‘Gunsmoke’ Actor James Arness Changed His Family Name for Hollywood

Gunsmoke actor James Arness took his career in a direction that he never expected would happen. However, it all worked out in his favor. He made some changes to incorporate the advice that he received early in his career to pursue his profession in Hollywood. Arness was a name that became so closely tied to Gunsmoke that one couldn’t imagine one without the other.

‘Gunsmoke’ actor James Arness initially wanted a movie career

'Gunsmoke' James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon looking off to the side, wearing his cowboy costume.
James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images

Arness first tackled an acting career after he was discharged from serving in World War II, where he earned the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the American Campaign Medal, among honorable achievements. He started as a radio announcer for Minneapolis station WLOL in 1945, but he was determined to make a living in Hollywood.

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