James Garner
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Full Name and Common Aliases

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James Garner's full name was James Scott Bumgarner. He is often referred to by his nickname "Jim" in various sources.

Birth and Death Dates

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Born on July 7, 1928, in Norman, Oklahoma
Passed away on July 19, 2014, at the age of 86

Nationality and Profession(s)

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James Garner was an American actor, producer, and philanthropist. He is best known for his work in television and film.

Early Life and Background

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Born as James Scott Bumgarner, he grew up in a family of modest means. His father abandoned the family when Jim was just two years old, which led to a difficult childhood marked by poverty and hardship. Despite these challenges, Garner's mother instilled in him a love for reading, music, and storytelling.

Garner began his education at Norman High School but dropped out in 1944 to join the U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. He served as a radio operator and gunner on a B-29 bomber and later became a flight engineer.

Major Accomplishments

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After being honorably discharged from the USAAF, Garner began his acting career in the late 1950s. He landed small roles in television shows before gaining prominence with his breakout performance in the Western series "Maverick" (1958-1962). His charismatic on-screen presence and quick wit made him an instant fan favorite.

Garner's success in "Maverick" paved the way for other notable roles, including:

The Great Escape (1963): A critically acclaimed film where he portrayed the role of Lieutenant Colonel Robert "Bob" Hendley.
Marlowe (1969): Garner starred as private investigator Philip Marlowe in this crime drama.
The Rockford Files (1974-1980, 1996-1999): He played the lead role of James Rockford, a former private investigator turned insurance detective.

Notable Works or Actions

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Throughout his career, Garner continued to act in various film and television projects. Some notable works include:

Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) - A comedy Western where he starred alongside Joan Hackett.
Victory at Entebbe (1976) - A made-for-TV movie based on the real-life rescue of Israeli hostages from Uganda.

Impact and Legacy

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James Garner's impact on American entertainment cannot be overstated. He was a trailblazer for many actors, including those from diverse backgrounds. His commitment to social justice and philanthropy set an example for future generations.

Garner received numerous awards throughout his career, including:

Three Emmy nominations and one win
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1975)
The American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award (2004)

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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James Garner is widely remembered for his charismatic on-screen presence, quick wit, and commitment to social justice. His roles in "Maverick" and "The Rockford Files" remain iconic, while his performances in films like "The Great Escape" showcase his dramatic range.

Garner's legacy extends beyond his acting career; he was also a devoted philanthropist and advocate for various causes.