If you are interested in knowing who James Arness was, then you’ve come to the right place. The article will provide you with some basic information about the actor’s career, marriage to Virginia Arness, and net worth.
Janet Surtees
Janet Surtees is the widow of famous Hollywood actor James Arness. She has been a public figure since her husband’s death in 2011. While she is not married again, she is still active in charity work.
Despite her fame as the widow of a famous celebrity, Surtees keeps her personal life and her family’s identity private. But she does not shy away from interacting with fans. And she is very passionate about helping people. In fact, she is even a volunteer with the United Cerebral Palsy Research and Education Foundation.
Janet Surtees was born in the United States on February 15, 1947. She is currently living in Los Angeles, California. She is an American citizen and has been married to James Arness for more than thirty-three years.
Before she became a well-known spouse of a famous star, she was a single mom. Her father was a pilot and her older brother worked as a pilot as well.
James and Janet were friends. After a while, they decided to date. Initially, Arness wanted to become a naval pilot. Afterwards, he was asked by his employer to contact Janet. He told her that he would be away for a few weeks.
Acting career
James Arness was an American actor who has played a number of roles in film and television. His most notable performance was that of Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. He was awarded the Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1947, he made his film debut in the Western film The Farmer’s Daughter. Later he appeared in the science fiction movie The Thing.
He served in the US Army during World War II. During the Battle of Anzio, he was wounded. But he recovered. After his service in the army, he returned to the United States to seek treatment.
He met Janet Surtees when she worked as a dress designer at a company owned by his boss. They became close. Eventually, they married and he adopted her son, Craig. Their marriage ended in 1963.
Arness has been credited with creating a legendary character in American culture. For a number of years, he portrayed Matt Dillon on the TV show Gunsmoke. This series was a hit for two decades. It aired in the top ten in the prime time ratings for a total of 13 seasons.
Marriage to Virginia Arness
James Arness was a famous actor in his day. He was best known for his role as Matt Dillon in the popular TV show, Gunsmoke. Despite his fame, he remained committed to his marriage and family.
Before dating Janet Surtees, James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman for over thirty years. They were divorced in 1963. The couple had two children. However, their relationship deteriorated over time.
During their marriage, James and Janet spent time together, but their relationship rarely appeared in the media. Although their relationship was strained, it did not stop the star and his wife from donating time to various charitable organizations.
Several public appearances were made by both Arness and Surtees. One was at a Gunsmoke convention in Dodge City. They were joined by Janet’s brother and sister. They also took a trip to Mammoth Lakes. During this time, they rode horses.
When they returned to Los Angeles, they lived in the Brentwood area. After James’ death in 2011, Surtees maintained her celebrity. She continued to be involved in charitable activities and is now single.
Net worth
In the mid-20th century, James Arness was a prolific actor in Hollywood. He starred in Gunsmoke and was nominated for several acting awards. His cult status in Europe came from his role in How the West Was Won. But when he was 88 years old, Arness died of natural causes.
James Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., on May 26, 1923. His father, Rolf Cirkler Aurness, and his mother, Ruth Duesler, were both business people. He attended West High School in Minneapolis. While in high school, Arness worked as a courier for a jewelry wholesaler.
During World War II, James Arness served in the United States Army. He earned a Purple Heart and a Combat Infantryman Badge. He also received the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal.
After his divorce from Virginia Chapman in 1960, James Arness started dating actress Thordis Brandt. They dated for six years. It is unknown why James Arness was so devoted to Brandt.