R.I.P. James Garner

Actor James Garner died last night at the age of 86. Known for his charisma and rugged good looks, the actor is best known for his roles in the 1950s western show Maverick, and for his role as Jim Rockford in the 1970s series The Rockford Files. His latest film roles were small, his last being in 2006’s The Ultimate Gift, and his last major role was the older version of Ryan Gosling’s young man in The Notebook.

No cause of death has been named, but Garner did suffer a stroke in 2008 after open heart surgery. In addition to the over 50 films he made in his multi-decade spanning career, Garner was also a decorated war hero, having received two Purple Hearts for serving in the Korean War.

Known for the sarcasm and wit he’d bring to his roles, as well as his man’s man deep and lilting voice, Garner will continue to entertain audiences in repeat viewings of Maverick, the film version of his hit television show with Mel Gibson, Victor Victoria with Julie Andrews, and the romantic comedies he made with Doris Day including Mover Over, Darling and The Thrill of It All.