Jim Rockford, RIP

James Garner has died

NEW YORK (AP) — Few actors could register disbelief, exasperation or annoyance with more comic subtlety.

James Garner had a way of widening his eyes while the corner of his mouth sagged ever so slightly. Maybe he would swallow once to further make his point.

This portrait of fleeting disquiet could be understood, and identified with, by every member of the audience. Never mind Garner was tall, brawny and, well, movie-star handsome. The persona he perfected was never less than manly, good with his dukes and charming to the ladies, but his heroics were kept human-scale thanks to his gift for the comic turn. He remained one of the people.

He burst on the scene with this disarming style in the 1950s TV Western “Maverick,” which led to a stellar career in TV and films such as “The Rockford Files” and his Oscar-nominated “Murphy’s Romance.”

The 86-year-old Garner, who was found dead of natural causes at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, was adept at drama and action. But he was best known for his low-key, wisecracking style, especially on his hit TV series, “Maverick” and “The Rockford Files.”

One of the few shows I watched constantly.

categories Life | | datetime July 20, 2014 9:19 pm

4 Responses to “Jim Rockford, RIP”

  1. tree hugging sister says:
    July 21, 2014 at 9:30 am

    WHAT. A. Man.

  2. Dr Alice says:
    July 21, 2014 at 12:45 pm

    What THS said. He made it look so easy, I think he was underestimated as an actor.

  3. Syd B. says:
    July 21, 2014 at 12:52 pm

    Loved this guy. He never played the big, tough hero role. In Rockford, he seldom won a fight with the bad guys. His charactoer was understated. Couldn’t help but like him.

    RIP

  4. JeffS says:
    July 21, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    Dang! He was a wonderful actor, and a classy guy.

    RIP.

Image | WordPress Themes