Screen and tv actor James Garner died July 19 at the age of 86. Garner is perhaps best known for his iconic starring roles in tv's "Maverick" and "The Rockford Files" series. He also had a successful film career, starring or appearing in "The Great Escape," "The Americanization of Emily," "Victor/Victoria," "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood," "Space Cowboys," and more than 50 other movies. Here's a slideshow covering some of his career highlights and personal moments (with apologies for the embedded ads).
Garner's acting style is generally described as embodying an "amiable masculinity." In both his Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford roles, Garner played anti-heroes, characters with human flaws who were reluctant to "get involved." In reality, Garner was a decorated Korean War Army veteran as well as a progressive activist (he's pictured here with actress Diahann Carroll at 1963's March on Washington), who was encouraged (but declined) to run for Governor of California in 1990 as a Democrat.
He's survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois, and two children. Rest in peace.
