Rockford Rules!
James Garner is Jim Rockford to me. I know he has done a lot of other things, and I have even liked his other roles. But, Rockford Files is the one I identify with him the most. That chin of his and the troubles he found himself in were so much fun for me to watch. That being said, let's not forget that James Garner is Bret Maverick also. The Maverick show I admit I only caught in repeats, but I watched every one of them I could.
Looking back over his career now, I feel perfectly justified in being a huge fan of his from early on. If you'd like to be a fan too, keep reading to find out more about this star:
James Garner At A Glance
Born James Scott Bumgarner in Norman, OK, April 7, 1928. Attended University of Oklahoma; studied acting at Herbert Bergof Studios, New York. Served with U.S. Merchant Marines in Korean War (awarded Purple Heart). Married: Lois Clark, 1956; children: Greta, Kimberly, and Scott. Began career with stage production The Caine Mutiny Court Martial, early 1950s; offered contract with Warner Brothers, 1956; film debut, Toward the Unknown, 1956; title role in Maverick, 1957-62; title role in The Rockford Files, NBC-TV, 1974-79. Recipient: Emmy Awards, 1977 and 1986. Three Reasons To Love James Garner
- The Rockford Files
- Maverick
- Space Cowboys
Rockford Files Theme Song
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The Rockford Files: Own 'Em And Watch When You Want
Very Cool Truck Chase From The Rockford Files
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James Garner's Personal Life
James Garner is a big supporter for the University of Oklahoma, he often returns to Norman for school functions. For years he could be seen on the sidelines or up in the press box at Oklahoma Sooners football games. Garner received an honorary Doctor of Human Letters degree at OU in 1995. In 2003 to endow the James Garner Chair in the School of Drama, he donated $500,000, half of a pledged $1 million dollars, for the first endowed position at the drama school. Tom H. Orr, the Director for the School of Drama (Acting/Camera Acting) and the Artistic Director University Theatre, currently holds the James Garner Chair at the university. On April 21, 2006, a ten-foot tall bronze statue of Garner as Bret Maverick was unveiled in Garner's hometown of Norman, Oklahoma, with Garner present at the ceremony.
Garner is a strong Democratic Party supporter, contributing over $7500 to Democrats running for Federal office the past seven years, including Dennis Kucinich (for Congress in 2002), Richard Gephardt, John Kerry, Barbara Boxer, and various Democratic committees and groups. Since 1982 Garner has given at least $29,000 to Federal campaigns, and over $24,000 of that has been to the Democrats. For his role in the 1985 CBS miniseries Space, the character's party affiliation was changed from a Republican (as in the book) to reflect Garner's personal views. Prior to the entry of ex-San Francisco Mayor (later U.S. Senator) Dianne Feinstein, there was an effort by party leaders to persuade James Garner to seek the 1990 Democratic nomination for Governor of California.
James Garner Interview About Rockford Files
James Garner Interviewed By Bob Costas
James Garner Made For TV Movies
- 1978 The New Maverick
- 1982 The Long Summer of George Adams
- 1984 Heartsounds
- 1986 Promise (also producer)
- 1989 My Name is Bill W. (also producer)
- 1990 Decorations Day
- 1993 Barbarians at the Gate
- 1994 Breathing Lessons
- Rockford Files TV Movies
1974 The Rockford Files
1994 Rockford Files: I Still Love L.A
1995 Rockford Files: A Blessing In Disguise
1996 Rockford Files: If the Frame Fits
1996 Rockford Files: Friends and Foul Play
The Chevy Tahoe Commercial Poem
Narrated By James Garner
Chevy Tahoe: Nobody Knows It But Me
A commercial for the Chevy Tahoe. The poem "Nobody Knows It But Me" by Patrick O'Leary is read by James Garner.
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The Ultimate Gift
The Ultimate Gift
Amazon Price: $9.49 (as of 07/06/2009)
List Price: $14.98
Based on the best-selling book "The Ultimate Gift" by Jim Stovall, the story sends trust fund baby Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) on an improbable journey of discovery, having to answer the ultimate question: "What is the relationship between wealth and happiness?" Jason had a very simple relationship with his impossibly wealthy Grandfather, Howard "Red" Stevens (James Garner). He hated him. No heart-to-heart talks, no warm fuzzies, just cold hard cash. So of course he figured that when Red died, the whole "reading of the will" thing would be another simple cash transaction, that his Grandfather's money would allow him to continue living in the lifestyle to which he had become accustomed. But what Red left him was anything but simple. Red instead devised a plan for Jason to experience a crash course on life. Twelve tasks, which Red calls "gifts," each challenging Jason in an improbable way, the accumulation of which would change him forever.
James Garner Movies
James Garner's Commercial Work
James Garner Filmography
- Toward the Unknown, 1956
- The Girl He Left Behind, 1956
- Shoot-Out at Medicine Bend, 1957
- Sayonara, 1957
- Darby's Rangers, 1959
- Up Periscope, 1959
- Cash McCall, 1960
- The Children's Hour, 1962
- Boy's Night Out, 1962
- The Great Escape, 1963
- The Thrill of It All, 1963
- The Wheeler Dealers, 1963
- Move Over Darling, 1963
- The Americanization of Emily, 1964
- 36 Hours, 1965
- The Art of Love, 1965
- A Man Could Get Killed, 1966
- Duel at Diablo, 1966
- Mister Buddwing, 1966
- Grand Prix, 1966
- Hour of the Gun, 1967
- How Sweet It Is, 1968
- The Pink Jungle, 1968
- Marlowe, 1969
- Support Your Local Sheriff, 1969
- A Man Called Sledge, 1970
- Support Your Local Gunfighter, 1971
- Skin Game, 1971
- They Kill Their Masters, 1972
- One Little Indian, 1973
- The Castaway Cowboys, 1974
- H.E.A.L.T.H, 1979
- The Fan, 1981
- Victor/Victoria, 1982
- Tank, 1984
- Murphy's Romance, 1985
- Sunset, 1988
- Fire in the Sky, 1993
- Maverick, 1994
What Do You Think Of James Garner?
James Garner Television
His Series and Mini-Series
- 1957-60 Maverick
- 1971-72 Nichols
- 1974-79 Rockford Files
- 1981-82 and 1990 Bret Maverick
- 1991 Man of the People
- 1985 Space (mini-series)
- 1995 Larry McMurtry's Streets of Laredo (mini-series)
The Theme Song From Maverick
Who is the tall dark stranger there?
Maverick is his name!
Riding the trail to who knows where
Luck is his companion
Gamblin' is his game.
Smooth as the handle on a gun
Maverick is his name.
Wild as the wind in Oregon
Blowing up a canyon, easier to tame.
Riverboat ring your bell!
Fare thee well Annabelle!
Luck is the lady that he loves the best.
Natchez to New Orleans,
Livin' on jacks and queens,
Maverick is the legend of the west.
Maverick - The TV Series - Available From Amazon
![Maverick 1: Duel at Sundown [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/5174X70Y0ML._SL75_.jpg)
![Maverick: Shady Deal [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GM2PPKJ0L._SL75_.jpg)
![Maverick: According to Hoyle [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SY0EDVXSL._SL75_.jpg)
James Garner Guest Book
Leave your thoughts or opinions here, or just leave a note to say hello.
Emery wrote
I have always liked James Garner and his work. Even now, I watch some re-runs of Maverick and I certainly liked the movie, Maverick. The big let-down is to see the last paragraph of the "personal life", above. I have just about had it with all the liberalism from hollywood and am particularly disgusted by those who can't get through a conversation without soiling it with their left-leaning jibberish. I have not put Garner in this category, but I believe it is important to avoid political statements unless you are willing to lose fans and support.
Posted April 17, 2009
SurenenHappy wrote
I have watched Mr Garner since I was a child and wanted to thank him for sharing his talent and his presence with us. We are better because of him.
Posted September 06, 2008
TheInfamous7 wrote...
Splendid!! James Garner's a Legend!! Rockford Files, Great Escape, The Notebook..
This is a great SquidWho!!
Posted August 10, 2008
Tiddledeewinks wrote...
A wonderful tribute to one of my favorite actors. I love any actor who has been with one wife so long, such as Charleton Heston and Paul Newman and James Stewart.
Posted July 01, 2008
blue22d wrote...
One of my favorite actors. I always ready to watch anything he has done.
Posted May 22, 2008
mulberry wrote...
I love James Garner, this is a great page for those of who are fans!
Posted April 10, 2008
clouda9 wrote...
OMG I had to come here...I LOVE Jim, we are on a first name basis (at least in my mind :) A faithful fan of the Rockford Files...even in re-run. Anyone remember his sidekick Angel? Great mix of characters! Thanks for taking the time to share this great lens!
Posted April 07, 2008
chefkeem wrote...
I'm a huge fan of "Rockford". There's a lot here on your lens that I didn't know about James Garner and I had fun browsing. *****
Posted April 07, 2008
Bee wrote
I met James Garner in the early eighties at Gleneagles Golf Course in Scotland. I was anxious that he may not have been so nice in 'real life' as he seemed on the screen, but I wasn't disappointed. He was charming and lovely to talk to. I have been an even greater fan of his since then, following all of his films. My favourites are Victor/Victoria, Murphy's Romance and Space Cowboys. I would like to wish him a very happy eightieth birthday...and many more !!! xx
Posted April 07, 2008
Winter52 wrote...
My Dad loved his work. He was a big fan of the Maverick series. And now after seeing his latest photo, he reminds me of my Father-In-Law. Great lense btw... tons of info!
Posted April 07, 2008
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