Wednesday, May 14, 2008

James Garner Recovering From Stroke

James Garner, one of my all-time favorite actors, suffered a stroke late last week and underwent surgery Sunday.

Garner's publicist said that the prognosis is "very positive" and Garner should be home from the hospital soon.

I've had the honor of meeting Mr. Garner on a couple of occasions, and in addition to being a wonderful actor, he is a class act as a human being. I'm sure his many fans join me in wishing him a quick and complete recovery.

8 Comments:

Blogger kathleen duey said...

Ohhh...

Just browsing blogs for fun and came across your wishes for James Garner. He created such likable characters. I never met him, but have heard stories that echo your impressions. A good man. Maverick. Rockford. Such well written shows, such depth in TV characters--so rare, then and now.

I add my good wishes to yours.

1:48 PM  
Blogger mel said...

I'm so sorry to hear the news about James Garner. I totally agree with what Kathleen said about him. I have never seen him in any role in which I didn't completely enjoy his performance. Support Your Local Sheriff is one of my top favorites.

I wish him a speedy and complete recovery from his stroke.

11:46 PM  
Blogger Mrs. Happy Housewife said...

I was saddened to read yesterday of his stroke. Glad to hear he has a good prognosis. He's always seemed like a great guy. My grandmother loved "The Rockford Files", so I was exposed to him at an early age. How did you meet him?

5:23 AM  
Blogger Laura said...

Thank you all for your comments.

Mel, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF is my favorite Garner movie, I have watched it countless times. :)

Mrs. HH, I joined his fan club (which dates back to the '50s) in the late '70s. He hosted luncheons for the club's 25th and 30th anniversaries. His brother Jack and Luis Delgado (his stand-in, who was Officer Billings on ROCKFORD) also came to one. They were fairly small gatherings so it was very "up close and personal." Sat right next to Mr. Garner at the first luncheon. :) He could have been doing a million other things those days, but the fact that he would take several hours out of his schedule on each occasion to spend time with longtime fans he mostly didn't know (other than the head of the club), socializing, answering questions, posing for photos, signing things -- it says a lot about his graciousness, character, and appreciation for his career and fans. He was so friendly and patient, a real gentleman.

I've been trying to remember, I think he was also at a tribute to ROCKFORD FILES at the L.A. County Art Museum, along with Steven J. Cannell and others, but I didn't talk to him there, just saw him speaking.

Best wishes,
Laura

8:24 AM  
Blogger Terri said...

I just love James Garner! But do you know which movie scene I remember most when I think of him? In "Ya Ya Sisterhood" he walks into the kitchen just as his "wife" shatters a glass against the wall right next to him and he does not even FLINCH! How did he do that? That is self control.

I hope he's better soon. He is so talented and seems like such a nice guy.
Terri

6:37 AM  
Blogger Laura said...

Hi Laura ~ I joined James Garner's fan club in 1957 - right after Maverick hit the air. I never got to attend the anniversary parties, but at least I got to read about them in the club journal.

JG is truely one of a kind, and I'm hoping and praying he will make a full recovery.

Suzanne
(http://www.blogger.com/profile/04021821392458127270)


From Laura: Suzanne, I got a little "trigger-happy" and accidentally deleted your post in the moderation process, but was able to copy it from the notification email -- sorry about that! Wonderful that you joined the club the year it began!

Best wishes,
Laura

7:14 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I was looking for postings that linked James Garner and Luis Delgado and found your blog. My father used to be friends with both of them in the early 50's and when I was a kid growing up in the 70's we used to get a kick out of my dad seeing them on TV every now and then. He never kept contact with either of them after he moved north (to northern CA) but he had fond memories as a young man of being running buddies with them. I know Mr. Delgado passed away several years back. I enjoy Mr. Garner's work so much and am glad he is recovering from his stroke. You have a nice blog here.

3:31 PM  
Blogger mel said...

James Garner has passed away on July 19 2014.

2:04 AM  

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