Janet Surtees: Wife Of Late American Actor James Arness

Publish date: 2024-05-09

Janet Surtees earned fame as the spouse of a renowned American celebrity.

She became famous after her husband, the late American actor James Arness died in a car accident. 

He became famous for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke from 1955 to 1975.

Mrs. Surtees is quite secretive about her personal life.

Janet Surtees developed into a lovely young woman who enjoyed a happy, fulfilling life.

It’s hard to gauge her level of intelligence because her academic background is under wraps.

Who is Janet Surtees?

American Janet Surtees was born on February 15, 1947, to an unidentified pilot father and an unidentified mother. 

Her sibling was a year older than her. She was a pilot. Her nationality is USA.

Janet Surtees and her late husband, James Arness, made rare public appearances to honor various occasions.

In 2001, they both showed up at a book signing in Los Angeles to promote James’ autobiography.

Janet Surtees Career

When James Arness and his friend and his wife came to Janet’s place of employment for dinner, it was the first time James and Janet met.

They spent a wonderful day in one other’s company at Red Ridge Meadows in Mammoth Lakes a few days later. 

When they got home, James informed his future wife that he was leaving for Alaska and would only be able to contact her once he returned. 

But Janet said the star had yet to phone in over two months.

They ate together after James hadn’t called her in three months, quickly becoming an item.

James Arness was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, in Brentwood, Los Angeles. 

From 1948 until their divorce in 1960, James Arness was married to Virginia Chapman.

Although James Arness was hesitant to try his hand at television after being cast as Dillon, he ultimately gave it a shot. 

Gunsmoke was the longest-running drama in history.

He was a part of it for the entire 20 years until its cancellation in 1975. He received three Emmy nominations from this.

James Arness has also appeared in four television films based on the Gunsmoke franchise.

The most recent of which was 1992’s Gunsmoke IV. 

James Arness remained in the TV Western genre after the popularity of The Long Ride’s Gunsmoke.

How did Janet Surtees get married to James Arness?

James Arness wed Janet Surtees in a low-key wedding in 1978.

They were blissfully married and there for each other until the actor’s death in 2011.

Janet Surtees & James Arness Children

Janet Surtees and James Arness adopted Craig, the son of James’ first wife.

Rolf was born to them on February 18, 1952, and Craig was born to them on February 18, 1946.

He passed away on December 14, 2004.

Jenny Lee Arness, the couple’s only girl child, was born on May 23, 1950, but she took her own life by overdosing on drugs on May 12, 1975.

How Janet Surtees & James Arness separated?

When Janet Surtees’ husband, James Arness, passed away on June 3, 2011, their marriage ended. 

They were married for 33 years. She has not remarried since her husband’s death.

How old is Janet Surtees?

Janet Surtees was born on 15 February 1947. She turned 76 this year.

Janet Surtees net worth

Janet Surtees’ wealth has increased to $1 million.

She now owns everything that belonged to her late husband, James Arness. His fortune was $8 million when he passed away in 2011.

He starred in Gunsmoke from 1955 until 1975.

He became famous for his portrayal of Matt Dillon. After initially being paid $1,200 per episode, he renegotiated his contract to receive $20,000.

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