10 Unforgettable Facts About James Garner: The Double Purple Heart Winner Who Sued Hollywood

James Garner remains one of Hollywood's most beloved and enduring figures, a man whose relaxed charisma and wry, anti-hero charm defined a generation of television and film. Born James Scott Bumgarner, he masterfully cultivated an on-screen persona of the reluctant hero—a scoundrel with a heart of gold, forever trying to talk his way out of a fight or a sticky situation. Yet, as we reflect on his incredible legacy in December 2025, the true measure of the man reveals a surprising depth: a decorated war hero and a tenacious political activist who fought two of the biggest studios in Hollywood for his rights. Garner’s career, spanning over five decades, was marked by two iconic television roles—Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford—but his life off-screen was arguably more compelling. From surviving the brutal conditions of the Korean War to becoming a passionate advocate for civil rights, his personal integrity was as sharp as his on-screen wit. This deep dive uncovers the essential biography and the ten most unforgettable facts that prove James Garner was the genuine article, both in front of the camera and away from the glare of Tinseltown.

James Garner: Essential Biography and Profile

The man known for his easygoing demeanor had a life filled with grit, military service, and quiet activism. Here is a snapshot of the legendary actor's life:

• Full Name: James Scott Bumgarner
• Date of Birth: April 7, 1928
• Place of Birth: Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Date of Death: July 19, 2014 (Age 86)
• Spouse: Lois Josephine Fleischman Clarke (m. 1956–2014, his death)
• Children: Kimberly (stepdaughter), Greta "Gigi" Garner (daughter)
• Military Service: U.S. Army (Korean War), Merchant Marines, Oklahoma National Guard
• Military Honors: Purple Heart (Two-time recipient), Combat Infantryman Badge
• Political Affiliation: Democrat (Lifelong Activist)
• Notable TV Roles: Bret Maverick (Maverick, 1957–1960), Jim Rockford (The Rockford Files, 1974–1980)
• Key Film Roles: Hendley "The Scrounger" (The Great Escape, 1963), Pete Aron (Grand Prix, 1966), Max Borland (Murphy's Romance, 1985), Duke (The Notebook, 2004)
• Major Nominations: Academy Award for Best Actor (Murphy's Romance), Emmy Award (5 nominations, 1 win for The Rockford Files)

The Reluctant Hero Who Earned Two Purple Hearts

While his most famous characters, Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford, were known for avoiding conflict, James Garner's real-life military service was anything but soft. He was a genuine war hero, a fact that added an undeniable layer of authenticity to his on-screen toughness.

He Served in the Korean War and Was Wounded Twice. Garner enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a rifleman in the 5th Regimental Combat Team during the Korean War. He saw heavy combat on the front lines, a harrowing experience that forever shaped his progressive political outlook.

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A Rare Double Purple Heart Recipient. Garner was wounded in action not once, but twice, making him a recipient of two Purple Hearts. His first injury came from shrapnel in his hand while diving into a foxhole to avoid a mortar blast. The second injury, which he often recounted with a touch of his signature humor, was a bullet wound in his backside. This decorated service, also earning him the Combat Infantryman Badge, grounded the relaxed charisma that would later define his acting persona.

The Merchant Marine Beginnings. Before his Army service, Garner joined the Merchant Marines at age 16, sailing the world and experiencing a tough, working-class life that informed his later progressive sensibilities. This early exposure to the world helped him develop the independent spirit he brought to every role.

The Studio Scourge: Garner's Famous Legal Battles

One of the most compelling aspects of James Garner's career was his willingness to fight the powerful Hollywood studio system, an action that cemented his reputation as a principled anti-establishment figure, much like his characters. These lawsuits were groundbreaking and set precedents for actors' rights.

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The Maverick Lawsuit Against Warner Bros. In 1960, Garner sued Warner Bros. over his contract for the hit Western series Maverick, claiming the studio breached the agreement by forcing him to work during a writers' strike. Although he initially lost the suit, he successfully broke his contract with the studio, which was a massive risk at the time for a rising star. This move effectively ended his run as the original Bret Maverick, but established him as an actor who would not be exploited.

The Universal Studios Lawsuit for The Rockford Files. His second major legal battle was in 1983 when he sued Universal Studios for $22.5 million in a dispute over profits from his second iconic series, The Rockford Files. Garner won the lawsuit, a significant victory that highlighted the often-opaque accounting practices of major studios and secured his financial future. His fight for fair compensation was a defining moment of his career, proving his Jim Rockford-like tenacity off-screen.

A Precedent for Actors' Rights. These legal struggles were not just about money; they were about principle and the rights of the creative talent against the industrial machine. Garner’s willingness to walk away from his most successful roles (Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford) rather than compromise his integrity is a testament to his character.

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Beyond Acting: Racing, Activism, and The Notebook

Garner's life was rich with passions that extended far beyond the soundstage, from his love of auto racing to his unwavering commitment to civil rights.

A True Race Car Driver and Team Owner. Garner was a genuine car enthusiast who was bitten by the racing bug while filming the 1966 epic Grand Prix, where he insisted on doing his own driving in many scenes. His passion was so profound that he owned a professional American International Racers (AIR) team from 1967 to 1969, competing in major events like the Baja 1000. He was also honored as a three-time pace car driver for the Indianapolis 500, a rare achievement that solidified his status in the motorsports community.

A Dedicated Civil Rights Advocate. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Garner was never afraid to express his progressive political views. He was a passionate Democrat and a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. In a powerful display of commitment, he was one of the few celebrities who attended the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, standing alongside Martin Luther King Jr.. This commitment to social justice was rooted in his tough childhood and working-class background.

The Enduring Legacy of The Notebook. While his TV roles are legendary, a new generation discovered James Garner through his poignant role as the older Duke in the 2004 romantic drama The Notebook. This late-career performance showcased his incredible range, proving he could handle romantic drama with the same easy grace he brought to Westerns and detective stories. The film, which became a cultural phenomenon, introduced his relaxed charisma and good-natured character portrayal to millions of younger fans, ensuring his legacy continues to grow and remain relevant today.