'Gunsmoke' star James Arness died today

James Arness was born on May 26, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He started his career as a radio announcer in Minnesota in 1945.

'Gunsmoke' star James Arness, died today at age 88, at his home in Brentwood.

The affable actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon on the TV western series Gunsmoke, died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood, family spokesperson Ginny Fazer tells the Los Angeles Times.

The 6-foot, 7-inch Arness, brother of actor Peter Graves, starred in the Western from 1955 to 1975.

James served in World War II at Anzio where he was wounded. He was awarded a Purple Heart during his time in the service.

Jim Arness starred in many films, television movies, series and specials. The following is a listing of his many accomplishments.
Gunsmoke:
The longest running dramatic series ever produced- 1955-1975

The Farmer's Daughter:1947
Man from Texas : 1947
Roses are Red : 1947
Battleground :1949
Wagonmaster : 1950
Sierra :1950
Two Lost Worlds : 1950
Double Crossbones :1950
Stars in my Crown : 1950
Wyoming Mail : 1950
Calvary Scout : 1951
Belle le Grand :1951
Iron Man :1951
The Thing :1951
The People Against O-Hara:1951
Carbine Williams :1952
Hellgate :1952
The Girl in White :1952
Big Jim McLain :1952
Horizons West : 1952
Lone Hand :1953
Ride the Man Down : 1953
Island in the Sky :1953
Veils of Bagdad : 1953
Hondo : 1954
Her Twelve Men :1954
Them :1954
Flame of the Islands :1955
Many Rivers to Cross :1955
The Sea Chase :1955
Arizona Mission : 1956
Gun the Man Down :1956
The First Traveling Saleslady :1956

The Lone Ranger :1950
Lux Video Theatre "The Chase" :1954
Front Row Center : 1956
The Red Skelton Chevy Special :1959
The Chevrolet Golden Anniv. Show : 1961
A Salute to Television's 25th Anniv. :1972
The Macahans :1976
How The West Was Won : 1976 - 1979
The Alamo: 13 Days to Glory :1987
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge :1987
Red River :1988
Gunsmoke 2: The Last Apache :1990