James Garner

Person Score

 
9.4 Superb
86 votes

Your Score

Biography

Recent Role:
Grandpa Jim Egan (Episodes 40-76; special guest before that, 2004-05) on 8 Simple Rules
Gender:
Male
Born:
4-7-1928
Birthplace:
Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Birth Name:
James Scott Bumgarner
AKA:
Jim Garner, James Bumgarner, Jim Bumgarner
To the viewing public James Garner is James Rockford, the aimiable, human, often smart, often cool, but not infallible detective of the American television series 'The Rockford Files". It is that role above any others that has established him as one of the most popular film and television personalities in America. And indeed many of his film characters are variations of this street-wise, inventive, sometimes devious character, as shown in movies like 'The Americanization of Emily',"The Skin Game' and 'Support Your Local Sheriff'. Garner had his first chance to act when he appeared in a minorMore role in 'The Caine Mutiny Court Martial' on Broadway, having previously sampled various occupations, as well as serving in Korea(for which he received the Purple Heart). It was the original television series "Maverick" that initially brought him recognition. His film career then suffered in the early Sixties when, as Vice President of the Screen Actors Guild, he fought the studios over a contracts dispute. But, like Rockford, having endured some setbacks, Garner pulled through, beat the studios and went on to become a top star.

From the Forums

More Topics
  • "My Fellow Americans"

    I had a Blockbuster coupon for a free rental the other night and, having not seen this since it was out originally, I picked it up. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was still pretty damn funny. Not Garner's finest work by a long shot, but it was a breezy, fun comedy. I loved hisMore chemistry with Jack Lemmon and how good he was as the horndog ex-President. I think this was made right around the time of his Rockford reunion movies, and it's clear that Garner was still in great shape for a guy his age and still able to deliver a solid performance. Anyone else enjoy this one?

    1 comments, last one Dec 17, 2007
  • Welcome to the TV.com Forums for James Garner

    Welcome to the TV.com Forums for James Garner. Here is your area to discuss, dissect and debate all things about this person.

    1 comments, last one Nov 3, 2006
More Topics

James Garner News

More
  •  
    7 Good
    empty hide show

    James Garner is great at playing the "scrounger" in the Great Escape. I think he should have kept playing more rugged roles in movies. I saw another movie starring him and Dorris Day. It was called the Thrill of it all. He just wasn't as good. He needs to play a tougher character to really show his true acting ability. But He stil isn't bad in other roles too.:)

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    10 Perfect
    The only complaint is that he doesn't work as much as he used to...get this guy back on TV! hide show

    James Garner is one of my favorite actors, and the star of one of my favorite shows ("The Rockford Files"). He's an effortless performer, a guy who looks incredibly natural on screen and always turns in a good performance. Of course, he's best known for his TV work, but his film work is always good too.

    Maybe his success comes from the fact that he and his characters seem so relatable. Garner's men, whether they're Maverick or Rockford, are real people. He's not a he-man action star, but he's like a lot of us (or like a lot of us wish we'd be) - friendly, not the strongest or best looking guy but usually ready with a quip.

    I'd recommend (to any Garner fans who haven't seen it) "Twilight." In it, he plays an ex-cop/PI who's involved in a case Paul Newman's character is investigating. Not only is it a great piece for James Garner, but it's a very well-made modern day "film noir" and mystery.

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    10 Perfect
    a true actor,the real deal hide show

    James Garner to me is one of those few actors that seem like great guys, like one of those guys that if you met you're really get along with him, the buddy, the friend, the guy everyone wanted to be around. It's just a quality that I see in him (Kevin Spacey has it too) and just make shim very likeable.

    He always seems to be no strings attached, what you see is what you get, and what you see is an actor. An actor who loves to act, not for the money or the fame or the ladies but just to act; to perform for people and take on teh role of another character. It is for all these reasons that I love James Garner he's a true actor the real deal and an everyman all the same time. LOVE HIM!

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    9 Superb
    empty hide show

    James Garner is a true actor. You really believe that he got into acting because he loves it for what it is. You'll never see him in any tabloids and you won't hear any gossip about him. In his roles, you sense more realism than many other actor's who are considered more talented than he. Of all of his roles in all of his movies, my favorite has to be "Barbarians at the Gate."

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
  •  
    10 Perfect
    My male role model. hide show

    I've been a fan of James Garner the actor and James Garner the man since the original Maverick in 1957. I was 13 at the time.

    As the years past, what started as a kid's crush turned into great admiration for this remarkable man. Not is he one of the finest actors of his - or any - generation, he is an inspiring role model. In all these years, he has never let me down. In fact, my respect has only grown.

    Yes, I had a father, but he was worse than useless as a male role model, and James Garner gradually took over that part in my life. It makes me happy that he's finally getting the recognition as an actor that he's deserved all along. His kind of talent combined with his honesty, humility and integrity make him one of a kind.

    Do you agree?
     
    Report Abuse
 

Top Contributors

What is a TV.com Contributor?