James Arness Net Worth: Bio, Age, Education, Family, Wife, Career And More
Introduction
James Arness was an American actor best known for his legendary role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. With a career spanning over six decades, Arness left an indelible mark on Hollywood, becoming a beloved figure in Western films and TV shows. His towering presence, deep voice, and remarkable acting skills made him an unforgettable star.
What is James Arness Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in 2011, James Arness had an estimated James Arness net worth of $8 million. His wealth primarily came from his acting career, with Gunsmoke being his most lucrative project. Additionally, he earned from other film and television appearances, endorsements, and real estate investments.
Despite his fame, Arness led a modest and private life, preferring to stay out of the Hollywood limelight when he wasn’t working.
Salary And Source of Income
James Arness built a highly successful career, primarily earning through his iconic role as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975. As one of the highest-paid TV actors of his time, he reportedly made around $20,000 per episode, securing his place among Hollywood’s elite.
Beyond television, Arness starred in several films, including Big Jim McLain, Hondo, and The Thing from Another World, further adding to his wealth. His income was also supplemented by royalties from Gunsmoke syndication, DVD sales, and licensing deals.
Additionally, Arness made strategic real estate investments, ensuring long-term financial stability. His diverse income sources and smart financial decisions solidified his status as one of the most successful actors of his generation.
Who Was James Arness?
James Arness was an American actor known for his rugged on-screen presence and versatility. His portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke made him an icon in Western television history.
Despite his tough cowboy image, Arness was known to be a private, humble, and down-to-earth person who avoided Hollywood social scenes.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | James King Aurness |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1923 |
| Place of Birth | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Date of Death | June 3, 2011 (aged 88) |
| Cause of Death | Natural Causes |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor |
| Famous Role | Marshal Matt Dillon (Gunsmoke) |
| Height | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 meters) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army, WWII (Wounded in Anzio) |
| Spouse(s) | Virginia Chapman (1948–1960)Janet Surtees (1978–2011) |
| Children | Rolf Aurness, Jenny Lee Aurness, Craig Aurness |
| Sibling | Peter Graves (Actor) |
| Net Worth | $8 million (at the time of death) |
| Salary (Gunsmoke) | $20,000 per episode |
| Career Span | 1940s – 1994 |
| Notable Films | The Thing from Another World, Hondo |
| Awards & Honors | Hollywood Walk of Fame Star |
| Retirement | 1994 |
| Final Years | Lived privately with family in Los Angeles |
Age, Height And Weight
James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, and went on to become a towering presence in Hollywood, both figuratively and literally. Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) and weighing around 235 lbs (107 kg), he was one of the tallest actors in the industry, a trait that made him a natural fit for Western and action roles.
His imposing stature, combined with his deep voice and commanding screen presence, helped define his legendary portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke. Despite his rugged on-screen persona, Arness was known for his humility and professionalism. He passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, leaving behind an enduring legacy in television history.
Education And Early Life
James Arness had a humble yet determined start in life. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he attended John Burrows Grade School before moving on to Washburn High School and later West High School in Minneapolis. Despite struggling with academics, he had a strong interest in outdoor activities and adventure.
After high school, he briefly attended Beloit College in Wisconsin but left to serve in World War II, where he was severely wounded during the Anzio landings in Italy. His early life experiences, including his military service and perseverance through hardships, played a crucial role in shaping the strong, stoic persona that later defined his acting career.
Family And Legacy
James Arness came from a close-knit Midwestern family. Born to Ruth Aurness, a journalist, and Rolf Cirkler Aurness, a businessman, he was raised alongside his younger brother, Peter Graves, who also became a well-known actor. Arness experienced both joy and heartbreak in his personal life.
He was first married to Virginia Chapman (1948–1960), with whom he raised three children: Rolf Aurness, a world champion surfer; Jenny Lee Aurness, who sadly passed away at a young age; and Craig Aurness, a photographer. After his first marriage ended, he later found lasting companionship with Janet Surtees, whom he married in 1978 and remained with until his passing in 2011. Despite his towering presence on-screen, Arness was a devoted family man who valued privacy and cherished the quiet moments with his loved ones.
Relationship And Marriage Life
James Arness had two significant marriages in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Virginia Chapman in 1948. The couple shared three children: Rolf Aurness, who later became a world-champion surfer; Jenny Lee Aurness, who tragically passed away at a young age; and Craig Aurness, an accomplished photographer. However, their marriage faced difficulties, and they divorced in 1960.
After years of focusing on his career and personal life, Arness found love again with Janet Surtees, whom he married in 1978. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2011, marking more than three decades of companionship. Unlike his action-packed on-screen persona, Arness was known to be a private and devoted family man. Throughout his life, he also shared a strong bond with his younger brother, Peter Graves, a fellow Hollywood actor best known for his role in Mission: Impossible.
Career Journey
James Arness’ career spanned over five decades, but his defining moment came in 1955 when he was cast as Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. Before his rise to fame, he started in radio and small film roles in the 1940s, eventually catching the attention of John Wayne, who helped him secure major roles in Western films like The Thing from Another World (1951) and Hondo (1953).
His portrayal of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke lasted 20 years, with 635 episodes, making it one of the longest-running TV shows in history. Arness became a household name and earned multiple accolades, including a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. After Gunsmoke, he continued acting in TV movies like How the West Was Won and The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory, before officially retiring in 1994 to focus on his family and outdoor passions. His legacy remains one of the greatest in television history.
Death Cause
James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, due to natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, California. Unlike many Hollywood legends, his passing was not marked by controversy or tragedy but rather by a peaceful conclusion to a long and accomplished life.
Having lived through war, Hollywood fame, and personal hardships, Arness remained a private and humble individual until the end. His final years were spent away from the spotlight, enjoying time with his family and embracing the quiet life he always valued. Though he is gone, his legacy as Marshal Matt Dillon and one of television’s greatest Western icons continues to live on.
Conclusion
James Arness was a legendary American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, a role he played for 20 years, making it one of the longest-running TV shows in history. Born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he had a towering height of 6 feet 7 inches, which made him a natural fit for Western roles.
His early life included serving in World War II, where he was wounded, before transitioning into acting. Discovered by John Wayne, he starred in films like The Thing from Another World and Hondo before achieving television fame. Beyond acting, Arness was a devoted family man. He was married twice—first to Virginia Chapman (1948–1960), with whom he had three children, and later to Janet Surtees (1978–2011).
His brother Peter Graves was also a famous actor. At his peak, he earned $20,000 per episode from Gunsmoke and had a James Arness net worth of $8 million at the time of his passing. After retiring in 1994, he lived a quiet life until he passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88 due to natural causes. His legacy as a Western icon remains strong in Hollywood history.
FAQs:
1.What was James Arness net worth?
At the time of his death in 2011, his estimated James Arness net worth was $8 million.
2.How tall was James Arness?
He was 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters), making him one of the tallest actors in Hollywood.
3.What was James Arness’ most famous role?
He was best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for 20 seasons (1955–1975).
4.Was James Arness in the military?
Yes, he served in World War II and was severely wounded during the Anzio landings in Italy.
5.Who was James Arness’ brother?
His younger brother was Peter Graves, famous for Mission: Impossible.
6.How much did James Arness earn per episode of Gunsmoke?
At his peak, he made around $20,000 per episode, making him one of the highest-paid actors of his time.
7.Was James Arness married?
Yes, he was married twice: first to Virginia Chapman (1948–1960) and later to Janet Surtees (1978–2011).
8.Did James Arness have children?
Yes, he had three children: Rolf Aurness, Jenny Lee Aurness, and Craig Aurness.
9.Why did James Arness retire from acting?
He retired in 1994 to focus on his family and personal interests, including outdoor activities.
10.When and how did James Arness die?
He passed away on June 3, 2011, at 88 years old, due to natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, California.
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