James Arness Death
James Arness, the American actor best known for starring as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke, died on June 3, 2011, at his home in Brentwood, California. He was 88 years old. His death was attributed to natural causes, with complications related to pneumonia and other age-related health issues cited by his family and representatives.
Early Life and Career
Born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he served in the United States Army during World War II and was wounded at the Battle of Anzio. After the war, he pursued acting and landed the role of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke in 1955. The series ran for 20 seasons, making it one of the longest-running primetime dramas in American television history.
Legacy and Later Years
Arness continued to act in film and television after Gunsmoke ended in 1975, but he remained most closely identified with his iconic western role. He received numerous honors for his contributions to the genre and to television. He is widely remembered for his distinctive voice, calm screen presence, and long-running portrayal of a principled frontier lawman.
For more background on his career, see the biography at Britannica.
