James Arness

James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television landscape for two decades as righteous Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon in “Gunsmoke,” died today. He was 88. The actor died in his sleep at his home in Brentwood, Calif., according to his business manager, Ginny Fazer.

Section:Gallery

Fri., June 3, 2011

** FILE ** This 1956 file photo shows actors Dennis Weaver, left, as the slow-witted deputy Chester and James Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon, are shown in a scene from CBS' TV classic western "Gunsmoke" in 1956. Weaver died of complications from cancer on Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, at his home in Ridgway, in southwestern Colorado, publicist Julian Myers said. The actor was 81.
FILE - In this 1967 file photo originally released by CBS, actor James Arness, portraying Marshal Matt Dillon, left, is shown with Richard Evans, in a scene from "Gunsmoke." CBS spokesman Chris Ender says Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.
FILE - 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." CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.
FILE - In this undated publicity image released by CBS, Actor James Arness is shown as Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke." CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.
FILE - 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. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.

Wally Fong Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 2, 1981 file photo, actor James Arness, shown in character and on set of "McClains Law". CBS spokesman Chris Ender says former "Gunsmoke" star James Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.

Scott Harms Associated Press
FILE - 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. CBS spokesman Chris Ender says Arness died Friday, June 3, 2011 of natural causes. He was 88.

Krista Niles Associated Press