James Garner.

James Scott Bumgarner

Born 7 Apr 1928 Norman, United States

Died 19 Jul 2014 Brentwood, United States

Citizenship United States

Would Be 98 yr If Living

16 min read

Reading time

3,140

Words

Sep 25, 2026

Published

Awards

TL;DR

James Garner gained attention as Bret Maverick in the 1950s western series Maverick. But his most recognized role was as Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files, for which he won an Emmy in 1977. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Murphy’s Romance in 1985 and appeared in films like The Great Escape and Space Cowboys. Garner served in the Korean War, receiving two Purple Hearts, and later became a producer and director.

Identity & family.

KIN · 2

Names, aliases, and relatives of James Garner — birth name, kin, and personal ties.

Birth Name James Scott Bumgarner

Nicknames Slick, Jimbo, Jim, Jimmy

Spouses: Lois Josephine Fleischman
Siblings: Jack Garner

At a glance.

STATS

James Garner by the numbers — life, work, and family.

86 Years lived

9 Awards

1 Marriage

Who was James Garner?

BIOGRAPHY

James Garner — early life, career, personal life, and legacy.

Early life

On April 7, 1928, James Scott Bumgarner was born in Norman, Oklahoma. His mother Mildred died when he was young, and he and his two brothers were sent to live with different relatives. He dropped out of Norman High School at 16 to join the Merchant Marines, later serving in the Korean War with the 24th Infantry Division and earning two Purple Hearts. After the war, he worked over 70 jobs, from pumping gas to modeling Jantzen swimsuits, before a friend got him a non-speaking role in the Broadway play The Caine Mutiny Court Martial in 1954, which launched his acting career.

Career

Garner’s big break came when Warner Bros. cast him as Bret Maverick in the 1957 western series Maverick. The show’s success made him a star, but a contract dispute led him to leave in 1960. He returned to films, starring in The Great Escape 1963 alongside Steve McQueen and The Americanization of Emily 1964. His most widely known role came in 1974 as Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1977. Garner also starred in films like Support Your Local Sheriff! 1969 and Murphy’s Romance 1985, which earned him an Oscar nomination. Later roles included Barbarians at the Gate 1993 and Space Cowboys 2000.

Personal life

Garner married Lois Josephine Fleischman on August 17, 1956, just two weeks after meeting her at a political rally. They had one daughter, Gigi Garner, and Lois also had a daughter from a previous marriage. The couple separated briefly in 1979 due to Garner’s health struggles during The Rockford Files, but reconciled in 1981 and remained married until his death. Garner survived multiple health issues, including quintuple heart bypass surgery in 1988 and a stroke in 2008, which forced him to retire from acting.

Legacy

James Garner’s natural, charming performances redefined the American anti-hero on television. His portrayal of Jim Rockford influenced later TV detectives, and his work in Maverick and The Rockford Files remains beloved. In 2006, a bronze statue of him as Bret Maverick was unveiled in Norman, Oklahoma. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2005. Garner’s favorite of his own films was The Americanization of Emily. Many cite him as a role model for his integrity and philanthropy.

Awards & honors.

AWARDS · 9

Every award, honor, and recognition received by James Garner — Grammys, hall-of-fame inductions, civic honors, lifetime achievements.

Purple Heart
Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor
Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
TCA Career Achievement Award
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
National Defense Service Medal
United Nations Medal
Off-road Motorsports Hall of Fame

Notable quotes.

QUOTES · 10

A wall of memorable lines from James Garner — lyrics, interviews, and off-the-cuff remarks captured over a lifetime.

About Everything I Ever Have Done, in the Way of Lawsuits Against Studios, I’ve Won Them All, Because I Was Right Every Time.
Marriage Is Like the Army; Everyone Complains, but You’d Be Surprised at the Large Number of People Who Reenlist.
I Don’t Like to Speak in Public. It Scares the Devil Out of Me.
I Got into the Business to Put a Roof Over My Head. I Wasn’t Looking for Star Status. I Just Wanted to Keep Working.
Something Funny Happens as You Get Older, You Don’t Hold Back so Much.
My Wife and I Felt We’d Just Watch the Sunset. but Then, the Phone Started Ringing with All These Wonderful Offers.
When I’m Pushed, I Shove.
My Wife Would Leave Me If I Played a Republican.
Too Many Actors Have Run for Office. There’s One Difference Between Me and Them: I *Know* I’m Not Qualified. in My Opinion, Arnold Schwarzenegger Wasn’t Qualified to Be Governor of California. Ronald Reagan Wasn’t Qualified to Be Governor, Let Alone President. I Was a Vice President of the Screen Actors Guild When He Was Its President. My Duties Consisted of Attending Meetings and Voting. the Only Thing I Remember Is That Ronnie Never Had an Original Thought and That We Had to Tell Him What to Say. That’s No Way to Run a Union, Let Alone a State or a Country.
I’m a Spencer Tracy-type Actor. His Idea Was to Be on Time, Know Your Words, Hit Your Marks and Tell the Truth. Most Every Actor Tries to Make It Something It Isn’t or Looks for the Easy Way Out. I Don’t Think Acting Is That Difficult If You Can Put Yourself Aside and Do What the Writer Wrote.

Did you know?

FACTS · 50

Little-known facts about James Garner — origins, oddities, and behind-the-scenes details from a public life.

Before becoming an actor, he held at least 70 different jobs, including pumping gas, laying carpet alongside his father, and modeling men’s clothing.
He was a Korean War veteran assigned to the 24th Infantry Division and received two Purple Hearts. The first resulted from shrapnel wounds to his hands and face from a mortar round; the second occurred on April 24, 1951, when he was hit in the buttocks by friendly fire, which qualified as it happened during combat. He received the second medal in 1983.
He was deeply disappointed when The Rockford Files was canceled due to his health problems. After undergoing knee surgery and other issues, he accepted his doctor’s advice and did not object to NBC ending the show, resulting in a shortened sixth season.
His gym teacher at Hollywood High School recommended him for a modeling job with Jantzen bathing suits, which paid $25 an hour.
In July 1983 he filed a $16.5 million lawsuit against Universal Studios over profit disputes from The Rockford Files, charging breach of contract and fraud. It was settled out of court in 1989, and he would not disclose the amount, though his wife Lois reminded him to wipe the grin off his face.
He enjoyed great fame from Polaroid commercials with Mariette Hartley, which began in 1977. The duo was so convincing that Hartley had a T-shirt made reading I am not James Garner’s wife! More than 30 commercials aired over several years.
After suffering a severe stroke in May 2008, he underwent surgery.
In a 1973 interview, John Wayne named Garner as the best American actor.
He lost his mother at age 3, 4, or 5, depending on the interview, and he and his two brothers were sent to live with different relatives.
He volunteered with Save the Children.
On April 21, 2006, a ten-foot bronze statue of him as Bret Maverick was unveiled in Norman, Oklahoma, and he attended the ceremony.
He helped organize the Hollywood contingent of Martin Luther King’s March on Washington for civil rights.
He refused to shave his chest hair for any shirtless scenes.
In 2008 he planned to return to on-screen acting with a role on NCIS, but a stroke prevented him; the part went to Ralph Waite, who died five months before Garner.
He drove the pace car at the 1975, 1977, and 1985 Indianapolis 500 races.
While filming Grand Prix 1966, it was discovered he was too tall for Formula One cars. Seats were removed, and he sat on the frame with a towel or mat; taller roll bars were installed to match his height.
He studied Bruce Lee’s jeet kune do martial art after starring with Lee in Marlowe 1969.
His daughter Gigi Garner wrote two books and runs a talent management company, continuing his legacy through Cherokee Productions.
When invited to speak at the Summer Special Olympics in Norman, Oklahoma, he reminded officials he was run out of town for extracurricular activities and was glad to be invited back.
He underwent quintuple heart bypass surgery in 1988.
During The Rockford Files, he appeared in nearly every scene and did many stunts, injuring his back and knee, leading to hospitalization in 1979 with a bleeding ulcer.
He was absent from the start of Maverick‘s fourth season due to a contract dispute with Warner Bros., which he won in court in 1960, resulting in his release from the contract.
A street in Norman, Oklahoma is named James Garner Avenue.
He separated from wife Lois in 1979 because of overwork and health issues during The Rockford Files; they reconciled in September 1981.
He beat out Robert Blake for the lead role in The Rockford Files.
He was involved with many humanitarian causes.
He portrayed Wyatt Earp in two films: Hour of the Gun 1967 and Sunset 1988.
He dropped out of Norman High School but earned his diploma while in the US Army.
His favorite of all his films was The Americanization of Emily 1964.
He once owned a 400-acre vineyard in Santa Ynez, California, called White Rhino, and bottled a Chardonnay called Chateau Jimbeaux.
He played Bret Maverick on four different series: Sugarfoot, Maverick, Young Maverick, and Bret Maverick, plus a TV movie and a feature film; he also played the father of Bret in Maverick 1994.
He had both knees replaced in 2000.
He changed his last name from Bumgarner to Garner when he signed with Warner Bros. in 1956. He was credited as Jim Bumgarner for his two stage roles, including a non-speaking part in Broadway’s The Caine Mutiny Court Martial; he hated speaking in public and never took another stage role.
From 1985 to 1989, he was the TV and radio spokesman for Mazda, earning $1 million per year plus one vehicle of his choice: three RX-7s and one truck.
He was a heavy smoker until 1988, when he underwent emergency heart bypass surgery, but he did not fully quit until 2005.
Early in his career, he appeared as a judge in Broadway’s The Caine Mutiny Court Martial; he said listening was as important as speaking as an actor.
In 1995, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, one month after the Oklahoma City bombing. He spoke of the toughness and dignity of Oklahomans.
He married Lois Clarke at the Beverly Hills Court House in 1956, two weeks after meeting at a political rally for Adlai Stevenson.
At Norman High School, he played football, basketball, golf, and competed in track.
He starred on three popular television series: Maverick, The Rockford Files, and 8 Simple Rules.
He narrated the intro videos for the University of Oklahoma football team as they entered the stadium.
He sued Universal Pictures again in 1998 for $2.2 million over syndication royalties, claiming the studio deceived him and suppressed information.
He broke 12 ribs when thrown from a mechanical bull while shooting Maverick 1981.
He was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1990.
He underwent emergency quintuple heart bypass surgery on April 22, 1988.
He cut back on cigarettes after the 1988 heart bypass surgery but did not fully quit until 2005.
He was the first actor to co-star with Julie Andrews in three movies: The Americanization of Emily 1964, Victor/Victoria 1982, and One Special Night 1999.
He survived multiple health issues, including knee surgery, a bleeding ulcer, quintuple bypass heart surgery, a fall, emergency surgery to unblock an artery, and a stroke.
He had two older brothers: Jack Garner died 2011 and Charlie Bumgarner died 1985.
He was inducted into the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1978 same year as Steve McQueen and the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1986.

You wanted to know.

FAQ · 42

Quick answers to the questions readers ask most about James Garner.

When was James Garner born?

James Garner was born on April 7, 1928. He was born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA.
Where was James Garner born?

He was born in Norman, Oklahoma, USA. Norman is also where a statue of him as Bret Maverick was later unveiled in 2006.
When did James Garner die?

James Garner died on July 19, 2014. He was 86 years old at the time of his death.
Where did James Garner die?

He died at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA. The cause was acute myocardial infarction, a heart attack.
How did James Garner die?

He died of acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. He passed away at his home in Brentwood, California on July 19, 2014.
How old was James Garner when he died?

James Garner was 86 years old when he died on July 19, 2014. He had experienced several health issues in his later years.
What was James Garner's real name?

His birth name was James Scott Bumgarner. He changed it to James Garner when he signed with Warner Bros. in 1956.
What did James Garner do for a living?

James Garner was an actor, producer, and director. He is best known for his roles in television series such as Maverick and The Rockford Files.
What nationality was James Garner?

He was an American. He was born in Norman, Oklahoma, and served in the US Merchant Marines and the US Army during the Korean War.
What language did James Garner speak?

His native language was English. He was born and raised in the United States.
Who was James Garner married to?

He was married to Lois Josephine Fleischman. They were married on August 17, 1956, and remained together until his death in 2014.
Did James Garner have children?

Yes, he had a daughter named Gigi Garner with his wife Lois. Lois also had a daughter from a previous marriage.
Did James Garner have siblings?

Yes, he had two older brothers: Jack Garner and Charlie Bumgarner. Jack died in 2011 and Charlie died in 1985.
Where did James Garner go to school?

He attended Norman High School, Hollywood High School, and the University of Oklahoma. He earned his high school diploma while in the US Army.
What awards did James Garner win?

He won numerous awards including a Primetime Emmy for The Rockford Files, a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, and two Purple Hearts for his service in the Korean War.
How many awards did James Garner win?

He won nine major awards, including the Purple Heart, an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
What is James Garner best known for?

He is best known for playing Bret Maverick in the western series Maverick 1957 and Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files 1974. He also starred in films like The Great Escape and Murphy’s Romance.
How tall was James Garner?

James Garner was 6 feet 4 inches tall, which is about 1.92 meters. His height sometimes caused issues, such as when he was too tall to fit properly in Formula One cars during filming of Grand Prix.
What were James Garner's nicknames?

He had several nicknames, including Slick, Jimbo, Jim, and Jimmy. These were used by friends and colleagues throughout his life.
Did James Garner serve in the military?

Yes, he served in the US Army during the Korean War as part of the 24th Infantry Division. He was wounded twice and received two Purple Hearts.
How did James Garner get his start in acting?

He started with a non-speaking role in the Broadway play The Caine Mutiny Court Martial in 1954. This led to small TV roles and eventually a contract with Warner Bros.
Why did James Garner leave Maverick?

He left the series in 1960 due to a contract dispute with Warner Bros. He sued and won, being released from his contract after the court ruled in his favor.
What was James Garner's favorite film he starred in?

He often said The Americanization of Emily 1964 was his favorite film. He co-starred with Julie Andrews in that movie.
Did James Garner do his own stunts?

Yes, he performed many of his own stunts on The Rockford Files, leading to injuries including a back injury and knee problems. His health issues contributed to the show’s cancellation.
Did James Garner have any brushes with the law?

In 1983 he sued Universal Studios for $16.5 million over profit disputes from The Rockford Files. The case was settled out of court in 1989, and he could not disclose the amount.
What happened to James Garner's mother?

His mother Mildred died when he was very young, between ages 3 and 5 depending on the interview. He and his brothers were then raised by different relatives.
Did James Garner ever return to the stage after his early career?

No, after his two stage roles as Jim Bumgarner, he never performed on stage again. He said he hated public speaking.
What charity work did James Garner do?

He volunteered with Save the Children and helped organize the Hollywood contingent for Martin Luther King’s March on Washington. He was involved in many humanitarian causes.
Was James Garner ever a spokesman for a product?

Yes, he was the television and radio spokesman for Mazda cars from 1985 to 1989, reportedly earning $1 million per year plus a vehicle. He also did popular Polaroid commercials with Mariette Hartley.
Did James Garner have any hobbies?

He was a car enthusiast and drove pace cars at the Indianapolis 500 in 1975, 1977, and 1985. He also owned a vineyard in Santa Ynez, California.
How did James Garner meet his wife?

He met Lois Clarke at a political rally for Democratic presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson in 1956. They were married two weeks later at the Beverly Hills Court House.
Did James Garner have any famous friends?

He was a student of Bruce Lee’s jeet kune do after co-starring with him in Marlowe 1969. John Wayne called him the best American actor in a 1973 interview.
What health problems did James Garner face?

He had a bleeding ulcer, knee surgery, quintuple heart bypass surgery in 1988, a stroke in 2008, and both knees replaced in 2000. He also had a mechanical bull accident that broke 12 ribs.
Was James Garner a smoker?

He was a heavy smoker until 1988, when he underwent emergency heart bypass surgery. He cut back then but did not fully quit until 2005.
Did James Garner receive any honorary degrees?

Yes, in 1995 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in his hometown of Norman. He spoke at the commencement ceremony about the Oklahoma City bombing.
What was James Garner's relationship with Julie Andrews?

He co-starred with Julie Andrews in three films: The Americanization of Emily 1964, Victor/Victoria 1982, and One Special Night 1999. He was the first actor to do so.
Did James Garner have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Yes, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is one of many honors recognizing his contributions to entertainment.
What is the Bret Maverick statue in Norman, Oklahoma?

A ten-foot bronze statue of James Garner as Bret Maverick was unveiled in Norman on April 21, 2006. Garner attended the unveiling ceremony.
Did James Garner win an Emmy?

Yes, he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role in The Rockford Files in 1977.
What was James Garner's first film role?

His first film role was in The Girl He Left Behind 1956, directed by David Butler who saw potential in him. He had small roles before that in television.
Did James Garner ever race cars?

He got interested in racing while filming Grand Prix 1966 and eventually supported a racing team. He also drove pace cars at three Indianapolis 500 races.
How many jobs did James Garner have before acting?

He claimed to have held at least 70 different jobs, including pumping gas, laying carpet, and modeling men’s clothing.

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Audited & updated by

Emma has 8 years of editorial experience and a very clear idea of what a good biography looks like. At Famousy, she runs the editorial operation and decides what meets the bar and what doesn't. She's the kind of editor who remembers the profiles she pushed back on more clearly than the ones she approved. That's not a complaint. That's exactly why the site reads the way it does.

Published on September 25, 2026

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