James Garner will publish a memoir, 'The Garner Files,' with Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster announced Wednesday that it will publish a memoir by James Garner. "The Garner Files" is due to hit shelves in November 2011.
“I’ve avoided writing a book until now because I feel like I’m really pretty average, and I didn’t think anyone would care about my life. I’m still a little uncomfortable, but I finally agreed, because people I trust persuaded me people might be interested and because I realized it would allow me to acknowledge those who’ve helped me along the way. I talk about my childhood, try to clear up some misconceptions, and even settle a score or two,” Garner said in a press release.
Simon & Schuster's publisher, Jonathan Karp, added, “This book is charming and disarming and always entertaining -- just like James Garner, or Jim Rockford, or Bret Maverick. And it’s the story of a big American life, from growing up in Oklahoma during the Depression to the Korean War and to Hollywood stardom.”
The 82-year-old actor -- just a week shy of 83 -- was born in Norman, Okla. He left home as a teenager and went to serve in the Korean War, where he earned two purple hearts. He had a variety of small television roles before landing on "Maverick" in 1957 -- his on-screen persona in the western was so appealing that he soon became its focus.
Garner carried that persona -- handsome and likable, using wits more than brawn, and just wry enough to let on he wasn't taking things to seriously -- onto the big screen as well in light comedies like "Support Your Local Sheriff!"
In 1974, he returned to series television as the star of "The Rockford Files." James Rockford, a private detective, traverses L.A. in pursuit of bad guys and willing women, always just making barely enough to scrape by. The show is a marvelous time capsule, beginning every episode with someone leaving a message on Rockford's enormous answering machine, which is set up in his run-down trailer -- on what must now be a million-dollar Malibu promontory. (Irrelevant side note: I love this show so much that it was the first thing I streamed when I got my hands on an iPad).
Garner's later roles include an Oscar-nominated performance in "Murphy's Romance" (1985) and a semi-regular role on the ABC sitcom "8 Simple Rules." He's also appeared in literary adaptations: "Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood," "Roughing It" (as Mark Twain) and in "Marlowe" as Raymond Chandler's classic detective.
-- Carolyn Kellogg
Photo: James Garner in the 1969 movie "Marlowe," based on Raymond Chandler's "The Little Sister." Credit: MGM
one of my favorite actors of all time!!!!!
Posted by: sc | March 30, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Dear James;
Many people who have led interesting lives consider them uninteresting because...well, it's just their life. Ordinary to them, but extraordinary to others. Like the woman who wanted me to write the story of her near-murder by satanists, but who thought the life of her grandfather, a mining engineer who rode with Pancho Villa, was not worthy of a book.
All history is interesting...even one's own.
Posted by: Alan Dean Foster | March 30, 2011 at 09:37 AM
My all time favorite! I've never read a star autobio in my life, but I'll read this one. I've been following Jim Garner since the original Maverick series hit the air when I was 13 years old. Of course, I had (?) a mad crush on this HUNK, but over the years, I've stayed interested in him because - well, he's STILL a hunk - but also for who and what he is as a person. In over 50 years, his personal standards have never faltered. He has been an excellent role model for me and I'm quite sure I'm not the only one.
Congratulations, Jim. You are truly one of a kind.
Posted by: Suzanne Moore | March 30, 2011 at 10:09 AM
James Garner is the best ever. I will definitely buy this book. I still watch the Rockford Files on dvd. It has been influential in my life to no small degree. The philosophy on life presented through that character is very comforting. Jim there is nothing ordinary about the number of lives touched by your talent.
Posted by: Chris | March 30, 2011 at 10:59 AM
James Garner is a class act, and you just cannot help liking him a lot. As an ex-Okie (like Garner), I am even more proud of what he did with his life after leaving the Sooner state. "Maverkick" rocked and so did "Rockford." And "Support Your Local Sheriff" was so good too!
Posted by: David B. | March 30, 2011 at 11:06 AM
I can' wait until it comes out. Garner is one of our best actors and from what I've read just a great guy all around.
Posted by: affableman | March 30, 2011 at 11:58 AM
Growing up as a teenager in Virginia watching The Rockford Files I always thought of Jim Rockford as a friend that I would want to have. Humble, funny, crafty, and always had your back. I am looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for putting it together Jim!
Posted by: Jeff Wallace | March 30, 2011 at 12:04 PM
WE HAVE ALWAYS LOVED ALL YOUR MOVIES AND CANT WAIT TO READ YOUR BOOK, ALL THE BEST TO AN OKLAHOMAN AND TRULY
ONE OF THE GREAT GUYS TO WATCH ON T.V. YOU MAKE ME SMILE..
Posted by: TERRI WILLMON | March 30, 2011 at 05:45 PM
This is great news for fans of Mr Garner, there's not enough out there about the man and his career/life.
He's had an amazing career in TV and films and I've wanted to know more about his thoughts on various parts of it and those scores he wants to settle.
Here's hoping we get a UK edition of the book.
Posted by: Jonathan Melville | March 31, 2011 at 05:21 AM
I am so thrilled that Mr. Garner has decided to do this. I will definitely pick this up. I am a huge fan of his and I love The Rockford Files. If you've got Netflix they have all the seasons on Instant Play! You can stream them directly to your TV! We watch them all the time and marvel at the awesome cars. Love the opening credit with the answering machine!
Posted by: Kath | March 31, 2011 at 02:37 PM
Hey, Kath ~ Did you know Jim Garner did ALL his own driving on Rockford Files? He is still considered one of the best stunt drivers ever.
He also did his own driving in Grand Prix - which is coming out in Blu-ray.
Posted by: Suzanne Moore | April 01, 2011 at 04:54 PM
This is the best news, I've heard in a long time. Garner has always been a fine actor, and has had a great career. Should be a great read!
Posted by: ChrisH. | April 03, 2011 at 06:03 PM
I will look forward to the release of Mr. Garner's memoir. I am 49 years of age and I met Mr. Garner and his brother Jack at a Pro-Am golf tournament when I was 14 years old in 1974. You could not imagine how kind Mr. Garner and his brother Jack were. He bought me a coke, signed my program and told me about a new television show he just started filming called "The Rockford Files". It was a day I will never forget. Mr. James Garner is one of a kind.......
Bill Byrnes, Long Beach, Ca.
Posted by: Bill Byrnes | April 04, 2011 at 02:34 PM
Mr. Garner,
I can't tell you how thrilled I am about your book! I'm gonna have to buy 9 copies--one for each of my siblings....oops, and one for my 83 yr. old mom who adores you. She is the reason we all fell in love with you. We would watch all of your classic movies, such as "Move Over Darling" and "Thrill Of It All". Then came "Maverick", and the show that got me through some rough babysitting jobs, "Rockford Files". I'm so glad that you made another Christmas movie, "The Ultimate Gift" It was wonderful, and brought a much needed lesson in today's world. I only wish we could turn back the clock 25 years so you could make some more great films for us and the world to enjoy. James, YOU are the Ultimate Entertainer! God Bless.
Posted by: DD | April 04, 2011 at 08:38 PM
I have pre-ordered his book at Amazon.com. Can't wait to read it. He is my favorite actor for many many years. Happy birthday, Mr. Garner (April 7).
Posted by: janice | April 06, 2011 at 05:37 PM
I have never gotten over my crush on James Garner in all the years since I watched him as a kid when he was doing Maverick. My favorite movie of his is actually a rarely shown "Cash McCall". He's my hero and has more than stood the test of time. I love you, James Garner and can hardly wait to read your book. Stay well and Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Sharon | April 07, 2011 at 10:08 AM
JAMES ;
EVERTHING I EVER WATCHED WITH YOU IN IT ON TV AND THE MOVIES HAS BROUGHT ME PLEASURE. WHAT A GREAT TALENT YOU ARE. WE ARE SO LUCKY THAT YOU BROUGHT THAT TALENT TO ACTING. COMEDY OR SERIOUS ROLES WERE BOTH JUST GREAT. ALL OF US WILL BUY YOUR BOOK, BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY YOU ARE A VERY INTERESTING PERSON AND EVERYONE WILL ENJOY READING ABOUT YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND THANK YOU.
Posted by: DEANboy | April 07, 2011 at 01:04 PM
always my favorite! Happy Birthday ! Time to watch some Rockford Files and Maverick on DVD. Looking forward to the book !
Posted by: Paul E | April 07, 2011 at 01:22 PM
I remember a few years back there was a Trivia section on the web re: actors. From that, I always remembered your Birth last name was Bumgarner. When I see James on T.V.,I say "That's James Bumgarner" which helps me to remember such trivia. He is an inspiration to all and such a great actor. It comes naturally for him. I will be buying the book-my Birthday month. Thanks, for bringing life into your movies.
Posted by: Laora | April 07, 2011 at 01:25 PM
Dear Jim,
I'm so glad you decided to do the bio! I just finished watching a rerun of your interview with Robert Osborne on Turner Classic Movies in honor of your birthday. It just confirmed what I have always thought--you're one fantastic actor and an 'all-around-nice guy.' I've followed your career since before Maverick and haven't been disappointed yet. I especially liked "Support your Local Sheriff" and "...Gunfighter" movies. I will be buying your book and hope to see more of you on the tube or at the movies.
Hugs and take care.
Posted by: Joyce | April 07, 2011 at 01:27 PM
James Garner is my favorite actor of all time and I'm only 25 years old. I fell in love after I saw The Rockford Files on TV when I was a teenager. I can't wait to read his book and I'm happy to hear this news. He's a great guy. Rock on Jimbo!
Posted by: Alana | April 24, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Never been in a movie anywhere near as good as he is. Love the guy!
Posted by: Frnk Black | April 25, 2011 at 01:00 PM
I agree with Alana, and I am almost twice her age. I fell in love with James Garner when I saw him in "The Rockford Files". He's been my favorite since 1974.
Posted by: Shirley Smothers | June 02, 2011 at 11:29 AM