Legendary television actor James Arness died on Friday, June 3, 2011, at the age of 88. Arness, famous for his role as Marshall Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke" from 1955 to 1975, died at his home in Brentwood, CA, from natural causes.c At 6 feet 7 inches, the actor was larger than life in projects that included "The Thing" and "How The West Was Won."c Within "Gunsmoke" alone, Arness worked with hundreds of actors, some of whom were up-and-coming at the time such as Harrison Ford, Burt Reynolds and Charles Bronson. In addition, he worked for John Wayne's film production company and made several movies with the iconic western star. In the history of television, only "The Simpsons" has enjoyed a longer prime-time run for a scripted series.c 

On his website, Arness wrote a letter to his fans that was to be posted after he died. In it, he mentioned his time in the military. "I was honored to have served in the army for my country," he wrote. "I was at Anzio during WWII and it makes you realize how very precious life is."

Arness is survived by his wife Janet, two sons and six grandchildren.