HR952 Summary

• James Arness died on June 3, 2011, at age 88 at his home in Los Angeles, California.

• Arness was born in Minneapolis and served in the US Army during World War II, where he was wounded at Anzio, Italy in 1944 and received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantryman Badge among other decorations.

• Arness began his acting career in 1947 and played Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke for 20 years starting in 1955, upon recommendation from John Wayne.

• Arness received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, induction into the Western Performers Hall of Fame, nomination for three Emmy Awards, and was chosen by People magazine as the 6th top television star of all time in 1989.

• The Alabama House of Representatives celebrates Arness's life, legacy, and contributions, and offers condolences to his family and admirers.