Maybe that is because I spent more time seeing him in "The Children's Hour," than anything else, darlings! But James Garner, who passed away yesterday, of natural causes, at the age of 86, will be more remembered by some for his starring roles on "Maverick" and "The Rockford Files."
He was not a world beater of an actor, and I do not mean that as an insult. His muscular, craggy male handsomeness was what made him a star; he had enough polish and presence to carry the scripts he was given, even if he never tackled the classics.
Even in "The Children's Hour," he has the least interesting role, although he holds his own with pros Audrey Hepburn, Shirley MacLaine, Miriam Hopkins and Fay Bainter admirably, proving, with strong direction (William Wyler, in this case!) he had the potential to go beyond his comfort zone. More so than that miscast brat, Karen Balkin! Good riddance to her!
But James Garner was the real thing--a male actor, who was genuinely male! His career took him on a more than 50 year journey, which is a longer run than many actors get!
Another Baby Boomer Icon, who will be missed!
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