James Arness Biography, Filmography, Pictures
(May 26, 1923 - June 3, 2011) was an American actor best known for his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, a role that made him a household name. Standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches tall, his commanding presence and deep, steady voice made him a natural fit for the rugged lawman. He first took on the role in 1955 when Gunsmoke premiered as a weekly series, quickly becoming a staple of American television.
Over the years, he became synonymous with the character, bringing Dillon to life across five separate decades. Even after the original series concluded in 1975, his connection to the role endured. He reprised the part in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge in 1987 and again in the 1990s for four made-for-television Gunsmoke movies, proving that his portrayal of the steadfast marshal remained as iconic as ever.
He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and graduated from West High School in his hometown in June of 1942. A young man with a strong moral compass, he decided to enlist with the US Army right after graduation in order to serve his country during World War 2. James Arness was trained as a rifleman and sent to the European front, where he experienced the brutalities of war. While taking part in Operation Shingle, he was seriously injured during the heated battle at Anzio, Italy while advancing under fire. This combined with multiple long and arduous surgeries would place him in recovery for a significant time.
After he was honorably discharged on January 29, 1945, he began to take pride in his service. America came to know him through his gallant efforts during the conflict and infused his name with the hopeful title of a distinguished soldier as a bearer of several significant awards, including the Purple Heart for his battle injuries, the Bronze Star Medal for his audacious acts during service, the Medal of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Medal of Victory in World War II.
Following his discharge, he enrolled at Beloit College in Wisconsin, eager to transition into civilian life and further his education. With a passion for communication and a strong voice suited for the airwaves, he began his career in 1945 as a radio announcer in Minnesota, quickly making a name for himself in the industry. His talent and charisma behind the microphone soon led him toward a new opportunity—acting. He gradually transitioned from radio to the screen, taking on small roles and refining his craft. His big break came when he made his film debut in The Farmer’s Daughter (1947), marking the beginning of what would become a long and distinguished career in Hollywood.
He was cast in the television western drama Gunsmoke after John Wayne declined the starring role and strongly recommended him, recognizing his natural presence and ability to carry the show. James Arness initially hesitated to take on the role, unsure about committing to a television series, but Wayne’s endorsement and the strength of the script convinced him. Once cast, he quickly made the character of Marshal Matt Dillon his own, bringing depth and authenticity to the role. He and Milburn Stone became fixtures of the series, portraying their characters for an impressive twenty consecutive years, a feat rarely matched in television history.
Although Gunsmoke cemented his legacy, James Arness also had notable roles outside the Western genre. He appeared in two well-regarded science fiction films, Them! and The Thing from Another World, where his towering stature and screen presence made him a memorable figure. Additionally, he had the opportunity to share the screen with John Wayne in several films, including Hondo, Big Jim McLain, The Sea Chase, and Island in the Sky, further solidifying his place among Hollywood’s leading men of the era.
James Arness first married Virginia Chapman in 1948 and divorced in 1960. Since 1978, he has been married to Janet Surtees and has two sons, Rolf and Craig (died in December 2004).
James Arness has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the television industry. In 1989, he was voted number 6 on People Magazine’s Top 25 Television Stars of All Time.
James Arness Filmography
Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994) (TV) .... Matt Dillon
Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993) (TV) .... Matt Dillon
Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992) (TV) .... Matt Dillon
Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990) (TV) .... Matt Dillon
Red River (1988) (TV) .... Thomas Dunson
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987) (TV) .... Matt Dillon
The Alamo: Thirteen Days to Glory (1987) (TV) .... Jim Bowie
"McClain's Law" .... Det. Jim McClain (16 episodes, 1981-1982)
"How the West Was Won" .... Zeb Macahan (24 episodes, 1978-1979)
"How the West Was Won" (1977) TV mini-series .... Zebulon (Zeb) Macahan
The Macahans (1976) (TV) .... Zeb Macahan
Alias Jesse James (1959) (uncredited) .... Marshal Matt Dillon
Gun the Man Down (1956) .... Rem Anderson
The First Traveling Saleslady (1956) .... Joel Kingdom
Flame of the Islands (1956) .... Rev. Kelly Rand
The Sea Chase (1955) .... Schlieter
Many Rivers to Cross (1955) .... Esau Hamilton
"Gunsmoke" .... Marshal Matt Dillon / ... (635 episodes, 1955-1975)
"Front Row Center" .... Hemp Brown (1 episode, 1956)
"Hallmark Hall of Fame" .... William Tell (1 episode, 1955)
Her Twelve Men (1954) .... Ralph Munsey
Them! (1954) .... Robert Graham
"Lux Video Theatre" .... Chuck Scott (1 episode, 1954)
Hondo (1953) .... Lennie - Army Indian Scout
The Veils of Bagdad (1953) (as Jim Arness) .... Targut
Island in the Sky (1953) .... Mac McMullen, pilot
The Lone Hand (1953) (as Jim Arness) .... Gus Varden
Horizons West (1952) .... Tiny McGilligan
Hellgate (1952) .... George Redfield
Big Jim McLain (1952) .... Mal Baxter
The Girl in White (1952) .... Matt
Carbine Williams (1952) .... Leon Williams
The People Against O'Hara (1951) .... John Fordman 'Johnny' O'Hara
Iron Man (1951) (as Jim Arness) .... Alex Mallick
Cavalry Scout (1951) .... Barth
The Thing from Another World (1951) .... 'The Thing'
Belle Le Grand (1951) (uncredited) .... Belle Admirer Mine Guard at Fire
Double Crossbones (1951) (uncredited) .... Bullock
Two Lost Worlds (1951) (as Jim Aurness) .... Kirk Hamilton
Wyoming Mail (1950) .... Russell
Sierra (1950) (as Jim Arness) .... Little Sam
Stars in My Crown (1950) (uncredited) .... Rolfe Isbell
Wagon Master (1950) .... Floyd Clegg
"The Lone Ranger" .... Deputy Bud Titus (1 episode, 1950)
Battleground (1949) (as Jim Arness) .... Garby
Roses Are Red (1947) (as James Aurness) .... Ray
The Farmer's Daughter (1947) (as James Aurness) .... Peter Holstrom
Further Reading & Resources on James Arness
📖 Read: James Arness: An Autobiography
🔍 Explore: James Arness Poster
⭐ Discover: William Conrad Was a True Star of the Golden Age of Radio
ML Lamp is the owner of Kilroy Was Here. After his 20 years of working in Las Vegas in the entertainment promotions field, Mr. Lamp retired in 2002 from his job to pursue his passion for collectibles. Now as a guest speaker and author he’s living the dream, and sharing his warmth with You.