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  1. Home
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  3. All About 'Gunsmoke' Star James Arness' Love Life & Last Wife Janet

All About 'Gunsmoke' Star James Arness' Love Life & Last Wife Janet

Laura Pérez / May 16, 2025 - 02:30 pm

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Pinterest James Arness
(© IMAGO / Cinema Publishers Collection / IMAGO / Cinema Publishers Collection)

James Arness

James Arness was known for his 'Gunsmoke' role, as well as for his appearance on 'How the West Was Won' playing "Zeb".

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Pinterest Gunsmoke Facts TV Show trivia Western sponsored by L&M Cigarettes cast actors
(© IMAGO / Everett Collection)

James Arness on 'Gunsmoke'

The star married for the first time in 1948, to Virginia Chapman. Together, they welcomed a son named Rolf, and a daughter named Jenny, with Arness adopting Virginia's son Craig.

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Pinterest Gunsmoke Facts TV Show western trivia Finale episode cancelled cast actors
(© IMAGO / Mary Evans)

James Arness

Virginia and James ended up divorcing in 1963, with him being granted of their children's custody. Virginia tragically passed away in 1977 following an accidental overdose.

James then met American-German actress Thordis Brandt, with whom he had a six-year relationship.

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Pinterest James Arness And Janet Surtees
(© Getty Images)

James Arness And Janet Surtees

By 1978 the 'Gunsmoke' actor had found love again and married Janet Surtees. The pair reportedly met while she was working at a clothing store that Arness frequently visited.

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Pinterest Gunsmoke Facts Western TV Show Trivia cast Actor James Arness's WWII service
(© IMAGO / Ronald Grant)

James Arness

James and Janet were together for 33 years. Over the course of their marriage, they were often spotted together at public events, red-carpet ceremonies.

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Pinterest James Arness
(© imago/ZUMA Press)

James Arness

The pair remained married until James's 2011 death. The Hollywood icon died on June 3, 2011, in his Los Angeles home. James, who died from natural causes, was 88 at the time, with wife Janet by his side.

James Arness was best known for his portrayal of "Marshal Matt Dillon" in 'Gunsmoke', where he appeared for a total of 635 episodes from 1955 to 1975.

Inside 'Gunsmoke' Actor James Arness And Janet Surtees' Marriage

Apart from his show business career, the star married twice. At the time of his death, his wife was Janet Surtees.

Let's take a look back at his relationships!

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