James Garner (born
James Scott Bumgarner; April 7, 1928 – July 19, 2014) was an American actor, voice artist, singer, producer, and comedian. He starred in several television series over more than five decades, including such popular roles as Bret Maverick in the 1950s
western comedy series
Maverick and
Jim Rockford in the 1970s detective comedic drama series
The Rockford Files, and played leading roles in more than 50 theatrical films, including
The Great Escape (1963) with
Steve McQueen,
Paddy Chayefsky's
The Americanization of Emily (1964),
Grand Prix (1966),
Blake Edwards'
Victor Victoria (1982),
Murphy's Romance (1985), for which he received an
Academy Award nomination,
Space Cowboys (2000) with
Clint Eastwood, and
The Notebook (2004).