Ive had a really bad day upon learning that James Garner died Saturday. To me, he was a role model. You might say, he was an actor that you liked when you were growing up and you liked him. or, that he was a civil rights activist that you appreciated. You would be wrong. I never saw Maverick as a kid (and I sure havent seen all of the episodes of the series to this day). I saw Nichols when it aired and I got it and then it was cancelled. And I didnt even know about his progressive activism until the last few years of his life. Over time, I think Ive seen every movie that Mr. Garner made, and while he turned in many excellent performances: 36 Hours, The Great Escape, The Americanization of Emily, Victor/Victoria (how did he NOT receive an Oscar nomination for that?), Murphys Romance (how did he NOT GET an Oscar for that?) and a a couple of dozen more (I recommend that you watch Skin Game or Marlowe), that wasnt it, either. his real standout for me was his portrayal of Jim Rockford. That series was great not only because of the fabulous cast and guest stars (look them up, your jaw will drop), but because his personality meshed so well with the character. Very few actors have ever managed this. I personally can only think of Leo McKern as Rumpole of the Bailey as being anywhere close. What I got from the series was Mr. Garners great sense of humor and his comfort in his own skin. His relaxed view about what constituted monetary success: his advice about money, I wont kill for it and I wont marry for it, but other than that, Im open to just about anything was delivered tongue in cheek within his character, (but he would fight Universal later). He made me more extroverted, more observant of what goes on around me, more conscious to listening to others (which I am still working on), and better at using humor to deflect anger. There were, of course many contributors to the series and his character (his autobiography notes these and, if anything, Mr. Garner was overly modest about how his essential decency made him such a success). Perhaps it was because he was never felt that he really acting. And maybe thats why he always remained somebody that you liked to spend time with. At any rate, I am sorry that I never had a chance to meet Mr. Garner in person and express these thoughts. Or, just to have a couple of beers (or some tacos for breakfast).
Posted on: Mon, 21 Jul 2014 06:50:49 +0000
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