He's about 76 years old, but James Garner is getting introduced to a whole new generation of television and movie fans. Lately, he's more famous for his role in the hit ABC show, "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" and the movie, "The Notebook," which opens in theatres nationwide this weekend. But Garner has had a colorful life before him, even before he landed the title role in the hit TV series "Maverick."
Man of many faces
James Garner is a man of many faces. He's been everything from a carpet layer, swimsuit model, war veteran, critically-acclaimed actor to a race car driver.
Born in 1928 in Norman, Oklahoma, Garner was the youngest of five children. At the age 16, he briefly joined the Merchant Marines, only to later move to Hollywood and help his father in the carpet laying business. Garner would then go on to become a swimsuit model before he was drafted into the Korean war where he received two Purple Hearts during his service.
Moving to Los Angeles after the war, Garner signed a contract with Warner Brothers, which landed him a title role in the hit television series "Maverick."
From that moment on, Garner found himself caught up in a slew of hits both on the small screen and big screen. His most notable role was that of Jim Rockford in "The Rockford Files" which aired from 1974-1980. In 1985, he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as Murphy Jones in the movie, "Murphy’s Romance." Garner has appeared in over 40 films, receiving one Academy Award nomination, 15 Emmy Award nominations with two wins, 13 Golden Globe nominations with 4 wins, 3 SAG nominations and two People’s Choice awards.
Garner also has a vibrant interest in race car driving having driven the pace car in the Indianapolis 500 in 1975, 1977 and 1985. From 1967-1969, he briefly owned the racing team, American International Racing.
Ask James question!
Garner sits down with Deborah Norville Tuesday, June 22 at 9 p.m. ET to discuss his TV show, and his new movie. Do you have a question for James Garner? E-mail us, and we just might use them on the show! Click here to send us an e-mail.