Category: Entertainment | Title: How Old Was James Arness When He Passed Away | Tag: James Arness | Meta Description: Exact age at death of James Arness, actor, with key dates and facts...
James Arness Age at Death
James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, and passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. The actor is best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke. His death marked the end of an era for classic American Western television, and fans continue to reference his age and legacy when discussing his career. Learn more about his life and roles on the Television Academy website Television Academy.
At the time of his passing, James Arness had been retired from acting for many years. He had lived a long life that spanned major changes in the entertainment industry, from radio to black-and-white television to modern broadcasting. His age at death, 88, reflected both his longevity and the enduring popularity of Gunsmoke. Industry sources such as the Television Academy provide detailed career timelines Television Academy.
Early Life and Career Timeline
James Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and later served in the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he pursued acting and eventually landed the role that defined his career. His age at death, 88, is frequently cited alongside key milestones such as the premiere of Gunsmoke and his multiple award nominations. The Museum of Broadcast Communications offers additional context on his career Museum of Broadcast Communications.
Throughout his career, Arness became one of the most recognizable faces of the Western genre. Gunsmoke ran for two decades and made him a household name. His age at death, 88, is often mentioned in retrospectives that highlight how long his work continued to influence television. The Paley Center for Media documents major television milestones Paley Center for Media.
Legacy and Public Record
Public records and obituaries confirm that James Arness died at age 88 in 2011. His death certificate and related documents are part of the public record, and his age at death is consistently reported across reliable sources. The New York Times obituary provides additional details on his final years and career legacy New York Times.
Today, James Arness remains a central figure in discussions about classic television Westerns. His age at death, 88, is used in rankings of long-lived actors and in lists of influential television stars. The Television Academy and other institutions continue to reference his contributions to the medium Television Academy.