James Arness had a net worth of $8 million at the time of his passing. He was a famous American actor best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon on the long-running TV show Gunsmoke. With a career that spanned over five decades, Arness became a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Born in 1923, he served in World War II before starting his acting career. He starred in many films and TV shows, but Gunsmoke made him a household name. His impressive work and strong screen presence earned him a special place in the hearts of fans and a significant financial legacy.
Wiki Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James King Aurness |
| Birth Date | May 26, 1923 |
| Birth Place | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Death Date | June 3, 2011 |
| Death Place | Brentwood, California, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters) |
| Net Worth | $8 million (at the time of death) |
| Notable Role | U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke |
| Initial Salary | $1,200 per episode |
| Final Salary | About $20,000 per episode |
| Career Span | Over 50 years |
| Other Works | The Farmer’s Daughter, The Thing From Another World, How the West Was Won, McClain’s Law |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
James Arness, born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, had a unique upbringing. His father, Rolf Cirkler Aurness, worked as a businessman, while his mother, Ruth Duesler, was a journalist. He had one sibling, a younger brother named Peter Graves, who also gained fame as an actor.
The family’s history changed in the 1940s when James’s parents divorced, affecting his early life. He attended several schools during his childhood: John Burroughs Elementary School and Washburn High School, before graduating from West High School in 1942.
Before acting, James had dreams of being a naval fighter pilot. However, his height of 6 feet 7 inches made this goal difficult. Instead, he enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and served until 1945. During his service, he earned honors after being seriously injured at the Battle of Anzio.
These early experiences shaped his future, influencing his strong character and dedication as an actor.
Rise to Fame
James Arness gained fame through diverse roles in films and television. After World War II, he transitioned from a radio announcer to acting. He made his film debut in 1947 with The Farmer’s Daughter. Early film roles in classics like The Thing From Another World (1951) and Them! (1954) helped him gain recognition.
His major breakthrough came in 1955 when he was cast as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke, where he played the character for 20 years, ending in 1975. During his time on Gunsmoke, Arness became a beloved figure. At the start, he earned $1,200 per episode, which increased to about $20,000 per episode by the series’ end. Adjusting for today’s standards, that last salary equaled nearly $150,000.
Gunsmoke set ratings records during its run, making it one of the longest-running TV series in history. Arness’s strong performances contributed to the show’s popularity and solidified his career in Hollywood. His roles in various films and television shows helped him accumulate a net worth of $8 million by the time of his death in 2011.
Net Worth, Salary, and Earnings
James Arness had a net worth of around $8 million at the time of his death in 2011. This amount appears consistently across multiple reliable sources.
Salary During Gunsmoke
- Early in Gunsmoke, James Arness earned $1,200 per episode for his character, Marshal Matt Dillon.
- As the show gained popularity, he increased his salary to $20,000 per episode, which is about $150,000 today.
- By 1970, his earnings from Gunsmoke totaled roughly $30 million, equating to about $230 million in today’s dollars.
- Besides Gunsmoke, Arness earned money from various other films and TV series.
- He appeared in movies like The Thing From Another World and Them.
- He also starred in TV shows such as How the West Was Won and McClain’s Law.
These earnings significantly contributed to his overall wealth and established him as a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Notable Works and Ventures
James Arness had a long career in acting, which made him well-known and enriched his life. His most famous role was as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke. This show aired from 1955 to 1975, running for 20 years. Arness appeared in 635 episodes, making him a household name. After the show ended, he reprised his role in five made-for-television movies, including Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge.
During the early years of Gunsmoke, Arness earned $1,200 for each episode. Later, he negotiated his pay and earned $20,000 per episode, which is almost $150,000 today when adjusted for inflation. By 1970, his total earnings from the series reached around $30 million, which is about $230 million in current dollars.
Besides Gunsmoke, he acted in several films and TV shows. Some notable works include The Farmer’s Daughter, The Thing From Another World, How the West Was Won, and McClain’s Law. Each project contributed to his wealth and solidified his place in Hollywood as a beloved actor.
At the time of his death on June 3, 2011, James Arness had an estimated net worth of about $8 million, a reflection of his successful career over six decades.
Spouse, and Partner
James Arness had two significant relationships in his life.
- Virginia Chapman: James Arness married Virginia Chapman in 1948. Chapman’s career included acting roles, which gave them a shared interest in the entertainment field. The couple had two children, Rolf and Jenny Lee Aurness. They adopted a son, Craig, from Virginia’s previous marriage. After twelve years of marriage, James and Virginia divorced in 1960.
- Janet Surtees: After his divorce from Virginia, James married Janet Surtees in 1978. This marriage lasted until his death in 2011. Janet supported James throughout his acting career, maintaining a private life away from the spotlight.
Age, Weight, and Height
James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, and passed away on June 3, 2011, making him 88 years old at the time of his death.
- Height: James Arness stood at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches (which is about 2.01 meters). His tall stature helped him stand out in Hollywood.
- Weight: There is no specific information about James Arness’ weight. However, his height was remarkable and often noted.
These physical attributes contributed to his distinctive presence on screen and made him a legendary figure in Hollywood.
Conclusion
James Arness left a lasting legacy in Hollywood through his iconic portrayal of Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke. His impressive net worth of $8 million reflects not only his success on the show but also his extensive career in film and television. Arness’s journey from a World War II veteran to a beloved actor resonates with fans even today.
His contributions to the entertainment industry and his unique presence on screen have solidified his status as a legendary figure. As audiences continue to celebrate his work, James Arness’s impact on television history remains undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was James Arness?
James Arness was an iconic American actor best known for portraying U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon on the long-running TV series Gunsmoke. He had a successful career spanning over five decades and was a World War II veteran.
What was James Arness’s net worth?
At the time of his death in 2011, James Arness had a net worth of approximately $8 million. His wealth primarily came from his long-standing role on Gunsmoke, where he earned millions throughout the series.
When was James Arness born?
James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He later became a beloved figure in Hollywood due to his acting career.
How tall was James Arness?
James Arness stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters). His height contributed to his distinctive presence on screen.
What was the impact of Gunsmoke on Arness’s career?
Gunsmoke had a significant impact on Arness’s career, making him a household name and enabling him to earn roughly $30 million from the series by 1970. He starred in 635 episodes over 20 years.
Did James Arness serve in the military?
Yes, James Arness served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He enlisted in 1943 and participated in the Battle of Anzio, where he was injured and received honors for his bravery.
What were some other notable roles of James Arness?
Apart from Gunsmoke, James Arness appeared in various films and TV shows, including The Farmer’s Daughter, The Thing From Another World, and McClain’s Law, contributing to his legacy in the entertainment industry.
Who were James Arness’s spouses?
James Arness was married twice. His first marriage was to Virginia Chapman in 1948, which ended in divorce in 1960. He later married Janet Surtees in 1978, and they remained together until his death.
