Mr. Garner was the kindest man I had ever met. As a guy just out of the service and from East LA I was fortunate to get a job at Universal Studios as a runner and driver and got to drive him a few times. And what amazed me was that he always remembered my name... really made me feel special. It makes sense that his kindness was a result of his growing up. I actually cried on his passing... Although I did not really know him on a personal level, I always felt that he was a person I could call on for help. A friend... He was kind, tough, and fair... God bless him.. he was a real star & is missed. Gigi, thank you & your family for loaning him to us.
What a wonderful nice comment... and so true. So nice to see the persona I assume is really the way he was. So fortunate that you got to share some time with such a classy icon! Best wishes.
I worked in Hollywood in the 70s, delivery to the studios etc. I met a lot of industry people on many levels. It made me appreciate the good ones. I never met him but delivered to His people, lol They were always nice as were Dick Clark and his people. Lucky you met him. I know how that feels, as odd as it is to say. cheers
I watched this and at the end when Jerry Skinner talked about his death, I got really sad, almost in tears. James Garner was always my favorite, he was a man's man.
When you look up "Evolved Man" ,his picture's there. Even as a kid, although I understood little of a Rockford plot, something about him pulled you in. As an adult, I Really appreciate all he did, on AND off screen. He stood for racial justice, at a time when it was very dangerous, to do so.
My mum and dad were here from England on a vacation. I took them to Malibu for lunch. As we were walking towards the beach we passed by this man sitting in a lounger. It was James Garner and there was no-one else around. Well my mum and dad were over the moon seeing him. Before we got into the restaurant I thought I'd go and ask him if my mum and dad could have their photo taken with him. He was so lovely and said "of course" He was filming the Rockford Files movie. The next day a friend of mine was going to Malibu so she took the photo and James signed it and remembered my mum and dad. Such a wonderful down to earth man. So kind and not at all egotistical. I will never forget James Garner. Simply the best.
I lived in Ca for years and I saw him in a diner and I wanted to talk to him but I thought no. Leave him alone. It was still a thrill to see Jim Rockford in real life.
@@elvinposey5251 He was filming the Rockford Files movie he and was sitting outside so I stopped and talked to him and he was so lovely to me and my parents.
My father and James Garner were in the same platoon in Korea during the war they were actually wounded on the same day both Purple Heart recipients my dad now is buried at Arlington Cemetery lost him 11 years ago ..
Many years ago, I worked as a Production Assistant on a television pilot which starred James Garner. Part of my responsibility was to deliver scripts to the actors late at night after the writers made changes. The night I was to deliver the changes I could not, for the life of me, locate Mr. Garners house....(It was located on a poorly marked road in the hills and it was very late at night). I drove and drove, yet never found it and did not deliver the script. The next morning several production people told me I was in big trouble. They implied that my job might be on the line. Well, I met Mr, Garner in the elevator a few minutes later and told him that I was very sorry that I could not find his home the night before... He smiled kindly, and said ' Do not worry about it John....I would not have read that thing anyway".. He completely let me off the hook. For a young production assistant this was so unusual in a world where so many often mistreated him...I have never forgotten James Garner. First and foremost....He was a decent man.
John Sokoloff He was amazing and to treat everyone below him great respect. Now that is class act actor . Actors today could Def take a lesson from him. I meant someone worked on a set with Denzel Washington and he Def did thought he was above them. Rip James and def missed
He always made me feel good whenever I saw him on TV or film. I'm probably one of a couple of billion people who call him their favorite actor! Very few people affect people the way Jim did. A unique soul!
What a exceptional man he was and how wonderful of you to pay tribute to him in this way. I loved that you included what his daughter had to say. That was pretty special. Many thanks Jerry.
I always loved James Garner. He was one of my very favorites. He made decent movies and television. Not the crap so many are. He had such marvelous comedic timing. He could be so funny but not slapstick. He was a warm, kind human being. Thank you James, may you always Rest In Peace. 🥰🥰🥰
I would add Clint Walker (Cheyenne) RIP, to the small list of highly ethical, godly example & just plain decent actors! I highly respect & like James Garner too!
Michael Clonts yes he was. He had high standards in his life. James Gardner was one of the best. Its nice to hear the truth about these actors and what they meant to us. Today their a different breed. They make so much money that their not happy. Someday they will realize it
@John Smith i love your comment that james was tom selleck's role model on kindness. sounds like actor KEANU REEVES is exactly the same where he's given a lot of his salary to the lesser paid folks; helped them during serious family problems. jerry, check him out and do this on his life as well. big thanks! betty gordon, ames, iowa
James Garner was one of my all-time favorite actors. I never saw him in a role I didn't like. His integrity as a human being came through in every part I ever saw him play. I miss him as an actor and, more importantly, as the fine human being that he was.
I remember some 35 or so years ago, having a conversation with some guys about, aside from ourselves, who would we most like to have as a friend, what character on TV and the screen. Two of us said Jim Rockford. And, today, as I watch this series (up to the end of the third year of the series), I must say how much I really love James Garner's acting, how likeable he comes across as does his character who, though slick and a master of con, is full of integrity, good nature, brilliance, humor, kindness and strength. What a gift James Garner provided us as an actor and for me, especially, as the guy who makes Rockford Rockford.
As an Oakland Raider Fan, it was so cool to see James Garner on the sidelines rubbing elbows with the players! Seemed like a "just one of the guys" type. Plus he had one of the coolest cars with the Rockford Files.. that Firebird was the best! It was a great time to grow up in the 70's.
I grew up watching James Gardner as the Maverick, One of my favorite shows among many other great Movies he stared in. Now that I learned he Enlisted in the Military and served in Korea, my heart just dropped. We now know some 8-10 thousand of our servicemen were taken Prisoners , half never came back from , Siberia,Soviet Russia. My thoughts and admiration, respect for him and his service to our country, I was not aware of his sacrifices and pain he endured all these years . Married 50+ years. A real American Hero. We all miss him.
+sirvando vargas .. Wow! I never knew that many thousands of American servicemen were taken prisoners in Siberia, never even knew they were sent to Siberia, that is attrocious, wonder what happened with them that they never came back ? ~ Also what were they doing there, what was going on there that they were sent there ?
I got to see him up close once, on a movie set. He gave up part of his lunch break to take photos with people. My father also met him once when he visited at the place Dad worked. He was very kind, joked with Dad and sent home an autograph for me. Good people, may he rest in peace.
Thank you for making this. I never knew that Mr. Garner had been in the Merchant Marines or had fought in Korea. I watched the Rockford Files with my dad, and I remember him in Victor/Victoria (working with Julie Andrews again!). He had a "special something" in every one of his performances; now I know that it was simply who he was.
I remember James Garner mostly as Rockford. He is to be admired for surviving Hollywood without any scandals or Hollywood romances. I salute you, Rockford!
I read an interview of the helicopter pilot that flew the introduction scene where the helicopter chased Rockford's Firebird through the intro scene. It was a very entertaining read. He said the Firebird was seriously "built-up" but looked like a plain old brown Firebird. The scene had the helicopter fly up along the drivers side and showed Rockford wave to him and start laughing. He then proceeded to flat leave that helicopter in the dust. The pilot said the car was running well over 160 mph as it disappeared in across the desert, with Rockford laughing his head off. They both had a good laugh about it after that. ;^)
David Hollingsworth you have to watch James garners other great performances in films as diverse as The Great Escape,The Maverick,space cowboys , Murphys Romance , Move Over Darling ,Grand Prix ,Twilight , and A man called Sledgge . James Garner was a legend .
@@logicalnetwork1611 Yes, he was quite versatile, with lots of range. He's also in top form in The Children's Hour, Mr. Buddwing, The Hour of the Gun and Marlowe. Those films don't seem to get the credit or notoriety they deserve. Not huge hits, but well done and showcase Garner's acting chops. Imho.
I am not quite as old as you and am watching Rockford Files right now and Rockford just ordered a scotch and water in a bar for...90 cents. First season 1974.
allen richards, i am the same age. i have loved james' acting my entire life from maverick series until his death! what a kind, gentle, handsome, good actor james was, and that GORGEOUS SMILE with the mischivious eyes! betty gordon, ames, iowa fan
My husband and I are in our early 70's and enjoyed The Rockford Files the first time around, and now, 'Jim ' is helping us get through the pandemic on HULU. I, too, have quite painful knees in need of future surgery--I will use his stoicism as a life example in dealing with the pain--thanks James Garner.
I fell in love with Maverick when l was 9 years old. He was the most handsome man l had ever seen....and still is to this day. The greatest legacy a man can leave is that he was "an HONEST and a GOOD man" That would be his. He was one of GOD's SOLDIER's. He will be missed. Rest in Peace. 🍃♥️🕊
So did I. I loved all his Maverick shows and when I got my first horse I named him Maverick. He was a kind and warm and Sally Fields said he was a great kisser, made her knees weak. LOL
In 1968 when I was 17, James picked me up hitch hiking on the California coast road north of Malibu. He said he was going to pick up his daughter from school in Ventura. While passing along Point McGoo Naval rifle range he said, " You know me and my friend Steve McQueen did some shooting over there once." I thought he meant shooting guns. Duh? I said " You know Steve McQueen?" "Yeah" was his answer along with "Do you know who I am?" "Are you Dr. Kildare?" I stupidly said. He looked at me in wonder and said, "I'm James, James Garner." Then I got it. I'll never forget. Sweet man. Thanks for this story of his life.
James Garner was an awesome actor. The Movie Note Book was listed as his greatest performance but to me, ALL were classics.Thank you for the insight into this man. Hollywood will never put out actors of this caliber again. All the old great classic actors are gone or aging.
I get so nostalgic thinking about James Rockford - then I hear the music in my head...thanks for the memories JIm, you entertained us and we will remember you sir.
THIS I can say with absolute impunity. James Garner never delivered a bad performance on the screen. The gentleman he was. He was an Aries sign, known for their fire. Wonderful biography. I truly enjoy all of them you make.
I love James Gardner and Jack Kelly in Maverick. I looked forward to watching maverick every morning at eleven am. I also like the Rockford file's. James Gardner is a great actor.
What a lovely genuine man and a great actor, I can still watch him even after seeing it about 40 times on Xmas day in "The Great Escape"............thank you Mr a Garner, I once heard him say when I was young "I don't like the big guy, picking on the small guy" and it made a lasting impression on me and I've lived my life like that ever since.
James Garner deserved every Good fortune that he was Blessed with for bringing his viewers so many Laughs such Classic Material.... Jim Rockford, Brett Maverick, Wyatt Earp, Cash McCall, Lawman, just to name a few..... I still watch reruns of the Rockford files to this day....God bless James Garner....❤️💯❤️💯❤️🙏
I actually had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Garner in London one Saturday morning in the summer of 1981. He told me he was scheduled to play golf with Arnold Palmer later that day so we did not chat long. He was amazing and a sincerely nice guy, showing a great deal of interest in me and my US Naval service from a few years earlier. What a class act! I admired him in so many movies and TV shows! The world lost a great guy the day he died! :-) -- Blessings, all, JD
James Garner was one of my favourite actors. I never knew why 'The Rockford Files,' went off the TV so suddenly. I used to watch that show regularly and always looked forward to the next episode with anticipation. Now I truly know that James Garner was a true gentleman, just as he was portrayed on TV. It's nice to know that one of the people who you admired on TVwas just like he looked, a true gentleman who took up the cause of the powerless and fought against the 'big machine' and won. It really makes understand all the more that there are really good people wherever you go in life. And people who believe in the goodness and kindness wherever you go in life and that James Garner was one of those people.
My dad was also in the Korean war, He passed away in June of 1997 and I still miss him very much to this day...and I always will!! I would like to personally Thank EVERY service member, past and present, for their services....without you and your sacrifices, we'd have no country and no freedoms!
Loved James Garner, he was a decent man, which is rare in Hollywood, May he RIP and his name live on and be an example of how to live your life in Hollywood.
I met him twice at two Los Angeles Police golf tournaments. He was so friendly to everyone and never refused an autograph to anyone who asked. He was also a big supporter of the Police.
Met James at a Golf event at Desert Inn Las Vegas. The first thing noticeable was his large stature, smile and good vibes 🤝 I was 15 years old.1962 est.
No wonder I just loved watching this man.. He was not only so good looking, but a true and honest man who fought for his country , for which I am so thankful, and was faithful to his wife for 58 years. I JUST LOVED THIS GUY. I MISS YOU, JAMES GARNER.
As a child, I was a big fan of James, and his starring role in The Rockford Files. He brought a genuine frankness to his character, that was one of a kind. In later years, when James starred in the movie Maverick, along side Mel Gibson, & Jodie Foster, it was a real joy to see him on the big screen. He was a talented man, with a big heart, and a unique sense of humor. He will be truly missed.
James Garner has always been one of my favorite actors - beginning with Support Your Local Sheriff! I was on a business trip in Decatur, Alabama, with nothing to do one evening - so I went to see this movie by myself! I laughed out loud it was so funny! And that was only the beginning for; The Great Escape and The Rockford Files stands out! R.I.P. James Rockford!
I loved watching "Maverick", it was one of my favorite shows and later I never got tired of watching the reruns. James Garner was one in a million and is still missed by so many.
Here in the UK we missed out on Maverick (or at least I did) but we were lucky enough to get The Rockford Files, and I always remember James from The Great Escape too... a great Brit/Yank movie!
Yeah, I was always disappointed on the alternate weeks when it was Jack Kelly instead of James Garner in Maverick... although, sometimes, they were both in them... those were usually the best ones...
On James Garner: He was certainly one of my five favorite actors. He was gold no matter what he played. My personal favs were with Doris Day but my all time fav I've seen at least 4 times is Support Your Local Sheriff. Perfect role for him. He's one of just a handful of men actors that was truly tall dark and handsome. You were lucky Gigi to have had him as your loving dad
+junkyarddog47 Not TV. It would spoil the whole grace of his stories. Besides, this way he can keep telling the truthful back stories. Look how much bullsh*t is out there.
+junkyarddog47 I am watching a bunch of his narrations about the people I grew up watching, and every single one of them has left me in tears - but not necessarily tears of sadness.
What a man. My favorite actor of all time. He was a natural. He was so humble even with his great looks and even better personality. He went through many painful operations and times of depression but managed to overcome. What a great person.
What an extraordinary man. Growing up watching The Rockford Files, even when I was 10-14 years old I really appreciated what a great all rounder he was !! My sympathies to Gigi Garner...he must have been some dad !!!!! R.I.P. James Garner....from Tony in Ireland.
A stellar example of a life rightly lived, in spite of having a nightmare childhood and many life challenges. A beautiful man in every regard! And well done, Gigi, for honoring your dear dad in such an appropriate way!
James Garner was my fan favorite in the 50's. I was entertained and laughed non-stop in his comedic roles. And though he was a serious actor and great talent he would pull off comedy reaching the top bar!!! Thank you Gigi!
He was just worn out after The Rockford files. His knees were practically useless. He had a blast on that wonderful film Murphy's Romance. Jimmy was a class act. On and off the screen.
A friend of mine , pumping gas at a station in Jim's area . Jim would stop for gas, had a nondescript station wagon. My friend said he was a real nice guy, easy to talk with ,no pretense about Jim , and you're right about Jim's knees as he mentioned that to my friend in conversation ,he said they gave him much discomfort and he had trouble getting around .
Murphy's Romance was a great little film. Never got as much recognition as it deserved. Always felt there was a lot of James Garner in the character he played.
I loved Jim... My brother and I often trade "Rockfordisms", as they are... He had the best lines, and the most sincere delivery of any actor... Miss you, Jim... Rest In Peace...
He was one of my heroes. I watched him as a kid and became an actor and always appreciated his career and the man. Thanks for the video. I was from Montana, lived a few miles from where Gary Cooper was raised. The West let's a man be a man.
+th-cam.com/video/5lmNk-ubCug/w-d-xo.html Thank you, I once trumped through the snow trying to get to a Walmart in Helena. At the time i did not know Gary Cooper was from there. Thank you for commenting. Jerry
Absolutely! Mine too. A man's man! AND his book is Awesome!--you may drop the book as you read page 200...Guitarist Jesse Ed Davis is also from little old Norman OK. Amazing Jim ended up friends with John Belushi!
Loved Jim. A little too young to remember Maverick, but thought Jim Rockford was great...The kind of guy you could have a beer with, turns out the was a lot of Garner in Rockford. What a class act! And Jerry, speaking of Montana, have you considered doing a video on Custer? Would love to see that.
I met and spoke with Mr. Garner once. And I can honestly say that he was one of the nicest, and giving individuals that I ever had the pleasure of meeting. May he R.I.P.
Hello , My father fought side-by-side in the same platoon in the Korean war with Jim , dad sad Jim was 2 years older then most of the man in the platoon , so they called hem the old man , dad had a purple heart same time as Jim , we lost dad 9 years ago his name Robert E Owens ,Thank You ,, Mike Owens ( his son )
My great uncle was a Marine in the Pacific in WW2. I felt badly for the Korean Vets they were probably ignored as much as some of the WW2 Vets from the pacific war. Not intentionally, I think everyone was just getting down to the business of moving on. However there are the cruel folks here and there.The Korean War Vets have always seemed to be in the shadow and a tough breed. I am sorry for your loss, my regards and condolences. K. Patty
Mike O - From the son of a Korean War Veteran who passed away a year ago on Thanksgiving 2015, thanks for your fathers service & may your father rest in peace. May the God I pray to bless you and yours. Happy Thanksgiving.
When I read your comment it hit me that early on in his acting career he said he just wanted a good job. The fame never went to his head. You can not say that about modern Hollywood types. They don’t just want to be the smartest person in the room they think they are. James was one of the last good ones.
@@danoiddano6891 Thank you. I haven't gone to the movies in years. I saw Mr. Garner together with Paul Newman. They both were detectives, one good, the other corrupt. They had both aged quite a bit during that time. You never heard a bad word about either one. Both good, decent men, unlike what we have out there these days. Have a great week-end.
Omg I never knew anything about JG, even though I saw all of his movies and tv shows. I’m so glad I got to hear all about him. What an honorable stand up man. Loved listening to this. 🙂💕
Jerry, I think Jim would be proud of how you portrayed him... honest & to the point. He truly was an example to follow. Thanks for taking the time, to do this mini documentary on James Garner.
had two heroes in my life, one was my dad, the other James Garner. They were born in the same year and died in the same year. Both had one wife for life and did jobs they were born to do. No one could quite match my dad who was the greatest man I've ever known, but Garner was a great role-model
James Garner gave an award winning performance in the Notebook. That gets to me every time I watch it. Matter of fact there are many movies I watch just because he is in movie. He has always seemed like a person that you would be comfortable around.
Garner was a true class act and a gentleman of the first order. To spend a lifetime in the Hollywood celebrity milieu and never suffer a hint of scandal is a remarkable achievement and proof of his honesty, integrity and moral grounding. This, combined with his rugged individualism and refusal to be bullied by Hollywood's power brokers, paints a picture of an exceptional man. We are poorer for his absence.
I grew up watching James Garner from his show on Maverick all through his career I never missed a show of the Rockford files my brother and I loved it so he was such a good man truly somebody you can look up to in Hollywood in a town with not many to choose from I will always love my memories of James Garner
I also have been a lifelong fan, and luckily Direct TV is running Maverick which I have all scheduled to record so I do not miss any. Wish they were running The Rockford Files, I will keep checking.The Rockford Files is truly amazing!
James is an Oklahoma treasure and we so love him and respect him here still. Maverick was my favorite followed by the Rockford files. He was gorgeous, had a great sense of humor and loved his wonderful family and people in general. Thanks, Jim, for an example our kids can still aspire to. You are so greatly missed but you live on through your work and our memories !
I remember my Dad and I watching the Rockford Files and always enjoying the show. My Dad was also a Korean Vet and we loved watching The Great Escape. I'm a 30 year veteran myself and when you REALLY need something fast you don't go to the Supply SGT you go to the scrounger, the guy with connections. They're worth their weight in gold if you can find one. GODSPEED James Garner.
A man who is married to the same women and lives in the same house for over fifty years, is someone who didn’t let fame get to his head. A class act
QLLLQQL
Remarkable these days in particular
Woman
That he was.
How many women?
Mr. Garner was the kindest man I had ever met. As a guy just out of the service and from East LA I was fortunate to get a job at Universal Studios as a runner and driver and got to drive him a few times. And what amazed me was that he always remembered my name... really made me feel special. It makes sense that his kindness was a result of his growing up. I actually cried on his passing... Although I did not really know him on a personal level, I always felt that he was a person I could call on for help. A friend... He was kind, tough, and fair... God bless him.. he was a real star & is missed. Gigi, thank you & your family for loaning him to us.
He was a great actor.
What a remarkable life. And what an example of character. He was both handsome and a gentleman. Loved Murphy's Romance, great actor and humanbeing.🤠🙏👌
What a wonderful nice comment... and so true. So nice to see the persona I assume is really the way he was. So fortunate that you got to share some time with such a classy icon! Best wishes.
Very,verry cool, thanx
I worked in Hollywood in the 70s, delivery to the studios etc. I met a lot of industry people on many levels. It made me appreciate the good ones. I never met him but delivered to His people, lol They were always nice as were Dick Clark and his people. Lucky you met him. I know how that feels, as odd as it is to say. cheers
I watched this and at the end when Jerry Skinner talked about his death, I got really sad, almost in tears. James Garner was always my favorite, he was a man's man.
When you look up "Evolved Man" ,his picture's there. Even as a kid, although I understood little of a Rockford plot, something about him pulled you in. As an adult, I Really appreciate all he did, on AND off screen. He stood for racial justice, at a time when it was very dangerous, to do so.
I loved him in everything he did and a gorgeous hunk of manhood.
He certainly was!! I ALWAYS thot that. And I am holding back tears, just because he tried so hard, was a very GOOD person.
My mum and dad were here from England on a vacation.
I took them to Malibu for lunch. As we were walking towards the beach we passed by this man sitting in a lounger. It was James Garner and there was no-one else around. Well my mum and dad were over the moon seeing him.
Before we got into the restaurant I thought I'd go and ask him if my mum and dad could have their photo taken with him. He was so lovely and said "of course"
He was filming the Rockford Files movie.
The next day a friend of mine was going to Malibu so she took the photo and James signed it and remembered my mum and dad.
Such a wonderful down to earth man.
So kind and not at all egotistical. I will never forget James Garner. Simply the best.
I lived in Ca for years and I saw him in a diner and I wanted to talk to him but I thought no.
Leave him alone. It was still a thrill to see Jim Rockford in real life.
@@elvinposey5251 He was filming the Rockford Files movie he and was sitting outside so I stopped and talked to him and he was so lovely to me and my parents.
"Hello this is Jim Rockford"
I just loved that phone ringing and the recorded message. What a lovely man.
Chic for the time. .ha ha
My father and James Garner were in the same platoon in Korea during the war they were actually wounded on the same day both Purple Heart recipients my dad now is buried at Arlington Cemetery lost him 11 years ago ..
Respect.
I have the utmost respect to both your father, and James. May they both rest in peace.
My salutes and the deepest respects, to your dad and James Garner, the war heroes, truly brave and most courageous.
Wow that really is something, sorry for your loss. Neat story tho
I'm sorry for your loss.
I loved James Garner, his acting, the life he lived and the fact hw was married for so long, he was a great guy.
What a wonderful actor James Garner is. When you watched him he always came across with a kind heart.
I just loved his sense of humor he was so hilarious at times Tamara Koorengevel he really was a good man
I'm so glad he had no scandals. I don't know why. I'm also really glad he was married 58 yrs to one woman. It's nice to know it happened.
Me too.
he was a riot Mary Phillips I loved his sense of humor James Garner that is
Many years ago, I worked as a Production Assistant on a television pilot which starred James Garner. Part of my responsibility was to deliver scripts to the actors late at night after the writers made changes. The night I was to deliver the changes I could not, for the life of me, locate Mr. Garners house....(It was located on a poorly marked road in the hills and it was very late at night). I drove and drove, yet never found it and did not deliver the script. The next morning several production people told me I was in big trouble. They implied that my job might be on the line.
Well, I met Mr, Garner in the elevator a few minutes later and told him that I was very sorry that I could not find his home the night before... He smiled kindly, and said ' Do not worry about it John....I would not have read that thing anyway"..
He completely let me off the hook. For a young production assistant this was so unusual in a world where so many often mistreated him...I have never forgotten James Garner.
First and foremost....He was a decent man.
Lovely story.
John Sokoloff A truly wonderful man. 💋
John Sokoloff He was amazing and to treat everyone below him great respect. Now that is class act actor . Actors today could Def take a lesson from him. I meant someone worked on a set with Denzel Washington and he Def did thought he was above them. Rip James and def missed
That story brought tears. I can see him now telling you that. Very nice! James GARNER the kindest man in Hollywood...
John Sokoloff 6
Legendary actor, very handsome, no scandals, great man. Everybody loves James Garner.
He always made me feel good whenever I saw him on TV or film. I'm probably one of a couple of billion people who call him their favorite actor! Very few people affect people the way Jim did. A unique soul!
UR RITE SOOO TRUE.... ''''ONE OF A COUPLE OF BILLION'''' PEOPLE WHO CALL HIM THEIR FAVORITE.....RITE ON...
James Garner a real class act.....one of my favorites
Jerry Skinner please keep up the great work......love you.
What a exceptional man he was and how wonderful of you to pay tribute to him in this way. I loved that you included what his daughter had to say. That was pretty special. Many thanks Jerry.
James Gardner was a gentleman in a town full of scoundrels.
..and phonies.
Yes he sure was. I am now 70 and remember him fondly. Gigi, your Dad was a hero to me!
James Garner wasn't too bad either! lol
A lot of scurrilous people! Hey, when the pay off is big...weird things occur.
Well said!
I always loved James Garner. He was one of my very favorites. He made decent movies and television. Not the crap so many are. He had such marvelous comedic timing. He could be so funny but not slapstick. He was a warm, kind human being. Thank you James, may you always Rest In Peace. 🥰🥰🥰
I so AGREE.
Solid guy. 👍
It's hard to find high profile people with such high ethical standards as James Garner. Great actor, great human being.
ALWAYS APPRECIATED HIM AND DO EVEN MORE NOW.
More folks could use his moral compass today than ever.
I would add Clint Walker (Cheyenne) RIP, to the small list of highly ethical, godly example & just plain decent actors! I highly respect & like James Garner too!
Michael Clonts yes he was. He had high standards in his life. James Gardner was one of the best. Its nice to hear the truth about these actors and what they meant to us. Today their a different breed. They make so much money that their not happy. Someday they will realize it
@John Smith i love your comment that james was tom selleck's role model on kindness.
sounds like actor KEANU REEVES is exactly the same where he's given a lot of his salary to the lesser paid folks; helped them during serious family problems.
jerry, check him out and do this on his life as well. big thanks!
betty gordon, ames, iowa
No one is perfect to be sure, but you are right. It is a rarity to find a Hollywood professional who has such high morals.
James Garner was one of my all-time favorite actors. I never saw him in a role I didn't like. His integrity as a human being came through in every part I ever saw him play. I miss him as an actor and, more importantly, as the fine human being that he was.
I remember some 35 or so years ago, having a conversation with some guys about, aside from ourselves, who would we most like to have as a friend, what character on TV and the screen. Two of us said Jim Rockford. And, today, as I watch this series (up to the end of the third year of the series), I must say how much I really love James Garner's acting, how likeable he comes across as does his character who, though slick and a master of con, is full of integrity, good nature, brilliance, humor, kindness and strength. What a gift James Garner provided us as an actor and for me, especially, as the guy who makes Rockford Rockford.
As an Oakland Raider Fan, it was so cool to see James Garner on the sidelines rubbing elbows with the players! Seemed like a "just one of the guys" type. Plus he had one of the coolest cars with the Rockford Files.. that Firebird was the best! It was a great time to grow up in the 70's.
I grew up watching James Gardner as the Maverick, One of my favorite shows among many other great Movies he stared in. Now that I learned he Enlisted in the Military and served in Korea, my heart just dropped. We now know some 8-10 thousand of our servicemen were taken Prisoners , half never came back from , Siberia,Soviet Russia. My thoughts and admiration, respect for him and his service to our country, I was not aware of his sacrifices and pain he endured all these years . Married 50+ years. A real American Hero. We all miss him.
+sirvando vargas .. Wow! I never knew that many thousands of American servicemen were taken prisoners in Siberia, never even knew they were sent to Siberia, that is attrocious, wonder what happened with them that they never came back ? ~ Also what were they doing there, what was going on there that they were sent there ?
they used to call it "brainwashing"...ever seen "the manchurian candidate"?....
QueenlySweetpea They simply became Russians. Survival and hope.
I got to see him up close once, on a movie set. He gave up part of his lunch break to take photos with people. My father also met him once when he visited at the place Dad worked. He was very kind, joked with Dad and sent home an autograph for me. Good people, may he rest in peace.
Thank you for making this. I never knew that Mr. Garner had been in the Merchant Marines or had fought in Korea. I watched the Rockford Files with my dad, and I remember him in Victor/Victoria (working with Julie Andrews again!). He had a "special something" in every one of his performances; now I know that it was simply who he was.
James Garner was a class act. I can watch his movies over and over again. I will always have a place in my heart for him. What a true legend!
So many great actors have sadly passed away... James Garner was one of those
charismatic down to earth actors.
That likeability he had, didn't come from acting, it came from being a good guy.
andrew trousdale i
That's right Andrew.
Yep. My uncle installed lights for him. James was very nice to my uncle. "A regular guy", my uncle used to say!
Absolutely agree with you, Andrew.
I admire James Garner more than any other movie star!
I remember James Garner mostly as Rockford. He is to be admired for surviving Hollywood without any scandals or Hollywood romances. I salute you, Rockford!
I read an interview of the helicopter pilot that flew the introduction scene where the helicopter chased Rockford's Firebird through the intro scene. It was a very entertaining read. He said the Firebird was seriously "built-up" but looked like a plain old brown Firebird. The scene had the helicopter fly up along the drivers side and showed Rockford wave to him and start laughing. He then proceeded to flat leave that helicopter in the dust. The pilot said the car was running well over 160 mph as it disappeared in across the desert, with Rockford laughing his head off. They both had a good laugh about it after that. ;^)
David Hollingsworth you have to watch James garners other great performances in films as diverse as The Great Escape,The Maverick,space cowboys , Murphys Romance , Move Over Darling ,Grand Prix ,Twilight , and A man called Sledgge . James Garner was a legend .
@@logicalnetwork1611 Yes, he was quite versatile, with lots of range. He's also in top form in The Children's Hour, Mr. Buddwing, The Hour of the Gun and Marlowe. Those films don't seem to get the credit or notoriety they deserve. Not huge hits, but well done and showcase Garner's acting chops. Imho.
@@logicalnetwork1611 dont forget support your local gunfughter and sherrif movies . they are on you tube
This was excellent. I didn't know much about James Garner, but now I admire him for the man he was. RIP Mr. Garner.
I've always liked James Garner. To me he was a genuine and realistic guy. A one-off.
I'm 71 years old now and I think back to watching these shows and it seemed like yesterday. They were great shows too. Where does the time go?
Thank you Allen. Jerry
I am not quite as old as you and am watching Rockford Files right now and Rockford just ordered a scotch and water in a bar for...90 cents. First season 1974.
allen richards, i am the same age. i have loved james' acting my entire life from maverick series until his death! what a kind, gentle, handsome, good actor james was, and that GORGEOUS SMILE with the mischivious eyes!
betty gordon, ames, iowa fan
My husband and I are in our early 70's and enjoyed The Rockford Files the first time around, and now, 'Jim ' is helping us get through the pandemic on HULU. I, too, have quite painful knees in need of future surgery--I will use his stoicism as a life example in dealing with the pain--thanks James Garner.
I fell in love with Maverick when l was 9 years old. He was the most handsome man l had ever seen....and still is to this day. The greatest legacy a man can leave is that he was "an HONEST and a GOOD man" That would be his. He was one of GOD's SOLDIER's. He will be missed. Rest in Peace.
🍃♥️🕊
So did I. I loved all his Maverick shows and when I got my first horse I named him Maverick. He was a kind and warm and Sally Fields said he was a great kisser, made her knees weak. LOL
Been in love with James Gardner since early 70's. A great guy with much charisma and great looks.
In 1968 when I was 17, James picked me up hitch hiking on the California coast road north of Malibu. He said he was going to pick up his daughter from school in Ventura. While passing along Point McGoo Naval rifle range he said, " You know me and my friend Steve McQueen did some shooting over there once." I thought he meant shooting guns. Duh? I said " You know Steve McQueen?" "Yeah" was his answer along with "Do you know who I am?" "Are you Dr. Kildare?" I stupidly said. He looked at me in wonder and said, "I'm James, James Garner." Then I got it. I'll never forget. Sweet man. Thanks for this story of his life.
+Brian McNally McQueen and Garner were together in "The Great Escape" . Wonderful movie, just ended sadly.
Brian McNally mjjjj
James Garner was an awesome actor. The Movie Note Book was listed as his greatest performance but to me, ALL were classics.Thank you for the insight into this man. Hollywood will never put out actors of this caliber again. All the old great classic actors are gone or aging.
Always my favorite, from Maverick on.🥰
I get so nostalgic thinking about James Rockford - then I hear the music in my head...thanks for the memories JIm, you entertained us and we will remember you sir.
THIS I can say with absolute impunity. James Garner never delivered a bad performance on the screen. The gentleman he was. He was an Aries sign, known for their fire. Wonderful biography. I truly enjoy all of them you make.
What an honorable man. Actors, and others, have a lot to learn from him.
I love James Gardner and Jack Kelly in Maverick. I looked forward to watching maverick every morning at eleven am. I also like the Rockford file's. James Gardner is a great actor.
What a lovely genuine man and a great actor, I can still watch him even after seeing it about 40 times on Xmas day in "The Great Escape"............thank you Mr a Garner, I once heard him say when I was young "I don't like the big guy, picking on the small guy" and it made a lasting impression on me and I've lived my life like that ever since.
David Royle 8
He will always be remembered as a gentleman! This was a wonderful tribute!
James Garner deserved every Good fortune that he was Blessed with for bringing his viewers so many Laughs such Classic Material.... Jim Rockford, Brett Maverick, Wyatt Earp, Cash McCall, Lawman, just to name a few..... I still watch reruns of the Rockford files to this day....God bless James Garner....❤️💯❤️💯❤️🙏
I actually had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Garner in London one Saturday morning in the summer of 1981. He told me he was scheduled to play golf with Arnold Palmer later that day so we did not chat long. He was amazing and a sincerely nice guy, showing a great deal of interest in me and my US Naval service from a few years earlier. What a class act! I admired him in so many movies and TV shows! The world lost a great guy the day he died! :-) -- Blessings, all, JD
Thank you so much, i am sure his daughter appreciates your kind words. Jerry
&
Amen and Mr. Palmer died yesterday or today at age 87. As stated above I absolutely loved Rockford Files. Great post and personal testimony!
That's brilliant. Must have been surreal.
Tai cheng
I'll always remember him in Rockford Files, I miss him dearly, He was a good man! RIP Jim.
James Garner was one of my favourite actors. I never knew why 'The Rockford Files,' went off the TV so suddenly. I used to watch that show regularly and always looked forward to the next episode with anticipation. Now I truly know that James Garner was a true gentleman, just as he was portrayed on TV. It's nice to know that one of the people who you admired on TVwas just like he looked, a true gentleman who took up the cause of the powerless and fought against the 'big machine' and won. It really makes understand all the more that there are really good people wherever you go in life. And people who believe in the goodness and kindness wherever you go in life and that James Garner was one of those people.
My dad was also in the Korean war, He passed away in June of 1997 and I still miss him very much to this day...and I always will!! I would like to personally Thank EVERY service member, past and present, for their services....without you and your sacrifices, we'd have no country and no freedoms!
Loved James Garner, he was a decent man, which is rare in Hollywood, May he RIP and his name live on and be an example of how to live your life in Hollywood.
I met him twice at two Los Angeles Police golf tournaments. He was so friendly to everyone and never refused an autograph to anyone who asked. He was also a big supporter of the Police.
Remembering James Garner always makes me smile.
Met James at a Golf event at Desert Inn Las Vegas. The first thing noticeable was his large stature, smile and good vibes 🤝 I was 15 years old.1962 est.
Sadly missed......A GREAT actor.......& in real life a REALLY NICE GUY. God bless JAMES GARNER.
No wonder I just loved watching this man.. He was not only so good looking, but a true and honest man who fought for his country , for which I am so thankful, and was faithful to his wife for 58 years. I JUST LOVED THIS GUY. I MISS YOU, JAMES GARNER.
As a child, I was a big fan of James, and his starring role in The Rockford Files. He brought a genuine frankness to his character, that was one of a kind. In later years, when James starred in the movie Maverick, along side Mel Gibson, & Jodie Foster, it was a real joy to see him on the big screen. He was a talented man, with a big heart, and a unique sense of humor. He will be truly missed.
James Garner is one in a million. he was loved by many but didnt let the fame go to his head. he is still missed today. thank you for sharing
James Garner has always been one of my favorite actors - beginning with Support Your Local Sheriff! I was on a business trip in Decatur, Alabama, with nothing to do one evening - so I went to see this movie by myself! I laughed out loud it was so funny! And that was only the beginning for; The Great Escape and The Rockford Files stands out! R.I.P. James Rockford!
I loved watching "Maverick", it was one of my favorite shows and later I never got tired of watching the reruns.
James Garner was one in a million and is still missed by so many.
I always felt like the tv show "Maverick" went down hill, once Jack Kelly came on board. Now I know why.
Here in the UK we missed out on Maverick (or at least I did) but we were lucky enough to get The Rockford Files, and I always remember James from The Great Escape too... a great Brit/Yank movie!
Yeah, I was always disappointed on the alternate weeks when it was Jack Kelly instead of James Garner in Maverick... although, sometimes, they were both in them... those were usually the best ones...
I truly love James Garner
BuzzLOLOL c
On James Garner: He was certainly one of my five favorite actors. He was gold no matter what he played. My personal favs were with Doris Day but my all time fav I've seen at least 4 times is Support Your Local Sheriff. Perfect role for him. He's one of just a handful of men actors that was truly tall dark and handsome. You were lucky Gigi to have had him as your loving dad
My family always loved James Garner. He was handsome and classy. Thank you, James, for all your shows and movies. RIP
I loved James Garner. They just don't make them like that anymore. What a man. A real hero and a humble, decent honourable man.
Yup. A real southerner. I disagree though Flower, their still making a few of them like Mr. Garner. Very few.
Absolutely true - he was indeed also one of my favourite movie stars too !
I am amazed how you narrate. You capture every emotion. Wow, you are truly one of a kind. You should be on TV. You are very very good
+junkyarddog47 Not TV. It would spoil the whole grace of his stories. Besides, this way he can keep telling the truthful back stories. Look how much bullsh*t is out there.
Yes and he tell the truth. Dah that is the reason. Julie
Abercrombie house
+junkyarddog47 I am watching a bunch of his narrations about the people I grew up watching, and every single one of them has left me in tears - but not necessarily tears of sadness.
He certainly is one of a kind, dagnabbit.
What a man. My favorite actor of all time. He was a natural. He was so humble even with his great looks and even better personality. He went through many painful operations and times of depression but managed to overcome. What a great person.
I still remember every Sunday night waiting for "Maverick" to come on. Applause for this amazing man !
I remember waiting for Maverick to come on Sunday nights. Miss James ,such a good man.❤️🙏
R.I.P James Garner .... thanx for the memories
The real deal! James Garner...tremendous actor, standup guy and amazing husband.
Thank you, Jerry, for such a beautifully read mini biography of the great James Garner.
What an extraordinary man. Growing up watching The Rockford Files, even when I was 10-14 years old I really appreciated what a great all rounder he was !! My sympathies to Gigi Garner...he must have been some dad !!!!! R.I.P. James Garner....from Tony in Ireland.
I am glad that a monument of James Garner exists, he was such a good actor!
I love this man he was a great person and loved the Rockford File's great show !
A stellar example of a life rightly lived, in spite of having a nightmare childhood and many life challenges. A beautiful man in every regard! And well done, Gigi, for honoring your dear dad in such an appropriate way!
James Garner was my fan favorite in the 50's. I was entertained and laughed non-stop in his comedic roles. And though he was a serious actor and great talent he would pull off comedy reaching the top bar!!! Thank you Gigi!
His family should be proud of James Garner. I looked up to him as a child. All the best to his family and loved ones. ~ Drew
He was just worn out after The Rockford files. His knees were practically useless. He had a blast on that wonderful film Murphy's Romance. Jimmy was a class act. On and off the screen.
Thank you Jack very much. jerry
A friend of mine , pumping gas at a station in Jim's area . Jim would stop for gas, had a nondescript station wagon. My friend said he was a real nice guy, easy to talk with ,no pretense about Jim , and you're right about Jim's knees as he mentioned that to my friend in conversation ,he said they gave him much discomfort and he had trouble getting around .
murphy13295
Thanks for the comment, James Garner seemed so cool and I always enjoyed his acting. It is nice to know he was as nice as he seemed to be.
Murphy's Romance was a great little film. Never got as much recognition as it deserved. Always felt there was a lot of James Garner in the character he played.
I loved Jim... My brother and I often trade "Rockfordisms", as they are... He had the best lines, and the most sincere delivery of any actor... Miss you, Jim... Rest In Peace...
James garner was a good MAN. They hard to find these days
He was one of my heroes. I watched him as a kid and became an actor and always appreciated his career and the man. Thanks for the video. I was from Montana, lived a few miles from where Gary Cooper was raised. The West let's a man be a man.
+th-cam.com/video/5lmNk-ubCug/w-d-xo.html Thank you, I once trumped through the snow trying to get to a Walmart in Helena. At the time i did not know Gary Cooper was from there. Thank you for commenting. Jerry
Thanks.
Jay
Absolutely! Mine too. A man's man! AND his book is Awesome!--you may drop the book as you read page 200...Guitarist Jesse Ed Davis is also from little old Norman OK. Amazing Jim ended up friends with John Belushi!
Loved Jim. A little too young to remember Maverick, but thought Jim Rockford was great...The kind of guy you could have a beer with, turns out the was a lot of Garner in Rockford. What a class act! And Jerry, speaking of Montana, have you considered doing a video on Custer? Would love to see that.
Jerry lewis
I met and spoke with Mr. Garner once. And I can honestly say
that he was one of the nicest, and giving individuals that I ever
had the pleasure of meeting. May he R.I.P.
James Garner, one of my favorites for sure!
One of my all time favourites, a good man indeed, he never got above himself or took his self too seriously. A very good actor, indeed! XXX
What an awsome presentation of someone I really admired, loved the Rockford Files back in the 70's.
+gato felix They are in reruns. Celluloid Heroes never really ever die.
+Paul Leckner yes, Me TV , its on like 5 days a week
A stroll down Memory Lane.
Paul Leckner I watch it when I can, its still a good show
I remember the major points, but seeing them today, i catch all the small details. I do not want to go to San Quentin.
Hello , My father fought side-by-side in the same platoon in the Korean war with Jim , dad sad Jim was 2 years older then most of the man in the platoon , so they called hem the old man , dad had a purple heart same time as Jim , we lost dad 9 years ago his name Robert E Owens ,Thank You ,, Mike Owens ( his son )
Thank you Mike, i am sure GiGi Garner would love to hear this. Thank you again. Jerry
My great uncle was a Marine in the Pacific in WW2. I felt badly for the Korean Vets they were probably ignored as much as some of the WW2 Vets from the pacific war. Not intentionally, I think everyone was just getting down to the business of moving on. However there are the cruel folks here and there.The Korean War Vets have always seemed to be in the shadow and a tough breed. I am sorry for your loss, my regards and condolences. K. Patty
I don't care that he was liberal, he was American and he can be what he wants.
Mike O
Mike O - From the son of a Korean War Veteran who passed away a year ago on Thanksgiving 2015, thanks for your fathers service & may your father rest in peace. May the God I pray to bless you and yours. Happy Thanksgiving.
one of my favorite actors-no matter his age i would watch anything that he played in.they dont make stars like him anymore!!!!
How can anyone give this Thumbs Down......May he Rest In Peace......👍🇬🇧🤓
This is MAN a True man. God love you RIP James
I absolutely loved James Garner, he played drama, comedic roles, he did it all. Above everything else he was a gentleman.
When I read your comment it hit me that early on in his acting career he said he just wanted a good job. The fame never went to his head. You can not say that about modern Hollywood types. They don’t just want to be the smartest person in the room they think they are. James was one of the last good ones.
@@danoiddano6891 Thank you. I haven't gone to the movies in years. I saw Mr.
Garner together with Paul Newman. They both were detectives, one good, the other corrupt. They had both aged quite a bit during that time. You never heard a bad word about either one. Both good, decent men, unlike what we have out there these days. Have a great week-end.
Omg I never knew anything about JG, even though I saw all of his movies and tv shows. I’m so glad I got to hear all about him. What an honorable stand up man.
Loved listening to this. 🙂💕
Jerry, I think Jim would be proud of how you portrayed him... honest & to the point. He truly was an example to follow. Thanks for taking the time, to do this mini documentary on James Garner.
had two heroes in my life, one was my dad, the other James Garner. They were born in the same year and died in the same year. Both had one wife for life and did jobs they were born to do. No one could quite match my dad who was the greatest man I've ever known, but Garner was a great role-model
Hihi578
Q17
Bill Keon amen brother
Definitely one of my favorite actors of all time.
James Garner gave an award winning performance in the Notebook. That gets to me every time I watch it. Matter of fact there are many movies I watch just because he is in movie. He has always seemed like a person that you would be comfortable around.
Garner was a true class act and a gentleman of the first order. To spend a lifetime in the Hollywood celebrity milieu and never suffer a hint of scandal is a remarkable achievement and proof of his honesty, integrity and moral grounding. This, combined with his rugged individualism and refusal to be bullied by Hollywood's power brokers, paints a picture of an exceptional man. We are poorer for his absence.
the rockford files were a huge part of my life when I was young. probably one of the best PI series ever made! rest in peace Jim.
Absolutely agree, and the MOST REALISTIC in my opinion!
I grew up watching James Garner from his show on Maverick all through his career I never missed a show of the Rockford files my brother and I loved it so he was such a good man truly somebody you can look up to in Hollywood in a town with not many to choose from I will always love my memories of James Garner
I also have been a lifelong fan, and luckily Direct TV is running Maverick which I have all scheduled to record so I do not miss any. Wish they were running The Rockford Files, I will keep checking.The Rockford Files is truly amazing!
Legend, actor and gentleman. Also, he was very very handsome!
GOOD DAY.THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL STORY. I WAS AND STILL IS A BIG FAN OFMR, JAMES GARNER. I GREATLY ENJOYED THIS VIDEO.
No one could spin a Firebird around in a reverse 180 like James Garner
Yes, he did it pretty darn good didn't he ? And looked sharp while doing it ! ;)
+Dspeir some of the kids call it doing a Rockford and they dont know where the name came from
64maxpower LOL That's funny
Dspeir
Mairi Brennan
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Have to add I LOVED James Garner in "Murphy's Law "
He was so cool ! ❤
James is an Oklahoma treasure and we so love him and respect him here still. Maverick was my favorite followed by the Rockford files. He was gorgeous, had a great sense of humor and loved his wonderful family and people in general. Thanks, Jim, for an example our kids can still aspire to. You are so greatly missed but you live on through your work and our memories !
i was a fan as a young boy and would later have the joy of working with jim .thank you for posting this ,he is truly missed
Jim Garner - One of my favorite actors.
I remember my Dad and I watching the Rockford Files and always enjoying the show. My Dad was also a Korean Vet and we loved watching The Great Escape. I'm a 30 year veteran myself and when you REALLY need something fast you don't go to the Supply SGT you go to the scrounger, the guy with connections. They're worth their weight in gold if you can find one. GODSPEED James Garner.
One of my favorite actors in movies and television. The wonderful Polaroid commercials he did were like mini movies. A great American