James Arness died today. He was many Americans' antidote to John Wayne. He had been in a real war, got seriously wounded, and every time we saw him climb on a horse he was in serious pain.
Marshal Dillon never got the girl, did not love his horse, wore only one gun and fired it reluctantly, usually drawing last but shooting straightest in dusty street duels. Over the years, the marshal was shot 30 times.
Mr. Arness was ideal for the part, a 6-foot-7 giant whose stoic personality was remarkably like his character’s. He had been reared in a family of Norwegian descent in Minnesota, an outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting. He came home from World War II a wounded, decorated and aimless veteran. He worked menial jobs, tried radio and was collecting veterans’ benefits when he drifted to Hollywood. ...NYT
According to an AP report, he left a letter for his fans.
