Category: Finance | Title: How Old Is James Arness: Latest Facts on the Gunsmoke Actor | Tag: James Arness | Meta Description: Find the latest verified age of James Arness, the actor best known for Gunsmoke, with key dates and biographical facts...
How Old Is James Arness
James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, making him 101 years old at the time of his passing on June 3, 2011. The actor was best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running Western series Gunsmoke, which aired from 1955 to 1975. His age and career milestones are frequently searched by fans and researchers looking for accurate biographical data.
Public records and trusted entertainment sources confirm his birth date and death date, which are used to calculate his age at any given point in time. These figures are consistent across major databases and are cited in profiles on platforms such as IMDb and the Television Academy Foundation archives.
James Arness Age and Career Timeline
Arness began his professional acting career in the early 1950s after serving in World War II. He was cast as the lead in Gunsmoke in 1955, a role he held for 20 seasons, making him one of the longest-running actors in a single television series.
His age during the height of Gunsmoke ranged from his early 30s to his early 50s, a period that defined the modern Western on television. The show's longevity and his consistent presence contributed to his status as a central figure in American TV history, as documented by the Museum of Broadcast Communications.
James Arness Net Worth and Legacy
At the time of his death, James Arness had an estimated net worth of approximately $8 million, accumulated through decades of work in television and film. His primary income came from his role in Gunsmoke, syndication royalties, and occasional appearances in other productions.
His legacy continues to influence the Western genre and television acting, with his age and career often referenced in discussions of iconic TV performers. Industry analyses and financial profiles on sites like Forbes and The Hollywood Reporter regularly include his work when covering the economics of classic television.