James Garner didn’t chase the spotlight — it found him anyway. A reluctant star who made acting look effortless, he built a six-decade career on charm, grit, and a refusal to take himself too seriously, forging genuine friendships with legends along the way.

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Born: April 7, 1928 in Norman, Oklahoma, USA ·
Died: July 19, 2014 in Los Angeles, California, USA ·
Career span: 1954 – 2014 ·
Notable TV roles: Maverick (1957-1962), The Rockford Files (1974-1980) ·
Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Actor (Murphy’s Romance, 1985)

Quick snapshot

1Early Life & Military Service
2Film Career Highlights
3Television Success
  • Maverick (1957–1962) (Britannica)
  • The Rockford Files (1974–1980) (Britannica)
  • Guest appearances on The Simpsons (self-reported) (Britannica)
4Health & Final Years
  • Stroke in 2008 (INSP)
  • Heart bypass surgery (undisclosed year) (INSP)
  • Died July 19, 2014 of a heart attack (Britannica)

Six facts that paint a clear portrait of the man behind the laid‑back smile.

Label Value
Full Name James Scott Bumgarner (changed to James Garner) – Britannica
Birth Date April 7, 1928 – Britannica
Death Date July 19, 2014 (age 86) – Britannica
Notable Awards Primetime Emmy Award (1977), Golden Globe (1993), Oscar nomination (1985) – Oklahoma Historical Society
Spouse Lois Clarke (m. 1956–2014) – INSP
Military U.S. Army, awarded two Purple Hearts – Oklahoma Historical Society

What illness did James Garner have?

Garner’s health struggles were significant and well‑documented, though he rarely complained in public.

Health problems in later life

  • He suffered a stroke in 2008 – INSP television network
  • He had a heart condition and underwent bypass surgery – INSP

Final illness and hospitalization

  • His official cause of death was a heart attack – Britannica encyclopedia
  • Garner retired from acting in 2010 as health issues began to take their toll – INSP
Bottom line: Garner’s health declined steadily after a 2008 stroke; he died of a heart attack at 86. For fans who followed his career, the loss was tempered by knowing he lived life his way until the end.

Were Tom Selleck and James Garner friends?

Yes — their bond was one of Hollywood’s most genuine.

On-screen partnership in Support Your Local Sheriff!

  • They co-starred in the 1969 Western comedy – INSP
  • Garner and Selleck later worked together on the 1983 film High Road to China – Britannica

Real-life friendship details

  • Selleck praised Garner publicly – after Garner’s death, Selleck called him “the most charming man in Hollywood and a true friend” –