How I Met & Married GUNSMOKE’s James Arness! Janet Arness with Bruce Boxleitner! A WORD ON WESTERNS
James Arness’ role as Marshal Matt Dillon made him an iconic hero to millions all over the world. During the 20th and final season of GUNSMOKE (1955-1975), Jim met and married his perfect soul mate, Janet Surtees. In this exclusive conversation with Janet, which ties a new conversation with with previous footage, you’ll find out how she and Jim met and where they dated. What was the relationship with his family like? Did Jim get along with his younger brother, Peter Graves (born Peter Aurness)? Janet also reveals what Jim thought of his former employer, John Wayne, and his reaction to Wayne’s surprise introduction of Jim on the very first episode of GUNSMOKE.
Plus Janet unveils boxes of mementoes that Jim collected over the years when she is joined by host Rob Word and Jim’s co-star from HOW THE WEST WAS WON, Bruce Boxleitner, at her home, April 2022, to talk about her husband and his legacy. Big Jim Arness’ attitude on and off the set are further discussed with Boxleitner and Janet Arness in an expanded interview with Rob recorded Nov 21, 2017, at The Autry. James Arness (May 26, 1923 – June 3, 2011) may not have realized it, but he had a very positive influence on young Boxleitner. Bruce was his co-star in, not only TV’s HOW THE WEST WAS WON (1976-79), but the remake of John Wayne’s classic, RED RIVER (1988), and Jim’s final appearance as Matt Dillon in GUNSMOKE: ONE MAN’S JUSTICE (1994).
