James Garner
🔥 TrendingJames Scott Garner (né Bumgarner; April 7, 1928 – July 19, 2014) was an American actor, producer, and voice artist. He starred in several television series over more than five decades, including such popular roles as Bret Maverick in the 1950s western comedy series Maverick and Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files, and played leading roles in more than 50 theatrical films, including The Great Escape (1963) with Steve McQueen, Paddy Chayefsky's The Americanization of Emily (1964), Grand Prix (1966)
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Facts about James Garner
Did you know that James Garner, despite his easygoing on-screen persona, was a decorated Korean War veteran who received two Purple Hearts?
- He earned two Purple Hearts while serving in the US Army's 24th Infantry Division during the Korean War.
- Garner's acting career began after a friend dared him to audition for a non-speaking role in a Broadway play.
- He was an accomplished amateur golfer, even hosting the "Jim Garner Open" celebrity pro-am tournament for several years.
- He was one of the first actors to successfully sue a major studio (Universal) over profit participation in TV shows.
- He was a vocal supporter of civil rights, participating in the 1963 March on Washington alongside Martin Luther King Jr.
While his breakthrough was 'Maverick,' James Garner's role as Jim Rockford in 'The Rockford Files' became his most iconic and defining character. The series, which ran for six seasons, earned him an Emmy Award and cemented his reputation as a master of the charming, anti-hero everyman.
James Garner's legacy is defined by his enduring charm, his masterful portrayal of the reluctant hero, and his ability to seamlessly transition between acclaimed film roles and iconic television series. He perfected the 'everyman' anti-hero, influencing generations of actors.