Playing wandering gambler Bret Maverick in the television western Maverick (1957-60), James Garner established the persona of the cynical, witty anti-hero, a persona which he would carry with him in the majority of his later roles. Garner enjoyed television success again in The Rockford Files (1974-80) as crusty private eye Jim Rockford, a role which earned him an Emmy (1976). In films such as The Americanization of Emily (1964), Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969), H.E.A.L.T.H. (1979), Victor/Victoria (1982), and Barbarians at the Gate (1993), Garner has proven that his trademark persona has an enduring popularity.

Further Reading:

Strait, Raymond. James Garner: A Biography. New York, St. Martin's Press, 1985.