One of the most under-rated actors in Hollywood, James Garner died in his Los Angeles home on Saturday, July 19, from natural causes. He was 86, and is survived by his wife and two daughters. Garner made a name for himself both in TV as well as in the film industry. He is famous for his role in the 1950s TV series, Maverick, where he played the role of Bret Maverick, a gambler who is always looking for a game along with his brother Bart. He also played the title role of Jim Rockford in the very popular TV series The Rockford Files, which aired in the 1970s.
1960s was the time when he worked in a number of classic films such as Willy Wyler’s The Children’s Hour, where he worked with Audrey Hepburn and Shirley Maclaine. He is also remembered for playing the role of Henley The Scrounger in the epic war movie The Great Escape. His other significant works include roles in movies like Sayonara and Grand Prix, among many others. Some of his recent works include Space Cowboys and The Notebook.
Garner had a difficult childhood as his mother died when he was just five years old and his father remarried soon after. He didn’t get along with his stepmother well, which finally led him to leave home at 14. Soon, he discontinued his studies when he found a well paying job as a swimsuit model. He joined the National Guard and Merchant Marine and even served in the Korean War. He came back to LA to become an actor.
He was a very independent and outspoken person as he filed a lawsuit against the studios of both Maverick and The Rockford Files when he felt that he was being treated badly, and won both times. He won the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in the year 2004 for his illustrious career in show business.
James Garner was an incredible man who will be remembered fondly for his professionalism towards his work.