Trending News|July 21, 2014 12:16 EDT
James Garner Net Worth, Heirs: 'The Rockford Files' and 'Maverick' Christian Actor Survived By Wife Lois and Daughters Kimberly and Gretta
James Garner, one of the most memorable actors of all time has passed away, igniting messages of condolence on social media sites and forums around the world. James Garner leaves behind his estate worth approximately $20 million, which is believed to be going to his family, consisting of his wife Lois and daughters Gretta and Kimberly.
James Garner was born James Scott Bumgarner in Norman, Oklahoma on April 7, 1928, and launched his legendary career as professional gambler Bret Maverick in the classic television series Maverick from 1957 to 1962.
However, the actor is best known for his role as private detective Jim Rockford in the legendary television series The Rockford Files from 1974 to 1980, where he won an Emmy award in 1977.
Garner would reprise his role as Rockford in eight Made-for-TV movies from 1994-1999, which were based on the popular crime drama series.
In addition, the star is also remembered for appearing in the 1994 Maverick movie remake (which starred Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster) as Zane Cooper, instead of reprising his role as Bret Maverick from the iconic TV series.
The actor grew up in a family he labeled as "fair weather Methodists," because they would go to church if the weather was good, according to Huffington News report.
"I'm a Methodist but not as an actor," wrote Gardner in his book titled The Garner Files in 2011, "I'm from the Spencer Tracy school: Be on time, know your words, hit your marks, and tell the truth. I don't have any theories about acting, and I don't think about how to do it, except that an actor shouldn't take himself too seriously, and shouldn't try to make acting something it isn't. Acting is just common sense. It isn't hard if you put yourself aside and just do what the writer wrote."
Garner was married to Lois Fleishman Clarke and fathered Gretta Scott, while Lois at one point gave birth to Kimberly during a previous marriage before tying the knot with Garner in 1957. Garner is survived by his two children, Gretta and Kimberly.
When he passed away on July 19, 2014, he was 86 years old.
