James Arness Biography

Fast Facts

• Awarded a Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the WWII Victory Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and others for his service during WWII and Operation Shingle in which he was severely injured
• Hoped to fight as an aviator during WWII, but his 6'7" frame was far above the height limit, so he instead enlisted in the Army and served as a rifleman
• After graduating from Beloit College, he began his career in Hollywood by signing with RKO studios
• Would go on to best be known for his role of Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke", a role he would portray throughout five separate decades
• Co-stars would often have to stand on apple crates in order to be included in the shot with his 6'7" frame
• Older brother of the late Peter Graves