James Arness, a western star best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon on the hit series
Gunsmoke, has died. Arness left a message for fans on his Web site.
A Minnesota native, Arness earned a purple heart while serving in the Army during World War II.
One of the longest running shows in television history, Gunsmoke held audiences captive from 1955 to 1975.
Arness went on to appear in the mini-series, How the West Was Won, and star in the television show,
McClain's Law.
star Peter Graves, died last year.
Share your memories of James Arness.
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James Arness, the actor who gave life to Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, has passed away. Even after the show’s cancellation in 1975, Arness appeared in five Gunsmoke
movies, with Gunsmoke: One Man’s Justice
The 6-foot-7 actor — known for both his physical height and dominating presence on-screen — also picked up critical acclaim for his work on the show. Before working in Westerns, Arness appeared in science fiction films like Them!