Gunsmoke' actor James Arness dies at 88

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James Arness, the actor known for his role as righteous Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke," died Friday, June 3, 2011. He was 88.

In this 1967 file photo originally released by CBS, actor James Arness, portrays Marshal Matt Dillon in a scene from the CBS-TV series "Gunsmoke." CBS spokesman Chris Ender says James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.

In this undated publicity image released by CBS, James Arness is shown as Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke." The television series ran from 1955-1975, switching over to color in 1966.

In this May 13, 2002 file photo, Jim Arness is shown at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles. The actor was just 32 when John Wayne declined the lead role in "Gunsmoke." When offered the role Arness initially rejected it. After finally accepting, he portrayed the iconic role of Marshal Matt Dillon for two decades.

In this 1967 file photo originally released by CBS, actor James Arness, portraying Marshal Matt Dillon, left, is shown with Richard Evans, in a scene from "Gunsmoke."

In this March 20, 1973 file photo, James Arness holds the Man of the Year in broadcasting award from the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, in Los Angeles.

In this Nov. 2, 1981 file photo, James Arness, is shown in character and on the set of "McClains Law." The actor was on television for nearly 50 years. His last roles were a return to his most well-known in a series of television movies revisiting "Gunsmoke."

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In this 1967 file photo originally released by CBS, actor James Arness, portrays Marshal Matt Dillon in a scene from the CBS-TV series "Gunsmoke." CBS spokesman Chris Ender says James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.

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