James Arness and Matt Dillon: America's Heroes on TV and Real Life

Did Gunsmoke Fuse James Arness and Matt Dillon Together?

Matt Dillon, what kid didn't think he was the greatest marshal ever? James Arness is Matt Dillon, tough, fair and honorable.

James Arness was born in Minneapolis on May 23rd 1923. He grew up in there along with his brother Peter Graves.

James Arness wanted to be a Navy pilot but was turned down because he was too tall. He then went into the Army where he received a purple heart suffering injuries to his right leg during the invasion of Anzio, Italy. Later in his career it would be rumored that his leg still bothered him.

James Arness started out as an announcer and disk jockey at a Minneapolis station. He then decided to go to Hollywood to try his luck.

Arness had roles in Farmer's Daughter and The Thing and Them! In 1950 James Arness had his first leading role in a movie called Two Lost Worlds.

Some people say that the coveted Matt Dillon role was first offered to John Wayne and some people dispute this. But no body rejects the fact that John Wayne, who had made several movies with James Arness, suggested that James Arness play Matt Dillon.

The first 6 years of Gunsmoke, starring James Arness as Matt Dillon were ½ hour shows. They then went to 1-hour shows and went to color. Gunsmoke and James Arness (playing Marshal Dillon) were rated in the top ten shows 13 out of 20 years.

At 6' 7" James Arness (Matt Dillon) towered over most of his co-starts. Kitty and Doc were often standing on stools during their close ups with Arness. This was so they could be seen in the same shot with him.

James Arness has been married twice. His first wife died in 1976 and his daughter died in 1975. He is currently married to his second wife. He has a son named Rolf Aurness.

In Gunsmoke, through the tough exterior, Matt Dillon often showed a softer and kinder side. Especially for kids and the older law officers. In real life,James Arness has awards for the work he has done for law enforcement.

James Arness has been inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame. He has also received numerous Western Heritage awards over his lifetime.