James Arness was one of the most legendary American actors of the 20th century, best known for his iconic portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon on the classic CBS Western television series Gunsmoke. Born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he became a household name across the United States after starring in Gunsmoke for 20 consecutive seasons from 1955 to 1975.
Standing an impressive 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall, James Arness possessed a commanding on-screen presence that perfectly suited his role as the calm, courageous, and principled lawman of Dodge City, Kansas. A graduate of West High School in Minneapolis and a decorated World War II veteran, Arness was recommended for the lead role in Gunsmoke by his close friend and mentor, John Wayne, in 1955. He appeared in all 635 episodes of the series, making him the only cast member to appear in every episode throughout its entire run.
After Gunsmoke ended, Arness continued portraying Matt Dillon for many years, returning in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987) and four additional made-for-television Gunsmoke films during the 1990s. He was also the older brother of acclaimed actor Peter Graves, best known for starring in the television series Mission: Impossible.James Arness died on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88, leaving behind one of the most enduring legacies in American television history.
James Arness Bio/Wiki:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James King Aurness (stage name: James Arness) |
| Date of Birth | May 26, 1923 |
| Date of Death | June 3, 2011 (age 88) |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Norwegian-American / German-American |
| Religion | Methodist |
| Height | 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) |
| Father | Rolf Cirkler Aurness (businessman) |
| Mother | Ruth Duesler Aurness (journalist) |
| Brother | Peter Graves (Mission Impossible actor; died March 14, 2010) |
| Famous Role | Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke (1955 to 1975) |
| Show | Gunsmoke (CBS) |
| Episode Count | All 635 episodes of Gunsmoke |
| Other Series | How the West Was Won (1976 to 1979) as Zeb Macahan |
| First Wife | Virginia Chapman (married 1948, divorced 1963; died 1976) |
| Second Wife | Janet Surtees (married 1978) |
| Children | Craig Aurness (adopted), Rolf Aurness, Jenny Lee Aurness |
| Estimated Net Worth (at Death) | $8 million |
| Awards | 3 Emmy nominations, Hollywood Walk of Fame |
Who Is James Arness?
James Arness was one of the most legendary American actors of the 20th century, widely admired for his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon on CBS’s classic Western television series Gunsmoke. He played the iconic role for 20 consecutive seasons, from 1955 to 1975, helping make Gunsmoke the longest-running primetime drama in American television history at the time.
Arness appeared in all 635 episodes of the series, making him the only cast member to do so and setting a record that very few American television actors have matched. Beyond Gunsmoke, he starred in several notable films during the 1950s, including The Thing from Another World (1951), Big Jim McLain (1952), Hondo (1953), and Them! (1954).
He later portrayed frontiersman Zeb Macahan in the television series How the West Was Won from 1976 to 1979, a role that became especially popular with audiences in Europe. Standing 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall, James Arness was known for his commanding screen presence, deep voice, and quiet strength, qualities that made him one of the most beloved Western actors in American television history.
Early Life and Background
James Arness was born James King Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. His father, Rolf Cirkler Aurness, was a successful businessman, while his mother, Ruth Duesler Aurness, worked as a journalist.
The Aurness family had Norwegian and German ancestry. Their original surname was Aursnes, which was changed after James’ grandfather, Peter Aursnes, immigrated from Norway to the United States in 1887. His younger brother, Peter Aurness, later achieved fame under the stage name Peter Graves, becoming a successful television actor in his own right.
The brothers grew up together in Minneapolis in a Methodist household that emphasized hard work, education, and personal discipline. Although James spent his childhood during the Great Depression, he enjoyed a stable family environment that helped prepare him for both his military service during World War II and his future acting career.
James Arness Education
James Arness received his early education in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he attended several local schools, including:
- John Burroughs Grade School
- Washburn High School
- West High School in Minneapolis (graduated in 1942)
He graduated from West High School in 1942 at the age of 19. After graduation, he worked various jobs before being called to serve during World War II.
Before entering military service, Arness briefly attended Beloit College in Wisconsin. However, his college education was interrupted by the war. Although he never completed a traditional university degree, the experiences he gained through military service, early Hollywood work, and decades of acting became the foundation of his lifelong education.
James Arness Age, Height, and Physical Attributes
James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, and passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. He stood an impressive 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall, making him one of the tallest leading actors in Hollywood. His extraordinary height became one of his most recognizable physical characteristics and played a significant role in shaping his acting career.
Early in his career, his towering presence often led to roles portraying larger-than-life characters, including the alien creature in The Thing from Another World (1951) and several commanding figures in Western and action films.
When he was cast as Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, his height perfectly complemented the character’s authority and strength. Even John Wayne, who stood around 6 feet 4 inches, was noticeably shorter than James Arness, an uncommon distinction among Hollywood’s legendary Western stars.
James Arness Nationality, Ethnicity, and Religion
James Arness was American by nationality, having been born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Ethnically, he was of Norwegian-American heritage through his father and German-American heritage through his mother. His grandfather, Peter Aursnes, immigrated from Norway to the United States in 1887, changing the family surname from Aursnes to Aurness after arriving in America.
The Arness family practiced the Methodist faith, and the values of hard work, humility, and integrity remained important throughout James’ life. Despite becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest television stars, he maintained a quiet and modest lifestyle that reflected his Midwestern upbringing. He remained proud of his Norwegian heritage throughout his life, a legacy that continued through his son, Rolf Aurness, who became the 1970 World Surfing Champion.
James Arness Parents and Siblings
His Father – Rolf Cirkler Aurness
James Arness’ father, Rolf Cirkler Aurness, was a successful businessman in Minneapolis. He was the son of Peter Aursnes, the Norwegian immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1887 and later changed the family’s surname to Aurness. Rolf provided a stable home where education, discipline, and hard work were strongly encouraged.
His Mother – Ruth Duesler Aurness
His mother, Ruth Duesler Aurness, worked as a journalist, an uncommon profession for women of her generation. Her German-American heritage contributed to James Arness’ family background, while her writing career exposed both of her sons to communication, storytelling, and public life from an early age.
His Brother – Peter Graves
James Arness’ younger brother, Peter Aurness, adopted the professional stage name Peter Graves to establish his own acting career. Peter Graves became internationally famous for portraying Jim Phelps in the television series Mission: Impossible, making the brothers one of the most successful acting siblings in American television history.
Born on March 18, 1926, Peter Graves was nearly three years younger than James. He died on March 14, 2010, only four days before his 84th birthday and approximately 15 months before James Arness passed away. The brothers remained close throughout their lives, and James publicly expressed his grief following Peter’s death.
James Arness Wives and Relationship Status
First Wife – Virginia Chapman (1948–1963)
James Arness married Virginia Chapman in 1948. During their marriage, they raised three children together. After 15 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 1963.
Virginia Chapman died from cancer in 1976, only one year after the tragic death of their daughter, Jenny Lee Aurness, in 1975. Those losses marked one of the most difficult periods in James Arness’ personal life.
Second Wife – Janet Surtees (1978–2011)
In 1978, James Arness married Janet Surtees. The couple remained together until James’ death in 2011, sharing more than three decades of marriage. Janet provided stability and companionship during the later years of his life, and they lived together in the Los Angeles area.
James Arness Children
James Arness was the father of three children from his first marriage to Virginia Chapman.
Craig Aurness (Adopted Son)
His adopted son, Craig Aurness, became a respected National Geographic photographer and later founded Westlight, a major stock photography agency. Craig died on December 14, 2004, following health complications related to lung disease and anemia.
Rolf Aurness
His biological son, Rolf Aurness, was born on February 18, 1952. At the age of 18, Rolf won the 1970 World Surfing Championship, becoming one of the most accomplished surfers of his generation. He continues to live a private life in California.
Jenny Lee Aurness
His daughter, Jenny Lee Aurness, died tragically on May 12, 1975. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, relatively little has been publicly shared about her personal life. Her death deeply affected James Arness and remained one of the greatest tragedies of his life.
James Arness Wikipedia
James Arness has a dedicated Wikipedia page covering his acting career, military service, family background, and personal life. His biography includes verified information about his 20-year run on Gunsmoke, his service during World War II, his relationship with John Wayne, his brother Peter Graves, and his Norwegian-American heritage.
Other reliable sources of information about James Arness include IMDb, his Hollywood Walk of Fame profile, NPR’s obituary published on June 3, 2011, and the official CBS Gunsmoke archives.
Reason of Fame
James Arness is remembered for several remarkable achievements. Most notably, he portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for 20 consecutive seasons (1955–1975), becoming the defining image of frontier law and justice for generations of American television viewers.
He appeared in all 635 episodes of Gunsmoke, an extraordinary accomplishment rarely matched in television history. He later reprised the role of Matt Dillon in several television reunion films during the 1980s and 1990s, extending the character’s legacy across five decades.
His performances in classic science-fiction films such as The Thing from Another World (1951) and Them! (1954) also earned him a devoted following among genre fans. In addition, his close friendship and mentorship under John Wayne established him as one of Hollywood’s most respected Western actors. Combined with the success of his brother, Peter Graves, the Arness family became one of the most recognized acting families in American television history.
James Arness Career
Early Career and John Wayne’s Mentorship (1947–1955)
After leaving the military in 1945, James Arness returned to civilian life and worked a variety of jobs, including as a courier, lumberjack, and salesman, before deciding to pursue acting.
His breakthrough came when influential talent agent Charles K. Feldman noticed him during a stage performance portraying a Greek warrior. Feldman, who also represented John Wayne, introduced Arness to the legendary actor. Recognizing his potential, John Wayne took James Arness under his wing and helped launch his Hollywood career.
During the early 1950s, Arness appeared alongside Wayne in several films, including Big Jim McLain (1952), Island in the Sky (1953), and Hondo (1953). He also gained recognition for roles in science-fiction classics, including The Thing from Another World (1951), in which he portrayed the alien creature, and Them! (1954), where he played an FBI agent investigating giant mutant ants.
Joining Gunsmoke (1955)
In 1955, John Wayne personally recommended James Arness for the role of Marshal Matt Dillon in the new CBS television series Gunsmoke. Although many people believe Wayne was originally offered the role, that popular story is not supported by historical evidence. James Arness initially hesitated to accept the part because he feared a long-running television series might limit his film career.
After encouragement from John Wayne, he accepted the role that would ultimately define his career. Before the first episode aired, Wayne appeared in a special filmed introduction, personally introducing James Arness to viewers and expressing confidence that he would become a major star—a prediction that proved remarkably accurate.
Gunsmoke: Twenty Years as Marshal Matt Dillon (1955–1975)
From 1955 to 1975, James Arness portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, appearing in all 635 episodes of the series. At the time, Gunsmoke became the longest-running primetime drama in American television history, a record it held until Law & Order matched it in 2010.
Arness brought remarkable depth to Matt Dillon, portraying him not simply as a fearless lawman but as a thoughtful and compassionate leader who often preferred peaceful solutions over violence. His longtime co-stars included Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty, Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen. Together, they formed one of the most beloved ensembles in American television history.
Gunsmoke Reunion Films (1987 to 1994)
After Gunsmoke ended in 1975, James returned to play Marshal Matt Dillon in five reunion TV movies between 1987 and 1994:
- Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987)
- Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990)
- Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992)
- Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993)
- Gunsmoke: One Man’s Justice (1994)
This gave him the distinction of having played Marshal Matt Dillon across five separate decades, an incredible career feat.
How the West Was Won (1976 to 1979)
After Gunsmoke ended, James starred in another major TV Western series, How the West Was Won, where he played frontiersman Zeb Macahan from 1976 to 1979. The series became especially popular in Europe, where it gained a major cult following and helped extend James’s international fame.
James Arness Notable Movies and TV Shows
James Arness’s career includes some of the most iconic American TV and film roles of the 20th century. His most significant on-screen work includes:
TV Series
- Gunsmoke (1955 to 1975) as Marshal Matt Dillon
- How the West Was Won (1976 to 1979) as Zeb Macahan
Major Films
- Battleground (1949) as Garby
- Wyoming Mail (1950) as Russell
- The Thing from Another World (1951) as the space alien
- Big Jim McLain (1952) as Mal Baxter
- Carbine Williams (1952) as Leon Williams
- Hondo (1953) as Lennie
- Island in the Sky (1953) as Mac McMullen
- Them! (1954) as FBI Agent Robert Graham
- Many Rivers to Cross (1955) as Esau Hamilton
Gunsmoke TV Movies
- Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987)
- Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990)
- Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992)
- Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993)
- Gunsmoke: One Man’s Justice (1994)
Military Service (World War II)
Military Service
James Arness was a decorated American World War II veteran who served as an infantryman in the U.S. Army. He was drafted into military service after graduating from West High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During World War II, he was deployed to Italy, where he fought in the European Theater as part of the Allied campaign.
In January 1944, James Arness was severely wounded in the leg during combat in Italy. The injury was serious enough to require several months of treatment and recovery in military hospitals. After the war ended, he received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1945.
His military service had a lasting impact on both his personal life and professional career. The discipline, courage, and resilience he developed during the war helped shape his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, adding authenticity to one of television’s most iconic lawmen.
The leg injury he suffered during the war reportedly continued to cause discomfort throughout his years on Gunsmoke, but he remained dedicated to his work and never allowed it to prevent him from building one of the most successful acting careers in American television history.
James Arness Career Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| May 26, 1923 | Born James King Aurness in Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| 1942 | Graduates from West High School in Minneapolis |
| 1943 | Drafted into the U.S. Army for World War II |
| January 1944 | Severely wounded in the leg in Italy |
| 1945 | Honorably discharged from the U.S. Army |
| Late 1940s | Works various jobs and starts acting career |
| 1948 | Marries Virginia Chapman |
| Early 1950s | John Wayne becomes his mentor |
| 1951 | Stars in The Thing from Another World |
| May 23, 1950 | Daughter Jenny Lee Aurness born |
| February 18, 1952 | Son Rolf Aurness born |
| 1954 | Stars in Them! |
| 1955 | Begins playing Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke |
| 1963 | Divorces Virginia Chapman |
| 1968 | Donates 1,400-acre California ranch to Brandis Institute |
| May 12, 1975 | Daughter Jenny Lee Aurness passes away |
| 1975 | Gunsmoke ends after 20 seasons and 635 episodes |
| 1976 | First wife Virginia passes away from cancer |
| 1976 to 1979 | Stars as Zeb Macahan in How the West Was Won |
| 1978 | Marries Janet Surtees |
| 1987 | Stars in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge |
| 1990 to 1994 | Four more Gunsmoke TV movies |
| December 14, 2004 | Son Craig Aurness passes away |
| June 20, 2005 | Honored at Los Angeles City Hall |
| March 14, 2010 | Brother Peter Graves passes away |
| June 3, 2011 | James Arness passes away at age 88 |
James Arness Social Media Presence
James Arness passed away in 2011, before social media became the dominant form of celebrity communication. As a result, he never maintained an active social media presence during his lifetime. His legacy continues through fan tribute pages and official archives.
| Platform | Status |
|---|---|
| Official Website | jamesarness.com (legacy fan site) |
| Twitter / X | No personal account; fan tributes exist |
| No personal account; fan tributes exist | |
| Fan tribute pages exist |
His legacy continues through Gunsmoke fan clubs, the CBS archives, his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and numerous classic television history organizations. Millions of viewers who grew up watching Gunsmoke continue to remember James Arness as one of television’s greatest Western stars.
James Arness Net Worth
At the time of his death in 2011, James Arness’ estimated net worth was approximately $8 million. While no official financial records have confirmed this figure, it is widely reported by various entertainment and celebrity wealth sources.
His wealth was built primarily through his long and successful acting career. His principal sources of income included:
- His salary for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke (1955–1975).
- Residual and royalty income from Gunsmoke reruns and home video releases.
- Earnings from the five Gunsmoke reunion television films released between 1987 and 1994.
- His salary from How the West Was Won (1976–1979).
- Income from numerous feature films during the 1950s.
- Real estate investments, including his California ranch.
- Personal investments and savings accumulated throughout his decades-long acting career.
His financial success reflected more than 60 years of consistent work in American film and television.
James Arness Salary
The exact details of James Arness’ salary during his years on Gunsmoke have never been publicly disclosed. However, as the lead actor of one of the most successful television dramas in American history, he was widely regarded as one of the highest-paid television actors of his era.
By the final seasons of Gunsmoke, he reportedly earned a substantial salary along with additional compensation through production agreements and other contractual benefits. He also received significant compensation for returning as Marshal Matt Dillon in the Gunsmoke reunion films produced between 1987 and 1994, reflecting his lasting importance to CBS and the enduring popularity of the franchise.
Major Achievements
During a career spanning more than 60 years, James Arness earned numerous professional achievements and lasting recognition. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
- Portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for 20 consecutive seasons (1955–1975).
- Appeared in all 635 episodes of Gunsmoke, making him the only actor to appear in every episode.
- Received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
- Earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Starred in five Gunsmoke reunion television films between 1987 and 1994.
- Played Zeb Macahan in How the West Was Won (1976–1979).
- Starred in the science-fiction classics The Thing from Another World (1951) and Them! (1954).
- Honored on June 20, 2005, with a special resolution at Los Angeles City Hall presented by the Mayor of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles City Council, and the Los Angeles City Attorney.
- Served in the U.S. Army during World War II and received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat.
- Portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon across five different decades through the original series and reunion films.
These accomplishments reflect both his outstanding acting career and his lasting influence on American television history.
Is James Arness Still Alive?
No. James Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88. He died of natural causes after a long and distinguished life.
His passing was widely covered by major news organizations, including NPR, the Los Angeles Times, and CBS News. His younger brother, Peter Graves, had died only 15 months earlier, making that period especially difficult for the Arness family.
Recent Updates and Legacy (2026)
As of 2026, James Arness continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest Western actors in American television history. Episodes of Gunsmoke continue to air on classic television networks such as MeTV, INSP, and other specialty channels, introducing new generations of viewers to his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon.
His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame remains a popular destination for visitors in Los Angeles. The five Gunsmoke reunion films remain available through home media releases and streaming services, while fan organizations and television history groups continue to honor his legacy. His surviving son, Rolf Aurness, continues to live privately in California, preserving the family’s Norwegian-American heritage.
Lesser-Known Facts About James Arness
Here are some interesting facts about James Arness:
- His birth name was James King Aurness, and the family’s original surname was Aursnes in Norway.
- He stood 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall.
- He was the older brother of actor Peter Graves, best known for Mission: Impossible.
- His mother, Ruth Duesler Aurness, worked as a journalist at a time when few women held that profession.
- He served in World War II and was seriously wounded in Italy in January 1944.
- Before becoming an actor, he worked as a lumberjack, courier, and salesman.
- John Wayne personally mentored him and helped launch his Hollywood career.
- He portrayed the alien creature in The Thing from Another World (1951).
- He appeared in every one of the 635 episodes of Gunsmoke.
- He portrayed Matt Dillon across five different decades.
- He donated his large California ranch to the Brandis Institute in 1968.
- His son, Rolf Aurness, won the 1970 World Surfing Championship.
- His brother, Peter Graves, died on March 14, 2010, approximately 15 months before him.
- He received special recognition at Los Angeles City Hall on June 20, 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was James Arness’ height?
He stood 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall.
Who was James Arness’ brother?
His younger brother was actor Peter Graves, best known for starring in Mission: Impossible.
When did James Arness die?
He died on June 3, 2011, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88.
What was James Arness’ net worth?
His estimated net worth at the time of his death was approximately $8 million, although no official financial records have confirmed this figure.
How many children did James Arness have?
He had three children: adopted son Craig Aurness, biological son Rolf Aurness, and daughter Jenny Lee Aurness.
Who was James Arness’ wife?
He was married twice. His first wife was Virginia Chapman (1948–1963), and his second wife was Janet Surtees, whom he married in 1978 and remained with until his death in 2011.
What was James Arness’ shoe size?
His exact shoe size has never been publicly confirmed. Based on his height, various sources estimate that he likely wore between U.S. size 14 and 16, although this has never been officially verified.
Were James Arness and Peter Graves brothers?
Yes. James Arness and Peter Graves were brothers. Both were born with the surname Aurness, but Peter adopted the stage name Graves early in his acting career.
Does James Arness have a Wikipedia page?
Yes. James Arness has a dedicated Wikipedia page covering his acting career, military service, family, and personal life.
Did James Arness have conflicts with anyone on Gunsmoke?
There are no widely confirmed reports of major personal conflicts between James Arness and the cast of Gunsmoke. Although Dennis Weaver eventually left the series because of career goals and contract considerations, both actors remained respectful of one another.
Who was taller, John Wayne or James Arness?
James Arness was taller. He stood 6 feet 7 inches, while John Wayne stood approximately 6 feet 4 inches.
What was James Arness like in real life?
Friends, colleagues, and family members often described James Arness as quiet, humble, private, and family-oriented. He generally avoided Hollywood’s celebrity lifestyle and preferred spending time outdoors, fishing, surfing, and enjoying a peaceful personal life.
How much was James Arness paid per episode of Gunsmoke?
His exact per-episode salary has never been publicly confirmed. Various reports suggest that by the later seasons of Gunsmoke, he earned approximately $20,000 per episode, along with additional profit participation. However, these figures have not been officially verified.
How wealthy was James Arness when he died?
His estimated net worth at the time of his death in 2011 was approximately $8 million.
Who inherited James Arness’ estate?
Specific details regarding James Arness’ estate have not been publicly disclosed. Public reports indicate that his surviving family members, including Janet Surtees and Rolf Aurness, were among his heirs, but the exact distribution remains private.
Why did James Arness have a limp?
His limp resulted from a serious leg injury he suffered while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was wounded in combat in Italy in January 1944, and the injury caused him lifelong discomfort.
Did James Arness have any major illness?
No major long-term disease was publicly reported. He died of natural causes at the age of 88. His most significant health issue throughout adulthood was the lasting pain caused by his wartime leg injury.
Conclusion
James Arness remains one of the most legendary figures in American television history. From his birth in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 26, 1923, to his courageous service during World War II, and his life-changing mentorship under John Wayne, every chapter of his life contributed to an extraordinary legacy.
His portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke from 1955 to 1975 made him a household name across the United States. Appearing in all 635 episodes, he became the enduring symbol of justice, integrity, and quiet strength on the American frontier.
Beyond acting, he was a devoted father, a decorated war veteran, and the older brother of actor Peter Graves. His professionalism, humility, and remarkable body of work continue to inspire audiences, ensuring that James Arness will always be remembered as one of the greatest Western television actors of all time.