How I met and married James Arness of GUNSMOKE! Janet Arness with Bruce Boxleitner! A WORD ABOUT THE WEST

Gunsmoke star James Arness captured the hearts of viewers as Marshal Matt Dillon, but behind the scenes, his life was equally captivating. In a heartfelt interview, Janet Arness opens up about her marriage to the legendary actor, sharing intimate moments that paint a vivid picture of the man behind the badge.

Respected by his peers, Arness was especially admired by John Wayne, who left him in awe by introducing the very first episode of Gunsmoke. Their bond, however, went far beyond the screen. Jim and Wayne shared a birthday, and their friendship was built on years of working together in Hollywood’s Western classics. A particularly memorable moment came when the two celebrated their birthdays together, with Wayne’s generosity and larger-than-life personality shining through.

Though Arness was a quiet man, preferring surfing and flying to Hollywood’s glitz, he had a strong relationship with his brother Peter, who enjoyed the social scene. Despite their different lifestyles, their bond remained tight, adding another layer to Jim’s rich and complex personal life.

Janet also shares a humorous story about their wedding day, adding a personal touch to their life together. In a quirky twist, there wasn’t a single photo of her in her wedding dress during the preparations—a detail that brings a lighthearted element to their love story.