James Arness Age at Death and Key Facts
James Arness died on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, in his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles. His age at death was widely reported by major outlets and is confirmed by public records and obituaries from trusted sources like The New York Times. The cause of death was reported as natural causes, consistent with his age and health history.
Born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he lived to be 88 years old. His long life spanned major eras in American television and film, and his age at death placed him among the longest-lived leading men of classic Westerns. Public records and biographical data consistently list his birth and death dates, making his age at death a matter of public record.
Career Highlights and Iconic Roles
Arness is best known for starring as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running television series Gunsmoke, which aired from 1955 to 1975. The show ran for 20 seasons and became one of the longest-running primetime series in U.S. television history, cementing his place in pop culture.
Before Gunsmoke, he appeared in films and television anthology series, building a steady career in Hollywood. His height, commanding voice, and steady screen presence made him a natural fit for Western roles, and his work on Gunsmoke remains his most recognized contribution to entertainment.
Legacy and Public Record
James Arness age at death is frequently cited in retrospectives about classic television and the Western genre. His career is documented in industry databases, network archives, and trusted reference sites, which consistently report his age at death as 88.
Public interest in his biography, including his age at death, remains high among fans of classic TV Westerns. Archives, network histories, and entertainment reference sites continue to list his key dates and career milestones, ensuring that his age at death and overall legacy remain accessible to new audiences.