RIP: James Garner (1928-2014)

Brian in Mesa

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James Garner, star of 'Maverick' and 'The Rockford Files,' dies at 86

http://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-james-garner-dies-20140720-story.html

Actor James Garner, whose whimsical style in the 1950s TV Western “Maverick” led to a stellar career in TV and films such as “The Rockford Files” and his Oscar-nominated “Murphy's Romance,” has died, police said. He was 86.

He was found dead of natural causes Saturday evening at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles police officer Alonzo Iniquez said early Sunday.

Police responded to a call around 8 p.m. and confirmed Garner's identity from family members, Iniquez told The Associated Press.

There was no immediate word on a more specific cause of death. Garner had suffered a stroke in May 2008, just weeks after his 80th birthday.

Although he was adept at drama and action, Garner was best known for his low-key, wisecracking style, especially with his hit TV series, “Maverick” and “The Rockford Files.”

His quick-witted avoidance of conflict provided a refreshingly new take on the American hero, contrasting with the steely heroics of John Wayne and the fast trigger of Clint Eastwood.

Throughout his long film career, Garner demonstrated his versatility in comedies (”The Art of Love,” “A Man Could Get Killed,” “Skin Game”), suspense (”36 Hours,” “They Only Kill Their Masters,” “Marlowe”), Westerns (”Duel at Diablo,” “Hour of the Gun,” “Support Your Local Gunfighter”).

In the 1980s and 1990s, when most stars his age were considered over the hill, Garner's career remained strong.
 

AzStevenCal

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I'm sad. One of my heroes. Support Your Local Sheriff. Should be mandatory viewing for anyone that likes to laugh. RIP James.

Steve
 

ozzfloyd

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One of my favorites. He will be missed. I think a Maverick and Rockford Files binge watch is in the cards today.
 

Covert Rain

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I remember way back when my parents used to watch the Rockford Files religiously. I always liked him. R.I.P.
 

UncleChris

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I remember watching him in the late '50s and early 60's as Bret Maverick. The whole family loved him in that show.

RIP, fine sir. You will be remembered and missed.
 

DemsMyBoys

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I remember watching him in the late '50s and early 60's as Bret Maverick. The whole family loved him in that show.

RIP, fine sir. You will be remembered and missed.

He used to go to the races at the old Riverside Raceway in Southern California and I saw him a few times. (Bret Maverick! In person! I was over the moon.) He was well liked by both the drivers and the fans. He didn't pull the star card or expect special treatment. He was there for the racing and camaraderie.
 

Mainstreet

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There are many great memories provided by James Garner. RIP.

Whenever I go for tacos I usually think of him eating a taco at the beach for breakfast in "The Rockford Files." I thought that was so cool. Why couldn't I do that.
 
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