On this episode of A Word on Westerns, host Rob Word and producer RJ Word sit down with two individuals whose lives intertwined with TV’s ultimate lawman, James Arness. Janet Arness—Jim’s wife from the final years of Gunsmoke through his later adventures—and Bruce Boxleitner, who co-starred in How the West Was Won and the last Gunsmoke movie, saddle up to share their fondest memories, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few cherished secrets about the man under the iconic cowboy hat.
Janet recounts the private side of Jim—his love of nature, his penchant for flying up to Mammoth Lakes on a whim, and the quiet gallantry that made him pick up campfire trash without a second thought. She paints a portrait of a tall, rugged outdoorsman who wasn’t a fan of big parties but reveled in spontaneous trips and sunset rides. Equally captivating is her glimpse into Jim’s bond with his brother, Peter Graves (born Peter Arness), and how both men soared to Hollywood fame in their own ways.
Meanwhile, Bruce Boxleitner remembers a hero who led by example rather than lectures, whether on the set of How the West Was Won or during their tussles in the remake of Red River. He reveals the warm laughter behind Jim’s towering frame, the gentle humor that lightened even the most punishing outdoor shoot, and the steadfast friendships that carried over from Gunsmoke into later series and TV films.
From John Wayne’s surprising cameo during the pilot of Gunsmoke to the bittersweet final days of “One Man’s Justice,” this conversation unearths the heart of a star whose towering presence loomed over the golden age of the Western. Journey along as Janet and Bruce pull back the curtain on a devoted husband, a private soul, and a steadfast mentor to many—proving that sometimes the best tales are the ones shared long after the final gunshot fades.