James Arness was born in Minneapolis. His parents were businessman Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. His father's ancestry was Norwegian; his mother's was … See more

After his discharge from the service, Arness began his entertainment career as a radio announcer at Minneapolis station WLOL in 1945.
Determined to find … See more

Arness married Virginia Chapman in 1948, and adopted her son Craig (1946 – December 14, 2004). Arness and Chapman also had a son, Rolf (born February 18, 1952), … See more

Arness died from natural causes at the age of 88 years at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles on June 3, 2011. See more

Films
• The Farmer's Daughter (1947) – Peter
• Roses Are Red (1947) – Ray (credited as "James Aurness")
• The Man from Texas (1948) – Gang Member (uncredited) See more

Although Arness wanted to be a naval fighter pilot, he was concerned his poor eyesight would bar him. However, it was his 6-ft, 7-in (2.01 m) frame that ended his chances because the height limit for aviators was set at 6 ft, 2 in (1.88 m). He was See more

For his contributions to the television industry, Arness has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1751 Vine Street. In 1981, he … See more