James Arness passed away today at the age of 88. Arness was best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke
from 1955-1975. I remember regularly watching the show as a kid, as well as his performance in the mini-series How the West Was Won (1978-1979). Those were the days when a man was a man and we did not have politicians lying about a mistress and sending crotch shots. Oh wait, there was Watergate, and maybe some other stuff. But Arness was the real deal. For his army service in World War II, he received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Several websites have stories about Arness, including Entertainment Weekly’s explanation why Arness was the greatest TV lawman and E! Online’s list of 5 reasons Arness was a legend. He was so cool, he apparently had had not one but two “official” websites.
Although the role of Matt Dillon was originally offered to John Wayne, Wayne recommended Arness. The Duke introduced the first episode in 1955 with high praise for his friend Arness. In Wayne’s introduction, he predicts Arness will be a big star, “so you might as well get used to him.” That was pretty easy for us to do.
What are your memories of James Arness and Gunsmoke? Leave a comment.
A Dark Humorless Somewhat Revisionist Western: “Hostiles” (Short Review)True Grit ’10 vs. True Grit ’69Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie“Westworld” is Coming to HBOMoral Ambiguity and “Lawman” (Missed Movies)8 Reasons to Watch the Sterling Haden Western”Terror in a Texas Town” (Some Related Chimesfreedom Posts)
Related
James Arness passed away today at the age of 88. Arness was best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke
James Arness, I present to you a great American loved by millions around the world. MR. Arness was a supporter of the US Constitution and Freedom of speech. I can’t ever remember reading about or hearing about him doing rude and stupid actions and behaviors. Charlie Sheen, Micheal Jackson, some rappers some no longer with us, I’m sure you get my drift. I long for the good old days when you could leave the door unlocked or not need to paddle lock and chain things up.
I remember when people used common sense and were fair minded and wanted to treat others as they would want to be treated. I laugh when I here people say things are no worse now then they were 30 or 40 years ago. The statement made by those who will turn 20 or 30 years old on there next birthday. Well I will miss Mr. Arness but I will be watching him in the movies, The world has lost a great man and actor. The trash on Tv today like the new show Wilfred and louie is pushing me to dropping my DISH satellite service. We have Clint Walker, James Garner, Clint Eastwood and many other Great Americans still with us. We need more wholesome mainstream family strengthening programing to help get us back on the correct path. God Bless America and farewell James Arness.
I agree with my husband Ron and would like to say the movies like Gunsmoke, Lawman, Cheyenne (Clint Walker), and many other movies from days long gone had some teaching on good and evil and the consequences that follow our actions. I like Wagon train and how Ward Bond relates to the Holy Bible and Gods words of wisdom. I am sad to see Mr. James Arness pass away but I believe he has went to a better place. It is appointed unto man/women/kids once to die and then the Judgment of God. I can’t judge Mr. Arness but from what I have read and been told I believe I know where he is now in eternity. I will be watching you Matt Dillon in the movies, God Bless your Family in this loss of your loved one.
Thanks for the comments. It does seem from most accounts that Arness was a good man, although he had some tragedies in his life. We are lucky that we still have his acting performances like his portrayals of Marshall Matt Dillon and of Zeb Macahan (“How the West Was Won”).
FYI, according to his website, Buck Taylor — who played Newly on “Gunsmoke,” named one of his sons after Arness’s character because he admired Arness so much. http://www.bucktaylor.com/files/bio_old.htm