James Arness: Marshal Matt Dillon of Gunsmoke Dies at 88

James Arness was an American actor. Born James Aurness on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, he stood six feet seven inches tall and was wounded at Anzio in World War II.

He starred as Marshal Matt Dillon in the Western Gunsmoke for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, the longest-running prime-time drama of its time. He also starred in the sci-fi film The Thing from Another World and in the series How the West Was Won.

He was the older brother of actor Peter Graves. Arness died at his home in Brentwood, California, on June 3, 2011, at age 88.

Achievements: Starred in Gunsmoke for 20 years, Golden Globe nominations.

Birth: May 26, 1923 - Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Profession: Actor.

Interesting Facts: He was the older brother of Peter Graves.