James Arness: 1923-2011

James Arness, best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke," has died. The actor passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, from natural causes, according to a post on his website.

Dennis Weaver as Chester, left, and James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon in scene from CBS TV classic western "Gunsmoke." The show ran from 1955-1975.

Actor James Arness is seen in a June 1, 1987, photo.

Actor James Arness and his wife, Janet, pose for a photograph in their garden in 1995 in Brentwood, Calif. Arness, best known for playing Marshal Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke," died on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88, from natural causes, according to a post on his website.

Arness is shown in this undated publicity photo as Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke."

AP6709250135(1).jpg — AP Photo/CBS-TV/file

In this 1967 file photo originally released by CBS, James Arness, portraying Marshal Matt Dillon, left, is shown with Richard Evans, in a scene from "Gunsmoke."

In this May 13, 2002, file photo, actor Jim Arness, best known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon of "Gunsmoke," is shown at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles.

In this March 20, 1973, file photo, actor James Arness of the television series "Gunsmoke" holds the "Man of the Year" award in broadcasting from the Hollywood Radio and Television Society, in Los Angeles.

In this 1967 file photo originally released by CBS, actor James Arness, portrays Marshal Matt Dillon in a scene from the CBS-TV series "Gunsmoke."