James Arness

American actor most noted for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke (1955-1975) which was an instant hit that retained popularity for 20 years. 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.

As a youngster, Arness left home at age 17. He worked on a freighter, was a radio announcer, sang in the streets for money, worked on road construction and even became a part-time bum living out of an old car. He served in the Army in World War II, from 1943-1945, spending his last year in a hospital after being wounded in the Third Infantry in Italy.

After the war, he enrolled at the University of Minnesota, where he was bitten by the acting bug. While at school, he worked as a substitute radio announcer at station WLOL. The cold winters of Minnesota aggravated Arness' wounded leg, so he packed up and left with a pal for sunny California. He soon landed a small role in a little theatre production. Arness was spotted by an agent who put him to work in the movie The Farmer's Daughter..

Not ready to grow up and meet success head on, he took off down the California-Mexico coast, living out of his car and adventuring. Back to Hollywood, he again worked at odd jobs, construction and real estate as he tried out for film roles.

His movie break came in 1951 with a classic horror flick that put his 2.01 m (6 ft 7 in) size to use, as he played the title role in The Thing. His rugged good looks got him a contract with John Wayne's production company and the two men became friends. In 1955, Wayne turned down the role of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, recommending Arness for the role. The show was a beloved hit for 20 years.

Arness was married from 1948-1963 and had three kids. He was married for the second time in 1978 to 32-year old Janet Surtees.