Introduction
James Garner was an American actor known for his versatile roles in both television and film. He became a household name through iconic series such as Maverick and The Rockford Files, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Garner’s enduring legacy was shaped not only by his acting talent but by his charm, work ethic, and ability to capture the hearts of audiences over several decades. This article takes a closer look at James Garner’s life, career, net worth, and more.
James Garner Bio
James Scott Bumgarner, better known as James Garner, was born on April 7, 1928, in Denver, Oklahoma, to Weldon Bumgarner and his wife. Tragically, his mother passed away when James was just five years old, and he was raised by his father alongside his two brothers. Growing up in a working-class family, Garner developed a love for sports and acting early on. He attended Norman High School in Oklahoma, excelling in athletics and academics before moving to California.
Garner enlisted in the California Army National Guard in the early 1950s, serving during the Korean War as a rifleman. His military service earned him several honors, including a Purple Heart, marking an important chapter in his life. After returning from the war, he pursued a career in acting, moving to Hollywood where his career would soon take off.
James Garner Net Worth
James Garner net worth at the time of his passing in 2014 was $20 million. Garner’s wealth came from his decades-long career in television and film, as well as from lucrative endorsement deals and residuals from his past projects. The success of Maverick and The Rockford Files provided him with significant earnings, and he also had a steady stream of income from his later roles in both film and television. Garner’s net worth was a testament to his continued relevance in Hollywood, even after the peak of his career.
James Garner Age and Height
James Garner’s birthdate is April 7, 1928, meaning he was 86 years old at the time of his passing on July 19, 2014. He stood at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm), a stature that added to his commanding presence both on and off-screen.
James Garner Education
Garner’s early education took place in Oklahoma, where he attended both Hollywood High School and Norman High School, developing an interest in acting and sports. He briefly enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, but after enlisting in the military, his focus shifted towards his career in entertainment. Garner’s time in the service and in Hollywood prepared him for a life that would intertwine with television and film, shaping him into the icon he would later become.
James Garner Career
James Garner’s career took off in the mid-1950s when he found his first major role in the Broadway production of The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial. Following this, he appeared in several television commercials and minor roles before landing the role of Bret Maverick in the 1957 Western television series Maverick. The show was an instant success, and Garner’s portrayal of the charming gambler made him a star. Garner continued to rise to prominence throughout the 1960s, starring in films such as The Great Escape (1963) alongside Steve McQueen and The Thrill of It All (1963) with Doris Day.
In the 1970s, Garner’s career shifted towards television again with the famous role of Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files (1974-1980). His portrayal of the laid-back but sharp private investigator earned him six Emmy nominations, with one win in 1977. The show became a defining moment in his career, cementing his status as a television legend.
James Garner continued to enjoy success in both film and television in the following decades, appearing in Murphy’s Romance (1985) with Sally Field, which earned him an Academy Award nomination, and returning as Maverick in a 1981 revival series. His later work included films such as Space Cowboys (2000) and The Notebook (2004), which showcased his versatility as an actor, with the latter earning him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination.
James Garner Family
James Garner was married to Lois Josephine Fleischman Clarke, whom he met in 1956. The couple had one daughter, Greta Garner, who went on to become an author and philanthropist. Garner’s family life remained relatively private, with the actor prioritizing his personal life over public appearances. Despite facing challenges in their marriage, including brief separations, Garner and Lois Clarke remained together until his death.
James Garner Relationship
James Garner’s marriage to Lois Clarke was the most prominent in his life. They had one daughter, Greta, and shared a relatively low-key but stable relationship. Garner rarely spoke about his personal life, preferring to keep his private affairs out of the public eye. Although the couple experienced some brief separations, they eventually reconciled and enjoyed a long-lasting partnership.
Real Estate
James Garner owned a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, which he purchased in 1966. The property, featuring a sprawling 5,000-square-foot home, was his residence until his passing in 2014. The house was sold by his family in 2020 for $10 million. The sale of this property was a notable moment in Garner’s legacy, as it had been a part of his life for nearly half a century. Garner’s real estate holdings were just one aspect of his diversified portfolio, which contributed to his overall wealth.
Conclusion
James Garner’s life and career were marked by a dedication to his craft and an enduring connection to his audience. From his breakthrough role in Maverick to his iconic portrayal of Jim Rockford, Garner left an indelible mark on Hollywood. With a career that spanned decades, Garner’s legacy is one of resilience, talent, and timeless performances. His estimated $20 million net worth at the time of his death reflects the immense success he achieved both in front of the camera and beyond.
Facts:
- Estimated Net Worth (2014): $20 million.
- Profession: Actor, producer, and voice actor.
- Famous For: His iconic roles in television series like Maverick (1957-1962) and The Rockford Files (1974-1980).
- Major Earnings: Garner’s wealth was accumulated from his extensive acting career in television, films, and commercials, alongside endorsement deals and residuals.
- Real Estate: Garner owned a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, which he purchased in 1966 and sold for $10 million in 2020.
- Academy Award Nomination: Garner earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in Murphy’s Romance (1985).
FAQs:
1. What was James Garner’s net worth at the time of his death?
James Garner’s net worth at the time of his passing in 2014 was estimated at $20 million.
2. How did James Garner make his money?
Garner made his fortune through his long-running acting career in both television and film, including his roles in Maverick and The Rockford Files. He also earned money from commercials, endorsements, and residuals from past projects.
3. What was James Garner’s most iconic role?
Garner is best remembered for his role as Bret Maverick in the 1957-1962 TV series Maverick and as private investigator Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files (1974-1980).
4. How tall was James Garner?
James Garner stood at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
5. Did James Garner own any property?
Yes, James Garner owned a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, which he purchased in 1966. This property was sold by his family for $10 million in 2020.
6. What James Garner married?
Yes, James Garner was married to Lois Josephine Fleischman Clarke. The couple had one daughter, Greta, and remained together until Garner’s death.
7. What military service did James Garner participate in?
James Garner served in the California Army National Guard during the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart for his service.
8. Was James Garner ever nominated for an Academy Award?
Yes, Garner received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in Murphy’s Romance (1985), in which he starred alongside Sally Field.
9. What are some of James Garner’s other notable films?
Apart from The Great Escape and Murphy’s Romance, Garner appeared in Space Cowboys (2000), The Notebook (2004), and Maverick (1994), which was a film adaptation of his 1957 television series.
10. What is James Garner’s legacy?
James Garner’s legacy is defined by his enduring popularity, versatile acting career, and beloved roles in iconic television series and films. He is remembered for his charisma, resilience, and ability to captivate audiences for over five decades.
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