Towering (6'7") actor James King Arness was born in Minnesota in 1923, and as an adult he became a radio announcer, and eventually made his way to Hollywood. Arness first gained notoriety in Sci-Fi films like The “Thing From Another World”, and “Them”.
In 1955, CBS-TV planned a new television show, based on the popular Western radio program Gunsmoke. The lead role, of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, was portrayed on radio by the incomparable voice actor William Conrad, but CBS wasn’t interested in casting the stocky, balding Conrad in the TV role. Actor John Wayne was approached, but he didn’t want the role, and suggested his friend Arness. The statuesque, rugged Arness was perfect, and for the next 20 years, personified the ultimate Western lawman. Gunsmoke became one of the longest running TV shows in history, and Arness then went on to portray more law officials in other shows, forever associated with the long shadow of authority.
James Arness died in 2011, at the age of 88. His younger brother was actor Peter Graves.
Excellent tribute and great graphic. Keep up the good work.
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