James Arness

James Arness was known and loved for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on TV’s legendary, long-running series, Gunsmoke. But guess what? Arness was also known as a devoted father of three children!

Arness married Virginia Chapman in 1948 and adopted her son, Craig. The couple welcomed their daughter, Jenny, in 1950 and another son, Rolf, in 1952. Whenever Arness wasn’t working, he spent time with his family. They lived together on a ranch in California, where Arness instilled in them a love of animals and the great outdoors. Arness gave the same love and attention to his grandchildren when they arrived!