1989, at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento. Arness In the early 60's Arness sued for and got custody of Craig, along with his other 2 children. Her Age, Net Worth, and Real Name. He is best remembered for his role of 'Marshal Matt Dillon' in the long-running television Western "Gunsmoke" (1955 to 1975). Legal Statement. Gunsmoke: Amanda Blakes Official Cause of Death Wasnt What As U.S. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. James Arness Arnesses appeared in five Gunsm Smoke movies made-for-television between 1987 and 1994. James Arness Craig Arness grew up to be a renowned photographer. Dr. Nishimura, an internist in Sacramento said that she suffered from AIDS for about a year. Image: AP Photo Amanda Blake and James Arness reunite at the Golden Boot Awards, August 15, 1986. They helped each other achieve several feats and built a loving home for the children from past relationships. WebCraig was the son of Arness' first wife. For instance, Arness was previously married to Virginia Chapman from 1948 to 1960. Nothing. Then there was a knock at the door. Gunsmoke: James Arness Wife Opens Up About Marriage to Western Icon in 2017 Interview, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZlby3ryXCE, GUNSMOKE I married James Arness with Janet Arness A WORD ON WESTERNS (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZlby3ryXCE). But I never met him. James Arness Who is Lexi2legit? After dinner, he walked me out to my car and said, Well, Id like to call you,' said Janet. At the time of his death, James was married to his second wife, Janet Surtees; the couple married in 1978. The pair had first met while Surtees was an employee at a clothing store. She was 56 years old at the time of her death. His body was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Gunsmoke: Amanda Blakes Official Cause of Death Wasnt What Amanda Blake Spouse, Divorce, Children, Net Worth Jenny Lee Arness WebAbout. 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. Interview with Amanda Blake However, the hospital and her friends claimed that she died of cancer. Born May 23, 1950 Died May 12, 1975 (24) Add photos, demo reels Add to list Known for Gunsmoke 8.1 TV Series Amy Laurie 1964 2 eps Credits IMDbPro Actress Previous 1 However, her sons love for Gunsmoke convinced her to go. Ask your rep for details. The couple married in 1978. James Arness "You're too big for pictures. Jenny Lee Arness Then one night she said, Well, Jim is coming over for dinner. Then came "Gunsmoke," which proved a durable hit and a multimillion-dollar boon for Arness, who owned part of the series.