James Arness from Gunsmoke became CBS’ most important performer for their network series. He gave a masterful performance as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon on the popular Western TV program, which ran for a record-breaking 20 seasons.
As a result, Arness saw it necessary to leave a note for devoted Gunsmoke fans to read after his pἀssing. This just strengthened their already deep affection for the actor. Here are the tragic final remarks James Arness left for his devoted followers along with the reason for the deἀth of the ‘Gunsmoke’ actor…
James Arness’s Cause of Deἀth Was Natural Causes
88-year-old Arness pἀssed away on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, from natural causes, according to Reuters. Ginny Fazer, his business manager, claimed he was in fair condition but has “just been fading.”
Fazer said:
“No diseἀse, nothing untoward, he just got tired, I guess,”
Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to journalists Ruth Duesler and businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness. He enlisted in the American Army during the World War II draft, but his poor vision and height prevented him from pursuing his dream of becoming a naval fighter pilot.
Arness was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star among other medals for his service. However, he suffered a lifelong disability as a result of a catastrophic Anzio Battle injury to his right leg.
For your review, the following details have been provided if you’re curious about the circumstances surrounding the pἀssing of other renowned people:
He pursued an acting career, but due to his height (6 foot 7), most starring males turned him down. But Western movie icon John Wayne recognized his potential. As a result, he contributed to persuading Arness to accept the part of Matt on Gunsmoke, which turned out to be the most important project of his career.
James Arness Left A Note Before his Deἀth for ‘Gunsmoke’ Fans
After his pἀssing, Arness instructed his wife Janet to publish a note for his devoted followers online, which American Cowboy published. When he spent years traveling to rodeos and fairs to play Matt from Gunsmoke and meet with fans of the show.
He always felt gratitude toward them for their support. The letter Arness wrote to be shared after his pἀssing is below:
“I decided to write a letter to you for Janet to post on our website in the event I was no longer here. I had a wonderful life and was blessed with some many loving people and great friends. The best part of my life was my family, especially my wife Janet. Many of you met her at Dodge City so you understand what a special person she is. I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years. I was honored to have served in the army for my country. I was at Anzio during WWII and it makes you realize how very precious life is. Thank you again for all the many letters, cards, emails and gifts we received from you over the years. You are and always have been truly appreciated.”
On Jun 3, 2011, IMDb Tweeted about James Arness’s Deἀth:
James Arness, best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on ‘Gunsmoke’, died today at the age of 88. http://imdb.to/lqz94y #RIP
— IMDb (@IMDb) June 3, 2011
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