Home Article The Enduring Love of Janet Surtees and James Arness

The Enduring Love of Janet Surtees and James Arness

Updated On 25 Aug, 2023 Published On 25 Aug, 2023
The Enduring Love of Janet Surtees and James Arness

Janet Surtees and James Arness are some of the alluring couples in the entertainment industry where the audience is waiting to know about their charismatic love affair. Let's find out about their love story and relationships.

Janet Surtees & James Arness' Love Story!

Have you heard about the first date between Janet Surtees and her late better half  James Arness? It was straight out of a romance novel, honey!

The Gunsmoke hunk whisked Surtees away to his mountain hideaway for a picturesque date. They had everything from horseback riding to a romantic picnic, complete with wine and cheese. It was like a dream come true!

Janet Surtees and James Arness were some of the powers in the show biz industry.  

After that amazing date, the professional actor didn't even call Janet for THREE WHOLE MONTHS. Can you even imagine? But props to the ex-celebrity wife, she refused to play the game and chase after him. Her dress shop boss was pushing her to pick up the phone, but she stood her ground.

Finally, the 6 feet 7 inches tall artist got his act together and called his beau up for a second date. It was like fireworks all over again. Who knew that such a bumpy start would lead to a 33-year marriage? But hey, that's Hollywood for you - full of surprises!

The Couple has an Incredible Wedding

Well, the famous star couple, Surtees and James wedding was nothing short of beautiful, with an intimate ceremony in 1978. Throughout their three decades of marital life, they experienced both heartache and true love. Hondo star's love for Janet was like no other. She was his rock through thick and thin.

Janet Surtees is the second wife of James.  

However, after having a long-lasting marriage affair, the celebrity duo do not share biological kids together, The two adopted Arness's first spouse's son Craige during their nuptial day.

After Arness passed away in 2011, Janet inherited all of his assets, which were worth a whopping $8 million. But don't think she's just sitting around counting her cash, honey. Janet is still alive and is busy doing charity work, making a difference in the world, just like her late husband did through his acting career.

To add more, the beautiful duo's love story is one for the ages, filled with both heartache and true love. And even though James is no longer with us, their love will live on forever.

James Arness Was Once Married Before Surtees

Before the beautiful lady, Janet entered his life, Arness had already experienced heartbreak and tragedy. The Western legend had been married once before, to the stunning actress Virginia Chapman. The love mates tied the knot in 1948 and had two children together, a son, Rolf, and a daughter Jenny.

But as the former couple's marriage progressed, it began to unravel. By the early 1960s, the better halve's relationship had deteriorated to the point of no return, and they eventually divorced in 1963. The TV personage was granted custody of their three children, a decision that would shape his life in many ways.

Unfortunately, tragedy struck again for the celeb when his beloved daughter Jenny passed away in 1975 from a drug overdose. She was only twenty-four years old at the time. The loss was devastating for the actor and his family, but they tried their best to move forward.

Just two years after the leading name's daughter's death, James suffered another devastating blow when his first wife Chapman passed away from an overdose of sleeping pills. It was a heartbreaking end to a tumultuous relationship, and it left Red River actor to pick up the pieces and carry on.

Despite the pain and heartbreak he endured, Arness remained a resilient and beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His legacy as a talented actor and loving father will always be remembered.

James Arness's Net Worth At The Time Of His Death

Well, Do you know James, the legendary actor who played Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for 20 years? He had an astonishing net worth of $8 million when he passed away in 2011. Similarly, he is the younger brother of Mission: Impossible star Peter Graves

Likewise, the renowned personality was one of the most iconic actors of his time, transitioning from radio to television and starring in numerous Western and sci-fi films. He was a true legend, and his work on Gunsmoke alone earned him a whopping $30 million!

Janet Surtees is a popular actor from Gunsmoke.  

Can you imagine making that much money just for playing a lawman on TV? It's crazy! And after contract negotiations, he was pulling in $20,000 per episode, which is the equivalent of $150,000 today. Talk about living the high life!

Also, the late artist started his career as a radio actor in the 1950s before transitioning to TV when Gunsmoke became a hit. He also appeared in five made-for-television Gunsmoke movies from 1987 to 1994.

In addition to Gunsmoke, the TV personality starred in other westerns, including How the West Was Won, and in science fiction films like Them! and The Thing from Another World. He also had a role in the short-lived series McClain's Law. Besides that during his 40s, he had a bobby of surfing and squatting on the sand.

Sadly, the big name passed away from natural causes at the age of eighty-eight. But he lived a truly remarkable life, having served in the United States Army where he had a severe leg injury during a World War II battle against Italy and even performing his own stunts on Gunsmoke alongside Roger Ewing. He was a true Hollywood icon, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.

For more celebrity entertainment articles, stay tuned at Married Wiki.

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