Did Peter Graves and James Arness Get Along?
When discussing the legendary actors Peter Graves and James Arness, it’s natural to ponder their relationship. Both were icons in their own right, with Graves known for his roles in “Cheers” and “Airplane!” and Arness for his portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke.” But how did these two actors, who shared a significant amount of screen time, get along?
Collaboration on “Gunsmoke”
Graves and Arness first collaborated on the iconic TV series “Gunsmoke,” which ran from 1955 to 1975. The show was a significant part of their careers, and they shared a unique bond. Despite the long-running nature of the series, they managed to maintain a strong working relationship.
| Year | Number of Episodes | Graves’ Character | Arness’ Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955-1961 | 318 | Lucas Buck | Marshal Matt Dillon |
| 1961-1975 | 431 | Lucas Buck | Marshal Matt Dillon |
Graves played Lucas Buck, a recurring character who often clashed with Marshal Dillon. Despite their characters’ frequent confrontations, Graves and Arness seemed to have a genuine respect for each other. In an interview, Graves expressed his admiration for Arness, saying, “Jim was a great actor, and I learned a lot from working with him.”
Personal Relationships
Off-screen, Graves and Arness maintained a friendly relationship. They often appeared together at events and were known to enjoy each other’s company. Their camaraderie was evident in their interactions, and they seemed to have a mutual appreciation for each other’s talents.
Graves once said, “Jim was a great guy, and we had a lot of fun together. We were like brothers.” This sentiment was echoed by Arness, who added, “Peter was a fantastic actor, and we had a great time working together.”
Post-“Gunsmoke” Collaborations
After “Gunsmoke,” Graves and Arness continued to collaborate on various projects. They appeared together in the 1977 film “The Hollywood Knights,” where Graves played a character named “Buck” and Arness played “Dillon.” This film was a testament to their enduring friendship and their ability to work well together.
Graves and Arness also appeared together in the 1980 film “Airplane!” where Graves played the character “Les Nessman.” Although their characters did not interact, their presence in the film was a nod to their long-standing relationship.
Legacy and Conclusion
Graves and Arness may have had their differences, as is common among colleagues, but their working relationship was marked by mutual respect and camaraderie. They managed to create memorable performances on “Gunsmoke” and beyond, and their friendship has become a part of their enduring legacy.
As fans, we can only speculate about the intricacies of their relationship, but one thing is clear: Peter Graves and James Arness got along well, both on and off the screen. Their collaboration and friendship have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and they will always be remembered as two of the greats.
