He was a likable every man.
Whether in his icon TV roles as Maverick
or Jim Rockford
rom-coms with Doris Day
Julie Andrews
or Sally Field
tearjerkers like The Notebook
or even Polaroid Camera commercials
James Garner seemed like the kind of fellow you'd want to have a beer with in the backyard.
He never seemed to make himself out to be something he wasn't and he seems to have chosen his roles carefully in order to build on on his simple persona.
But oh my - he was sexy. You don't even mind him in the 1970s fashion. James Garner was a real man - nothing soft about this guy - and every role he played reflected that. He was always the hero.
He had a long career that really only slowed down in 2008 when he has a stroke. The public never tired of seeing him and likely never would have.
Garner was only nominated for one Oscar, for his delightful turn in Murphy's Romance, which I think is one of the loveliest love stories. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it!
James Garner has left us at age 86, but luckily for us, he will never really leave us, because his work will live on.
I can't help but think of Mike Post's iconic Rockford Files theme this morning and thought I would share a snippet.
Rockford Files Season 1 intro from jonathan bogner on Myspace.
Thank you Jim Garner - you were a class act and I will miss you!
Stay safe out there! xoxo wendy
I have to say that I really only knew him through The Notebook, although the Doris Day movies ring a few bells for me too. And maybe it's an American thing, but The Notebook was not my cup of tea movie wise…. I'm too much of a cynic!
ReplyDeleteHeidi - I think there are people who adore that movie and some who loathe it for the very reasons you note above!
DeleteYou have an encyclopedic movie head! Don't know that movie-- is this the sort of thing that Netflix would have? I do remember Rockford Files a bit. He sure had good hair!
ReplyDeleteLane - I do have a head for useless knowledge! I wonder if Netflix would have it - it is a grownup romance, which is always fun! And he kept that hair to the end!
DeleteHanging my head in shame, has he just died? I thought he had gone to the bourbon and whisky bar in the sky years ago,.
ReplyDeleteTabs - you are like Barry - he was sure Alan Arkin was dead long before Little Miss Sunshine! Still insists he is!
DeleteAh yes, the late, great Alan Arkin (in hushed tone), I have missed him so these years (;-)
DeleteDid he just die? I had not read that... must go brush up on my news. I really enjoyed his acting, loved him in The Notebook.
ReplyDeleteJust last evening! I loved him!
DeleteThat's sad, he was a lovely man. I watched The Rockford Files years ago, I should have another look at that. He had a very long marriage, which I think says a lot about him. Thanks for this Wendy!
ReplyDeleteWe were huge Rockford Files fans at my parent's house growing up - he was quite the rake!
DeleteI loved the Rockford files and especially enjoyed James Garner. I never saw Murphy's Romance, but am going to look for it today. Have a nice day, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteI did not realize he had passed either. Watched the Rockford Files and a ton of other movies/TV he was in. Very nice tribute my dear.
ReplyDeleteThanks! He was everywhere in the 70s!
DeleteNever missed an episode of Maverick or Rockford! Can't believe he was 86!
ReplyDeleteI know! I'm not sure if I thought he would be older or younger?
DeleteI grew up with the Rockford Files, that's how I'll remember him, he'll be missed but not forgotten.
ReplyDeleteNow I want to find the rockford files!
ReplyDeleteAll on Netflix, fantastic show, love the self deprecating humour of Jimbo! And the greatest supporting cast of character- Rocky and Angel. Worth taking a look.
DeleteRest in peace, James!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if he has a card game going in heaven, Rose!
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