James Garner, with his affable charm and suave demeanor, made an indelible mark on both the big screen and television. Born on April 7, 1928, in Norman, Oklahoma, Garner's roots were as humble as they were American. His father, Weldon Warren Bumgarner, laid carpets for a living, while his mother, Mildred Scott (Meek), looked after the family, which included James' siblings. Garner's journey from Oklahoma to the pantheon of Hollywood greats is a testament to his enduring talent and appeal.
Early Life and Career
Garner's formative years were spent in Norman, where he experienced an early life of modest means. After dropping out of high school, his life took various turns, including a stint in the Merchant Marines and valiant service in the Korean War, where he was twice wounded, earning two Purple Hearts. Garner's foray into acting was serendipitous; a non-speaking part on Broadway in "The Caine Mutiny Court Martial" in 1954 sparked his interest in the craft. This initial exposure led to television roles and commercials, eventually catching the eye of Warner Brothers.
His breakout role came with the offbeat western TV series "Maverick" in the late 1950s, where he played the roguish Bret Maverick, instantly capturing the hearts of the American audience. Garner's portrayal of Maverick established his career-long anti-hero persona and launched him into a trajectory of stardom. His performance garnered critical acclaim and paved the way for a successful film career.
Garner's first major film role was in "The Great Escape" (1963), further cementing his status as a Hollywood mainstay. His impressive career spanned numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination and wins at other prestigious award ceremonies. His roles in "The Rockford Files" and "Murphy's Romance" were particularly notable, the former earning him an Emmy.
Garner's personal life was as rich as his on-screen personas. He was a family man, married with children, and his interests extended beyond the camera, including a passion for auto racing. While he stayed clear of scandals, he was no stranger to controversies, often standing up for his beliefs. His involvement in philanthropy showed a generous spirit.
In conclusion, James Garner's contribution to Hollywood is immeasurable. He was more than just an actor; he was a symbol of rugged American charisma and a pioneer of the anti-hero archetype. His legacy is etched in the annals of Hollywood history, and his work continues to inspire generations. James Garner wasn't just a fixture in entertainment; he was a cultural icon, celebrated for his unique blend of charm, wit, and a touch of roguishness that made him stand out in an industry of stars.
Garner passed away due to a massive heart attack caused by coronary artery disease on July 19, 2014, at the age of 86. He had been suffering from poor health since his stroke in 2008.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam | Video | Shazam (voice) |
| 2010 | DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection | Video | Shazam (segment "The Return of Black Adam") (voice) |
| 2007 | First Night (Short) | Dr. Curtis |
| 2007 | Battle for Terra | Doron (voice) |
| 2006 | The Ultimate Gift | Howard 'Red' Stevens |
| 2003–2005 | 8 Simple Rules (TV Series) | Jim Egan | C.J. Barnes |
| 2004 | Al Roach: Private Insectigator (Short) | Al Roach |
| 2004 | The Notebook | Duke |
| 2003 | The Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration | Video | Pat (voice) |
| 2002 | Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood | Shep Walker |
| 2002 | First Monday (TV Series) | Chief Justice Thomas Brankin |
| 2002 | Roughing It (TV Movie) | Sam Clemens |
| 2001 | Atlantis: The Lost Empire | Rourke (voice) |
| 2000 | The Last Debate (TV Movie) | Mike Howley |
| 2000 | Space Cowboys | Tank Sullivan |
| 2000 | God, the Devil and Bob (TV Series) | God (voice) |
| 2000 | Chicago Hope (TV Series) | Hubert 'Hue' Miller |
| 1999 | One Special Night (TV Movie) | Robert Woodward |
| 1999 | Shake, Rattle and Roll: An American Love Story (TV Movie) | Audience Member (uncredited) |
| 1999 | The Rockford Files: If It Bleeds... It Leads (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1998 | Legalese (TV Movie) | Norman Keane |
| 1998 | Twilight | Raymond Hope |
| 1997 | The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1997 | Dead Silence (TV Movie) | John Potter |
| 1996 | My Fellow Americans | President Matt Douglas |
| 1996 | The Rockford Files: Punishment and Crime (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1996 | The Rockford Files: Friends and Foul Play (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1996 | The Rockford Files: Godfather Knows Best (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1996 | The Rockford Files: If the Frame Fits... (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1995 | Streets of Laredo (TV Mini Series) | Captain Woodrow Call |
| 1995 | The Rockford Files: A Blessing in Disguise (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1994 | The Maverick Choir: Amazing Grace (Music Video) | James Garner |
| 1994 | The Rockford Files: I Still Love L.A. (TV Movie) | Jim Rockford |
| 1994 | Maverick | Marshal Zane Cooper |
| 1994 | Breathing Lessons (TV Movie) | Ira Moran |
| 1993 | Barbarians at the Gate (TV Movie) | F. Ross Johnson |
| 1993 | Fire in the Sky | Frank Watters |
| 1992 | The Distinguished Gentleman | Jeff Johnson |
| 1991–1992 | Man of the People (TV Series) | Councilman Jim Doyle |
| 1990 | Decoration Day (TV Movie) | Albert Sidney Finch |
| 1989 | My Name Is Bill W. (TV Movie) | Dr. Bob |
| 1988 | Sunset | Wyatt Earp |
| 1986 | Promise (TV Movie) | Bob Beuhler |
| 1985 | Murphy's Romance | Murphy Jones |
| 1985 | Space (TV Mini Series) | Sen. Norman Grant |
| 1984 | The Glitter Dome (TV Movie) | Al |
| 1984 | Heartsounds (TV Movie) | Harold Lear |
| 1984 | Tank | Zack |
| 1981–1982 | Bret Maverick (TV Series) | Bret Maverick |
| 1982 | Victor/Victoria | King Marchand |
| 1982 | The Long Summer of George Adams (TV Movie) | George Adams |
| 1981 | The Fan | Jake Berman |
| 1980 | HealtH | Harry Wolff |
| 1974–1980 | The Rockford Files (TV Series) | Jim Rockford |
| 1979 | Young Maverick (TV Series) | Bret Maverick |
| 1978 | The New Maverick (TV Movie) | Bret Maverick |
| 1977–1978 | Laugh-In (TV Series) | Guest Performer |
| 1974 | The Castaway Cowboy | Costain |
| 1973 | One Little Indian | Keyes |
| 1972 | They Only Kill Their Masters | Abel Marsh |
| 1971–1972 | Nichols (TV Series) | Sheriff Frank Nichols |
| 1971 | Skin Game | Quincy |
| 1971 | Support Your Local Gunfighter | Latigo |
| 1970 | A Man Called Sledge | Luther Sledge |
| 1969–1970 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (TV Series) | Guest Performer |
| 1969 | Marlowe | Philip Marlowe |
| 1969 | Support Your Local Sheriff! | Jason |
| 1968 | The Pink Jungle | Ben Morris |
| 1968 | How Sweet It Is! | Grif |
| 1968 | The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (TV Series) | Fletcher Christian |
| 1967 | Hour of the Gun | Wyatt Earp |
| 1966 | Grand Prix | Pete Aron |
| 1966 | Mister Buddwing | Mister Buddwing |
| 1966 | Duel at Diablo | Jess Remsberg |
| 1966 | A Man Could Get Killed | William Beddoes |
| 1965 | The Art of Love | Casey |
| 1964 | 36 Hours | Major Jefferson Pike |
| 1964 | The Americanization of Emily | Lt. Commander Charles E. Madison |
| 1963 | Move Over, Darling | Nicholas Arden |
| 1963 | The Wheeler Dealers | Henry Tyroon |
| 1963 | The Thrill of It All | Dr. Gerald Boyer |
| 1963 | The Great Escape | Hendley 'The Scrounger' |
| 1962 | Boys' Night Out | Fred Williams |
| 1957–1962 | Maverick (TV Series) | Bret Maverick | Beau 'Pappy' Maverick |
| 1961 | The Children's Hour | Dr. Joe Cardin |
| 1961 | Angel (TV Series) | Jim |
| 1960 | Cash McCall | Cash McCall |
| 1959 | Up Periscope | Lt. J.G. Kenneth M. Braden |
| 1958 | Darby's Rangers | William Orlando Darby |
| 1957 | Sugarfoot (TV Series) | Bret Maverick (uncredited) |
| 1957 | Sayonara | Captain Mike Bailey |
| 1957 | Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend | Sgt. John Maitland |
| 1955–1957 | Cheyenne (TV Series) | Willis Peake | Bret | Lt. Lee Rogers ... |
| 1956–1957 | Conflict (TV Series) | Red Donnelly | Jim Curtis |
| 1956 | Zane Grey Theatre (TV Series) | Lt. Jim Collins |
| 1956 | The Girl He Left Behind | Preston |
| 1956 | Toward the Unknown | Lt. Col. Joe Craven |
| 1956 | Warner Brothers Presents (TV Series) | Unknown |