R.I.P. James Garner

[J.T.B.]

I feel pretty bad about this news, I watch a "Rockford" or Maverick almost every day, and they were some of the formative shows of my childhood.

I can go on and on about his movies and shows, and maybe will later. But Garner was loved by the people who worked with him. Tom Selleck has said he couldn't believe what an atmosphere Garner had created on "Rockford," and how he seemed to respect and care about everybody doing every job and they in turn were fiercely loyal to him.

He had made a good life for himself and his wife of 57 years while always doing things his way. What more can you say?

 

[Christopher]

The very first, completely unedited episode of The Rockford Files is posted on YouTube along with others from the series. It's worth a look.

The entire series is available on Netflix streaming, and the first four of the eight revival movies are available through Netflix DVD rental.

 

[Shanndee]

I have to echo everything J.T.B. said. Maverick reruns and Rockford were 2 of the shows that got my family in the same room at the same time (MASH was the other). I loved the charisma he had as an actor, but when I saw a biography that showed the mutual respect that existed between the "star" and the crew I was impressed. And to have a marriage last that long in the entertainment industry is amazing.

He will be missed.

Oh, and I'll second the motion that Murphy's Romance is an unexpected gem!

 

[cooleddie74]

My mom adored that movie. Today's her birthday and she'd have loved watching it again. Garner's movies were usually pretty good.

 

[J.T.B.]

The very first, completely unedited episode of The Rockford Files is posted on YouTube along with others from the series. It's worth a look.

The only knock against the pilot is they didn't have Noah Beery Jr. as Rocky. Not that the actor they had was bad, but the Beery-Garner chemistry as father and son was magic.

I'm betting TCM will air The Americanization of Emily for a Garner tribute, and I'd highly recommend it. Another of Garner's savvy but reluctant good guy roles, it really ends up packing a punch and he and Julie Andrews are terrific. Another of his films based on a play, The Children's Hour, is also very good and definitely ahead of its time in looking at same-sex relationships.

 

[Melakon]

I have The Great Escape in my film library, so will have to watch it this week as a memorial service.

 

[Mojochi]

Awww, the last surviving American from The Great Escape. Just Attenborough (91) McCallum (81) & Leyton (75) left now

 

[Trekker4747]

R.I.P. James Garner

I know his TV-shows are pretty legendary but I personally remember him the most from his work on movies, such as The Great Escape, Fire in The Sky, My Fellow Americans..and so on.
a Fine actor who could both drama and comedy with ease.

An utter legend. RIP.

 

[Galileo7]

R.I.P. James Garner
You will always be Jim Rockford.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

I'm glad Murphy's Romance is getting mention, too. It's been years since I've seen it, but I remember enjoying it.

 

[Gary Mitchell]

Rest in peace Mr. Garner. Thanks for the entertainment.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Garner was hilarious in Maverick (the movie). Then again, everyone else in that film was, as well.

 

[Keith1701]

Dam liked that show
Legendary Actor Dies at 86
Dam I loved that show.
R.I.P. sir.

Rest in Peace, James ~~~ We all enjoyed you as Maverick and Jim Rockford too. You will be missed!!!!

 

[Locutus of Bored]

Another film, I'd like to bring up that seems to have been largely forgotten, is a film he did with Sally Field in the 80s called "Murphy's Romance."

It was my Mom's favorite movie when I was growing up, but one I could enjoy too.

RIP, sir.

 

[Amaris]

I'll say what I said in the other thread: He was an awesome actor, and just a cool guy all around. I was sure he was going to reach 100. Rest in peace, James.

 

[Australis]

Watched Sherrif last month, highly enjoyable.

I'd forgottern My Fellow Americans, a funny film. I can see I'll have to watch that, Maverick (movie), Space Cowboys again, real soon And track down Murphy's Romance, sounds like something I could get into.

 

[Nerys Myk]

One of my favorite actors.

RIP

 

[auntiehill]

This is very sad news indeed. I have very fond memories of watching Rockford Files with my mother.

 

[Aragorn]

Garner was hilarious in Maverick (the movie). Then again, everyone else in that film was, as well.

Was Zane Cooper actually Bret Maverick Sr. and a continuation of the TV show or not? James Garner said yes. Someone else (Richard Donner?) said no.

 

[Technobuilder]

Garner was hilarious in Maverick (the movie). Then again, everyone else in that film was, as well.

Was Zane Cooper actually Bret Maverick Sr. and a continuation of the TV show or not? James Garner said yes. Someone else (Richard Donner?) said no.

Well, I just got finished listening to James Garner's 'video autobiography' interview for the Archive of American Television (http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/james-garner) and that very topic was raised.

Garner said that originally Paul Newman was to play Zane Cooper, who would later be revealed to have been Maverick's Father all along but something fell apart with that and Garner was instead offered the role, however the fear was that him being cast would be a tip off to the later reveal that Zane was in fact Bret's Father, Bret Maverick Sr.

Mel Gibson played Bret Maverick Jr. and Garner was reprising one of his most famous roles as the original Bret Maverick. (But this couldn't be referenced in publicity due to the fact spoiling the ending.)

I think we can take it as a given regardless of what Richard Donner might say.