James Scott Bumgarner
- Born:
- April 7, 1928, Norman, Oklahoma, USA
- Died:
- July 19, 2014, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Producer
Early Life and Education
- Born James Scott Bumgarner in Norman, Oklahoma, to Mildred (Meek) and Weldon Warren Bumgarner.
- His mother died when he was five years old.
- He served in the United States Merchant Marine and the Army during the Korean War, receiving two Purple Hearts.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career with non-speaking roles.
- Rose to fame as Bret Maverick in the television series Maverick (1957-1962).
- Transitioned successfully to film, starring in numerous leading roles.
- Garner's versatility allowed him to excel in both comedic and dramatic roles.
- He established his own production company, Cherokee Productions.
- Won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Special for Decoration Day (1990).
- Received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for Murphy's Romance (1985).
Notable Works
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Toward the Unknown | Major Lincoln Bond |
| 1963 | The Great Escape | Flight Lieutenant Robert Hendley |
| 1964 | The Americanization of Emily | Lieutenant Commander Charles Madison |
| 1966 | Grand Prix | Pete Aron |
| 1982 | Victor Victoria | King Marchand |
| 1985 | Murphy's Romance | Murphy Jones |
| 2004 | The Notebook | Duke/Noah Calhoun |
Television Roles (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1957-1962 | Maverick | Bret Maverick |
| 1974-1980 | The Rockford Files | Jim Rockford |
| 1981 | Bret Maverick | Bret Maverick |
| 1994-1999 | Chicago Hope | Raymond "Ray" Black |
Legacy and Impact
James Garner was a highly respected actor known for his natural charisma, understated performances, and versatility across film and television. Further information on his career can be researched on resources like the 'james garner biography wiki'. He left behind a rich body of work that continues to entertain and inspire audiences.