Discovering the Lesser-Known Sibling: Who is James Arness' Brother?

Are you a fan of the classic western TV show Gunsmoke? If so, you must have heard of James Arness, who played the iconic role of Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years. But did you know that he had a brother who was just as fascinating as him? That's right! Peter Graves, born Peter Aurness, was James Arness's younger brother and a Hollywood star in his own right. Now, let's take a closer look at the life and career of this talented actor.

Firstly, it's worth noting that Peter Graves was not his birth name. He was born Peter Duesler Aurness on March 18, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, he later changed his last name to Graves, which was his mother's maiden name. Interestingly, Graves was not the only one in his family to change his name for the sake of showbiz. His older brother James Arness was born James Aurness but changed his last name to avoid confusion with another actor named James Aurness.

Speaking of James Arness, it's hard not to compare him and Peter Graves since they were siblings and both actors. However, despite their similarities, they had vastly different careers. While James Arness was best known for his role in Gunsmoke, Peter Graves was famous for his work in Mission: Impossible, a spy TV series that aired from 1966 to 1973. In the show, Graves played Jim Phelps, the leader of a team of secret agents who go on dangerous missions to save the world.

But before he landed the role of Jim Phelps, Peter Graves had already established himself as a versatile actor. He appeared in over 70 films and TV shows, showcasing his range from drama to comedy to action. Some of his notable film credits include Stalag 17, The Night of the Hunter, and Airplane!, a comedy where he played a parody of his own serious persona.

Another interesting fact about Peter Graves is that he served in the military during World War II. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1944 and became a pilot. He flew numerous combat missions over Europe and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his service. After the war, he continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve and eventually retired as a captain in 1954.

When it comes to personal life, Peter Graves was married to Joan Endress from 1950 until his death in 2010. They had three daughters together, Kelly, Claudia, and Amanda. Graves was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his support of the American Cancer Society. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2000 but survived after undergoing treatment.

In conclusion, Peter Graves was a talented actor, a war hero, a devoted husband and father, and a charitable person. He may not have achieved the same level of fame as his brother James Arness, but he left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and the world at large. We can all learn from his example of hard work, dedication, and kindness.

James Arness is a name that many people are familiar with, especially those who are fans of classic TV shows. He was best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running TV series Gunsmoke. But did you know that he had a brother? That's right, James Arness had a brother, Peter Graves. In this article, we'll take a look at who Peter Graves was and what he was known for.

Peter Graves: The Brother of James Arness

Peter Graves was born Peter Aurness on March 18, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the younger brother of James Arness, who was two years older than him. While James went on to become a successful actor, Peter initially pursued a career in music.

The Early Years of Peter Graves

As a young man, Peter Graves was an avid musician and played the trumpet. He even attended the University of Minnesota on a music scholarship. However, his plans changed when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1944. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries he sustained during the Battle of Corregidor.

Peter Graves' Acting Career Takes Off

After he returned from his service in the army, Peter Graves decided to pursue a career in acting. He moved to Hollywood and began appearing in small roles in movies and TV shows. One of his early roles was in the film Rogue River, which was released in 1951.

However, it wasn't until 1955 that Peter Graves landed his breakthrough role. He was cast in the TV series Fury, which was about a boy and his beloved horse. Graves played the role of Jim Newton, the owner of the horse. The show was a hit with audiences and helped to launch Graves' career.

Peter Graves' Most Famous Role

While Peter Graves appeared in many TV shows and movies throughout his career, he is perhaps best known for his role as Jim Phelps in the TV series Mission: Impossible. He played the role from 1967 to 1973 and then again from 1988 to 1990. The show was a hit with audiences and was known for its complex plots and high-stakes action.

Peter Graves' Other Work

Aside from Mission: Impossible, Peter Graves appeared in many other TV shows and movies throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include Captain Clarence Oveur in the movie Airplane!, which was released in 1980, and Alistair Kimble in the TV series 7th Heaven.

Peter Graves' Legacy

Peter Graves passed away on March 14, 2010, at the age of 83. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors. His work in Mission: Impossible and Airplane! cemented him as a beloved figure in pop culture.

The Brotherly Bond Between James Arness and Peter Graves

While James Arness and Peter Graves both had successful careers in Hollywood, they remained close throughout their lives. In fact, James Arness even made a guest appearance on Mission: Impossible in 1971. The episode, titled The Execution, featured Arness playing the role of a villain.

Remembering Peter Graves

Although Peter Graves may not be as well-known as his brother James Arness, he made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. His contributions to TV and film will not be forgotten, and his legacy will continue to live on through his work.

In Conclusion

Peter Graves may have lived in the shadow of his more famous brother James Arness, but he carved out a successful career in his own right. From his early days as a musician to his iconic role in Mission: Impossible, Graves left his mark on the entertainment industry and will always be remembered as a talented and versatile actor.

The Tall and Short of It: James Arness' Brother and Height Differences

When it comes to sibling rivalry, height differences can be a big factor. And in the case of James Arness and his brother, it was no different. While James towered over his brother at 6'7, his brother stood at a mere 5'8. But despite the height difference, their bond as brothers was unbreakable.

Sibling Rivalry: Did Arness' Brother Try to Outdo Him?

Now, you might be thinking that James' brother might have tried to outdo him in some way, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, James' brother was his biggest supporter and cheerleader. He was always there to offer advice and encouragement to his famous brother.

From the Silver Screen to the Saloon: Arness' Brother's Acting Career

While James became famous for his roles in movies and television shows, his brother also had a passion for acting. He appeared in several movies and even worked as a stuntman. But his true love was the theater. He spent most of his career performing in local theaters and saloons.

Family Ties: How Arness' Brother Eclipsed Him in Their Hometown

Despite James' fame, his brother was actually more well-known in their hometown. He was a beloved member of the community and known for his kindness and generosity. He even started his own charity to help local families in need. James may have been the bigger star, but his brother was the bigger heart.

Brothers in Arms: Arness and His Brother's Military Service

Both James and his brother served in the military during World War II. James was injured during his service and received a Purple Heart, but his brother's service was just as honorable. He served as a medic and saved countless lives on the battlefield.

The Wild West and Beyond: Arness' Brother's Love for Adventure

When he wasn't acting or serving in the military, James' brother loved to travel and explore new places. He was an avid adventurer and even went on several expeditions to remote parts of the world. He was always up for a challenge and never let fear hold him back.

The Black Sheep: Arness' Brother's Juvenile Delinquency

But it wasn't always smooth sailing for James' brother. In his youth, he got into some trouble with the law and was considered a bit of a black sheep in the family. But he turned his life around and became a model citizen and role model for others.

The Chef in the Family: How Arness' Brother Took Over the Kitchen

One of James' brother's hidden talents was his ability to cook. He was known for his delicious meals and often took over the kitchen during family gatherings. His signature dish was a spicy chili that everyone raved about.

The Unforgettable Voyage: Arness' Brother's Encounter with a Sea Creature

One of the most memorable stories about James' brother was his encounter with a sea creature while on a diving expedition. He came face to face with a giant octopus and managed to escape unscathed. It was a story he loved to tell over and over again.

The Legend Lives On: Remembering Arness' Brother's Legacy

While James may have been the more famous of the two brothers, his brother's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a kind and generous soul who always put others first. He may have been shorter in stature, but he had a larger than life personality that will never be forgotten.

Who Is James Arness's Brother?

The Story of Peter Graves

James Arness, a well-known American actor, is often remembered for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon in the popular television series Gunsmoke. However, not many people know that he had a brother who was also a renowned actor - Peter Graves.

Peter Graves was born as Peter Aurness on March 18, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He started his career as a radio announcer before making his way into Hollywood. Graves appeared in several films and TV shows, including Stalag 17, Mission: Impossible, and Airplane!

Family Ties

Although James and Peter were brothers, they chose to use different last names in their careers. James changed his last name to Arness from Aurness, while Peter took his maternal grandfather's last name, Graves. Despite this difference, the brothers remained close and supportive of each other throughout their lives.

Humorous Side

Peter Graves was known not only for his acting skills but also for his sense of humor. In fact, he once joked about his famous brother James, saying, I'm the one who got the looks in the family.

Graves was also known for his ability to make fun of himself. In one incident, he accidentally walked into a glass door during a live TV show, but instead of getting flustered, he laughed it off and continued with the program.

Career Highlights

Peter Graves had a long and successful career in Hollywood. Some of his most notable works include:

Stalag 17 (1953)
Mission: Impossible (1967-1973)
Airplane! (1980)
Biography (1994-1999)

Graves was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1998.

Final Thoughts

Although James Arness and Peter Graves had different last names, they shared a bond that went beyond their careers. Peter's humor and talent have left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry, and he will always be remembered as one of Hollywood's finest actors.

So, Who Is James Arness's Brother? Let's Have Some Fun Finding Out!

Well, well, well, my dear readers. It seems that you've stumbled upon an article about James Arness's brother. And I bet you're wondering who this mysterious sibling is, right? Don't worry, I won't keep you waiting any longer. But before I reveal the answer, let's have some fun first.

Let me ask you, have you ever played the game Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? You know, where you connect any Hollywood actor to Kevin Bacon in six steps or less. It's a fun game, and we'll play something similar here.

Let's see if we can connect James Arness's brother to some other Hollywood celebrities. Are you ready? Let's get started!

First up, let's start with someone easy. How about Tom Cruise? Well, did you know that Tom Cruise starred in the movie Top Gun with Val Kilmer? And Val Kilmer starred in the movie Tombstone with none other than Sam Elliott. And who is Sam Elliott, you ask? Well, he just so happens to be James Arness's brother-in-law! Yes, you read that right. So, technically, Tom Cruise is only three degrees away from James Arness's brother.

Now, let's try someone a bit tougher. How about Meryl Streep? Hmm, this might be a bit tricky. But wait, did you know that Meryl Streep starred in the movie The Post with Tom Hanks? And Tom Hanks starred in the movie Saving Private Ryan with...you guessed it, Matt Damon. And who is Matt Damon connected to James Arness's brother, you ask? Well, Matt Damon starred in the movie True Grit with none other than Jeff Bridges, who just so happens to be James Arness's nephew! So, there you have it. Meryl Streep is only four degrees away from James Arness's brother.

Now, I bet you're dying to know who James Arness's brother is, right? Well, let's not keep you waiting any longer. James Arness's brother was Peter Graves! Yes, the same Peter Graves who starred in the TV series Mission: Impossible and the movie Airplane!.

But wait, there's more! Did you know that Peter Graves was originally offered the role of Matt Dillon in the TV series Gunsmoke? However, he turned it down, and the role went to his younger brother, James Arness. Talk about a missed opportunity!

Well, my dear readers, I hope you had as much fun reading this article as I did writing it. Who knew that we could connect James Arness's brother to Hollywood celebrities in such a fun way? And now that you know who James Arness's brother is, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.

Until next time, keep on connecting those dots and playing those games. Who knows what other fun connections we'll discover!

Who Is James Arness's Brother?

The Burning Question of the Century

Well, well, well, it seems like the world is obsessed with the Arness family tree. I mean, who wouldn't be? They're practically Hollywood royalty. But let's focus on the burning question of the century - who is James Arness's brother?

First of all, let's introduce James Arness. He's an American actor who played Marshall Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke for 20 years. He also played roles in various movies like Them! and The Thing from Another World.
Now, to his brother. His name is Peter Graves and he was also an actor, just like his famous sibling. You might remember him as Jim Phelps in the Mission: Impossible television series.

So there you have it! James Arness's brother is none other than Peter Graves. They both had successful acting careers and left a mark in the entertainment industry.

But Wait, There's More!

If you're still curious about the Arness family, here are some bonus facts:

James Arness's real name was James King Aurness. He changed it to Arness when he started his acting career.
Peter Graves's real name was Peter Duesler Aurness. Looks like changing names runs in the family.
Both brothers served in World War II. James was in the U.S. Army and was severely injured during the Battle of Anzio. Peter was a pilot in the U.S. Air Force and flew over 50 missions during the war.

Now, wasn't that fun? You learned something new today!