Introduction
James Garner was a legendary actor, producer, and voice artist who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over five decades, Garner appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, earning critical acclaim and a legion of fans worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore the life and legacy of James Garner, including his net worth, movies, affairs, biography, last days, wife, children, and more.
Early Life and Career
Biography
James Garner was born on April 7, 1928, in Norman, Oklahoma. His birth name was James Scott Bumgarner, and he was the youngest of three children. Garner’s mother died when he was just five years old, and his father remarried soon after. Garner had a difficult relationship with his stepmother and eventually ran away from home at the age of 14. He joined the United States Merchant Marine at 16 and later enlisted in the National Guard. After serving in the Korean War, Garner began his acting career, appearing in several stage productions and TV commercials.
Movies
Garner’s breakthrough role came in 1957 when he starred in the Western movie “Sayonara.” He went on to appear in numerous movies, including “The Great Escape,” “Support Your Local Sheriff!,” “The Notebook,” and “Maverick.” Garner was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1985 movie “Murphy’s Romance.”
Personal Life
Affairs
James Garner was married twice. His first marriage was to Lois Fleishman Clarke, with whom he had two daughters. The couple divorced in 1979 after 19 years of marriage. Garner later married actress Lois Chiles in 1984, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1988. Garner was rumored to have had affairs with several actresses, including Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrews.
Wife and Children
Garner’s first wife, Lois Fleishman Clarke, was a fellow student at Hollywood High School. The couple married in 1956 and had two daughters, Gigi and Kimberly. Garner’s second wife was actress Lois Chiles, whom he met on the set of the movie “The Fan.” The couple married in 1984 but divorced four years later. Garner was also the stepfather of Chiles’ son from a previous marriage.
Last Days and Legacy
Sad Last Days
James Garner passed away on July 19, 2014, at the age of 86. He had suffered a series of strokes in the years leading up to his death and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008. Garner’s daughter, Gigi, revealed in her memoir that her father’s last days were marked by confusion and sadness, as he struggled with the effects of Alzheimer’s.
Net Worth and IMDb
At the time of his death, James Garner had an estimated net worth of $20 million. He was ranked #7 on TV Guide’s list of the “50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time” and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1990. Garner’s IMDb page lists over 100 acting credits, making him one of the most prolific actors of his generation.
Conclusion
James Garner was a true Hollywood legend, whose talent and charisma made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. From his early days as a struggling actor to his later years as a respected elder statesman, Garner remained a consummate professional and a beloved figure to his fans. Though he may be gone, his legacy lives on through his movies, TV shows, and the memories of those who knew and loved him.
