James Scott Garner, born Bumgarner on April 7, 1928, died on July 19, 2014, was a famous American actor. He played important roles in many films, including The Great Escape (1963) with Steve McQueen and The Americanization of Emily (1964).
He also appeared in television series, playing memorable roles in 1950s Westerns such as Brett Maverick Unique and Jim Rockford on the 1970s private investigator show, Rockford Archives.
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- Full name: James Scott Bumgarner
- Other names: James Garner
- Date of Birth: April 7, 1928
- Age: 96 (as of 2024)
- Sex: Male
- Birthplace: Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Actor
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm)
- Parents: Weldon Warren Bumgarner and Mildred Scott
- Siblings: Jack Garner (brother)
- Spouse: Louise Clark (married 1956–2014)
- Children: Greta “Gigi” Garner (daughter)
- Relationship Status: Deceased (James Garner died on July 19, 2014)
- Net worth: $20 million
Early life and education
James Garner was born on April 7, 1928 in Norman, Oklahoma and is 96 years old. He grew up in an ordinary family along with his elder brother Jack Garner.
Garner, who is of English, Scottish and German descent, had a challenging childhood due to his mother’s premature death when he was four. His father raised three children alone and made a living as a carpet maker.
Despite these difficulties, Garner found solace in sports, especially basketball and soccer, while growing up.
After graduating from high school, Garner joined the U.S. Merchant Marine at age 16 and served in the final months of World War II.
After completing his military service, he briefly attended Hollywood High School before dropping out and working various odd jobs. It wasn’t until he was about 25 years old, while taking classes at the renowned Pasadena Playhouse, that Garner discovered his passion for acting. This pivotal moment set him on the path to a successful career in entertainment.
personal life
In 1956, James Garner married fellow actress Lois Clarke. Their love story began with a blind date arranged by a mutual friend. They fell in love at first sight, quickly became inseparable, and married shortly after.
During their nearly six decades of marriage, Garner and Clark developed a strong friendship and weathered life’s challenges together.
They welcomed their daughter, Greta “Gigi” Garner. Despite his thriving career, Garner is committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which speaks volumes about his devotion to his family.
However, like any marriage, their marriage faced its share of tests, including occasional rumors of infidelity that surfaced in the tabloids. Despite these challenges, Garner and Clark remained steadfast in their commitment to each other until Clark’s death in 2014.
Profession
James Garner’s acting career spans more than 60 years, and he has played a wide variety of roles in film and television. He made his acting debut in 1956 in the Broadway production of Court-Martial of the Caine Mutiny.
He shot to fame for his role in the hit TV series Bret Maverick Uniquewhich made him famous overnight.
Garner’s versatility as an actor allows him to seamlessly transition between different genres, from Westerns to Support your local sheriff! comedy The Great Escape and Murphy’s Romanceand was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for the film.
However, he played Jim Rockford in the long-running series Rockford Archives This won him widespread acclaim and multiple Emmy Awards.
Throughout his career, Garner remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his down-to-earth demeanor and effortless charm. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and entertainers to this day.
Awards
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series (1977, 1980)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama (1978)
- Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2005)
net worth
When James Garner died in 2014, his net worth was estimated to be around $20 million, a fortune he had accumulated through his lucrative career.
die
James Garner died on July 19, 2014 at his home in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 86. The cause of death was a heart attack.
dispute
James Garner has faced some controversy, such as the bondage scene in the 1984 film Glitter Dome and allegations that Steve McQueen believed he was having an affair with his first wife.
exist Glitter DomeGarner co-stars with Margot Kidder in a bondage scene in the film, which was directed by Stuart Margolin, who was also Rockford Archives.
Garner also allegedly accused McQueen of being convinced he was having an affair with McQueen’s first wife, Neal Adams. Garner also had a successful career as a Hollywood leading man in the 1950s and 1960s, starring in the following films: The Great Escape, The Americanization of Emilyand Grand Prixand Bret Maverick in the Western TV series Unique.
social media
- Instagram: No
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Filmography
- The Great Escape
- notebook
- The Americanization of Emily
- Victor Victoria
- Support your local sheriff!
