James Arness

I was the tallest guy in the school, and I was very conscious of being larger than anybody - classmates and teachers.

I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years.

I was honored to have served in the Army for my country. I was at Anzio during WWII, and it makes you realize how very precious life is.

I had a wonderful life and was blessed with so many loving people and great friends.

The kids don't really have any part of my television life. Fortunately, there aren't many times when show business intrudes on our family existence.

What made us different from other westerns was the fact that 'Gunsmoke' wasn't just action and a lot of shooting; they were character-study shows.

I had the pleasure of knowing Ronald Reagan before he became Governor of California. He was a truly great human being and we usually spent our time together reminiscing about mutual friends.

I watch television all the time, mostly PBS and old movies like 'The Quiet Man,' my favorite Wayne movie. It's marvelous. I just loved the man and still do.