James Garner

James Garner
Warner Brothers Television · Public domain · source
Name	James Garner
Caption	Garner in 1963
Birth name	James Scott Bumgarner
Birth date	7 April 1928
Birth place	Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
Death date	19 July 2014
Death place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, producer
Yearsactive	1954–2014
Spouse	Lois Clarke (m. 1956)

James Garner was an acclaimed American actor and producer whose career spanned over five decades, renowned for his charismatic, everyman persona in both television and film. He rose to fame playing the charming gambler Bret Maverick in the Western series Maverick and later achieved iconic status as the reluctant detective Jim Rockford in the crime drama The Rockford Files. Garner's naturalistic acting style and ability to blend humor with toughness made him a beloved figure, earning him numerous accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award and nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award.

Early life and education

Born James Scott Bumgarner in Norman, Oklahoma, he was the youngest of three sons. His mother died when he was five, and after his father moved to Los Angeles, Garner and his brothers were raised by relatives. He attended Norman High School but left to join the United States Merchant Marine at age sixteen. He later finished high school and briefly attended the University of Oklahoma, though he did not graduate, before being drafted into military service.

Military service

Garner served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a rifleman in the 5th Regimental Combat Team and saw significant combat, receiving the Purple Heart after being wounded in the face and hand by shrapnel from mortar fire. His service also earned him the Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. This experience profoundly affected him and later informed the weary, pragmatic quality of many of his screen characters.

Acting career

Garner's acting career began with a non-speaking role in the Broadway production of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. He was discovered by a talent agent and signed with Warner Bros., making his film debut in Toward the Unknown. His breakthrough came starring as Bret Maverick in the television Western Maverick from 1957 to 1960, where his witty, anti-heroic performance distinguished him. He successfully transitioned to film with notable roles in comedies like The Thrill of It All with Doris Day and dramas such as The Great Escape alongside Steve McQueen. In the 1970s, he returned to television triumphantly with The Rockford Files, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award. His later film work included acclaimed performances in Murphy's Romance, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, and The Notebook.

Personal life

Garner married Lois Clarke in 1956 after a two-week courtship, and their marriage lasted until his death. They had one daughter together, Greta Garner, and he adopted Clarke's daughter from a previous marriage, Kimberly Garner. An avid golfer, he was a longtime member of the Bel-Air Country Club and participated in numerous PGA Tour pro-am events. He was also a successful race car driver and team owner, competing in events like the Baja 1000 and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Politically, he was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party and was active in various charitable causes.

Filmography and awards

Garner's extensive filmography includes over 50 films and numerous television series. Key film credits include The Americanization of Emily, Grand Prix, Victor/Victoria, and Space Cowboys. On television, beyond his defining series, he starred in notable telefilms like Barbarians at the Gate, winning a Screen Actors Guild Award. His accolades include a Primetime Emmy Award for The Rockford Files, a Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. He also received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Legacy and influence

James Garner is remembered as a defining American screen actor who mastered both comedy and drama with a uniquely relatable authenticity. His portrayal of Jim Rockford is considered a landmark in television, influencing a generation of flawed, humorous television detectives. Film critics like Roger Ebert often praised his effortless screen presence. His career demonstrated remarkable longevity and versatility, securing his status as a beloved icon of 20th-century American cinema and television's golden age. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and peers frequently cite his work as a benchmark for character-driven storytelling.

Category:American film actors Category:American television actors Category:People from Norman, Oklahoma