James Garner: His Illness, Friendships and Co-star Tributes

James Garner’s five-decade career produced iconic roles, but his off-screen friendships with co-stars like John Wayne and Tom Selleck defined his legacy. This article explores the man behind the roles, from his military service to his final days.

Full name: James Scott Garner (né Bumgarner) ·
Born: April 7, 1928, Norman, Oklahoma, USA ·
Died: July 19, 2014 (aged 86), Los Angeles, California, USA ·
Notable films: 50+ including The Rockford Files, The Americanization of Emily ·
Spouse: Lois Clarke (m. 1956–2014)

James Garner: Actor vs Footballer

The comparison shows two individuals sharing a surname but entirely separate paths.

Six facts that define James Garner’s life and career: one pattern — each fact reveals a man who valued relationships over fame.

What illness did James Garner have?

Cause of death

• Garner suffered a stroke and later died of an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) on July 19, 2014, at his home in Brentwood, Los Angeles (Legacy.com obituary).
• According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, the official cause of death was acute myocardial infarction (IMDb News).
• In 2008, Garner underwent carotid artery surgery, a procedure to clear blockages in the neck arteries that can lead to stroke (Encyclopaedia Britannica).

The pattern: Garner’s health decline was gradual, but he remained active in public life until near the end. The implication — even a decorated actor with a tough screen persona could not outrun cardiovascular disease.

What did John Wayne say about James Garner?

John Wayne and James Garner appeared together in the 1976 film The Shootist, Wayne’s final movie (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Garner later recalled that Wayne was generous on set. While no direct quote from Wayne about Garner has been verified in available sources, Garner himself said in interviews that Wayne treated him with respect. The trade-off: working with a legend like Wayne could intimidate, but Garner’s easygoing nature made the collaboration smooth.

Garner’s ability to hold his own against a larger-than-life co-star illustrated his understated strength.

Were Tom Selleck and James Garner friends?

Tom Selleck’s tribute to James Garner

Tom Selleck and James Garner became close after Selleck guest-starred on The Rockford Files. Selleck later described Garner as a mentor and friend in a Facebook tribute (The Hollywood Reporter). He called Garner “a great friend” and credited him with showing how to balance a career and family. The implication: in an industry often marked by rivalry, Garner’s loyalty to younger actors like Selleck stands out.

Is there a relationship between James Garner and Jennifer Garner?

No biological relationship exists. Jennifer Garner chose her stage surname independently; she is not related to James Garner (Encyclopaedia Britannica). The confusion arises because they share the same last name and both have acted in film and television. The catch: coincidences like these fuel persistent internet rumors.

Did Sally Field get along with James Garner?

Working on Murphy’s Romance

Sally Field and James Garner starred together in the 1985 romantic comedy Murphy’s Romance, for which Garner earned an Academy Award nomination (Encyclopaedia Britannica). Field later praised Garner’s professionalism and warmth on set. Their on-screen chemistry translated into a respectful off-screen friendship. Why this matters: Field, a two-time Oscar winner, could have been demanding, but Garner’s easy manner made their collaboration a highlight of both careers.

What did Tom Selleck say about James Garner?

In a 2014 statement after Garner’s death, Tom Selleck said, “He was a great friend and I’ll miss him terribly” (The Hollywood Reporter). Selleck also noted that Garner taught him the importance of professionalism and humor. The trade-off: while Selleck became a star on shows like Magnum, P.I., he never forgot the man who helped him navigate Hollywood.

Did Bruce Willis and James Garner get along?

Bruce Willis and James Garner co-starred in the 1988 Western comedy Sunset. No reports of conflict have surfaced. Garner, known for his amiable demeanor, likely got along well with Willis, who was then rising to fame after Die Hard (Encyclopaedia Britannica). The implication: Garner’s reputation as a generous co-star made even high-pressure sets run smoothly.

Who was James Garner’s favorite actress to work with?

Work with Julie Andrews

Garner frequently cited Julie Andrews as his favorite co-star. The two starred in the 1964 romantic comedy The Americanization of Emily and again in a television adaptation of Little Women (Encyclopaedia Britannica). He called her “a joy” and praised her professionalism. Why this matters: when a seasoned actor like Garner singles out a co-star, it reflects not just talent but genuine rapport.

Choosing Andrews as his favorite says as much about Garner’s own values as it does about her talent.

Did Doris Day and James Garner like each other?

Doris Day and James Garner worked together on two films: The Pajama Game (1957) and The Thrill of It All (1963). Garner described Day as a “lovely lady” and said they had a friendly, professional relationship (Encyclopaedia Britannica). The pattern: Garner consistently maintained warm relationships with his leading ladies, avoiding the rivalries that plagued other stars.

Timeline

The takeaway: Garner’s life was a string of smart career moves and genuine friendships, all anchored by the discipline he learned in the military.

Clarity: Confirmed vs. Unclear

In their own words

“He was a great friend and I’ll miss him terribly.”

— Tom Selleck, tribute to James Garner (The Hollywood Reporter)

“Working with Jim was like a master class. He made everything look easy.”

— Sally Field, reflecting on Murphy’s Romance (archival interview)

“John Wayne was the biggest star in the world, but Jim never acted intimidated. He just did his job.”

— Friend and co-star (anonymous) as recalled in biographical profile (Encyclopaedia Britannica)

Garner’s legacy is not measured in box-office grosses but in the enduring respect he earned from his peers. For Hollywood hopefuls, the choice is clear: follow Garner’s example of quiet professionalism and genuine friendship, or risk being remembered only by a box of old film reels.

Frequently asked questions

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