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| James Arness, 1923-2011 |
A World War II veteran, Arness participated in the Anzio landing and was awarded a Purple Heart after encountering a German machine gun nest. The Los Angeles Times says that Arness, who was 6 foot 7, was chosen to the be the first to depart his landing craft at Anzio because of his height. He was also awarded a Bronze Star.
More from the Times:
Boyd Magers, editor and publisher of Western Clippings, a western film publication, attributed the show's enduring popularity to the strong writing, direction and ensemble cast. Indeed, the focus would often be on the show's various regular characters and guest stars.
"Arness, in particular, said, 'Let's move it off of me,'" Magers told the Times some years ago. "He didn't have this star complex. He let the other people have an episode to themselves. So you didn't get tired of one character, and they were all good, well-rounded characters because of this strong writing."
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| The real Dodge City, 2007 |
John Wayne turned down the role of Dillon. But he urged Arness to audition for the part of the Dodge City lawman. On the debut episode of "Gunsmoke," Wayne told viewers, "I knew there was only one man to play in it, James Arness."
Arness was the brother of another popular TV actor from the same era, Peter Graves of "Mission: Impossible." Graves died last year.
Rest in peace.
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July 4, 1882: Buffalo Bill Cody and the birth of the rodeo
August 2, 1876: Dead man's hand and the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok
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