James Garner: Movies, Awards & Box Office

James Scott Garner (né Bumgarner; April 7, 1928 – July 19, 2014) was an American actor. He played leading roles in more than 50 theatrical films, which included The Great Escape (1963), The Americanization of Emily (1964), Cash McCall (1960), Grand Prix (1966), as well as the television series Maverick and The Rockford Files. Garner's career and popularity continued into the 21st century with films such as Space Cowboys (2000) and the animated film Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001). He also played a TV sitcom role as Jim Egan in 8 Simple Rules (2003–2005).

Before his acting career, Garner joined the U.S. Merchant Marine at age 16 near the end of World War II. He then joined his father in Los Angeles, was enrolled at Hollywood High School, and held various jobs before returning to Norman, Oklahoma. There he played football and basketball at Norman High School. Garner enlisted in the California Army National Guard, serving in the 5th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War. He was wounded twice and received the Purple Heart.