A Day in London: Gigi Garner Remembers Her Dad

Picture this: James Garner, a Hollywood legend, trying to enjoy a quiet day off in bustling London with his young daughter, Greta “Gigi” Garner. Sounds peaceful, right? Well, not exactly. As Gigi recounts to Closer, they arrived at the iconic Tower of London, hoping for a serene family outing. But as soon as they stepped out of the car, chaos erupted. "We got mobbed," Gigi recalls. "It was then that I realized there was something extraordinary about my dad." Despite the frenzy, Gigi cherished these moments, which helped her understand the unique life her father led.

From Maverick to Rockford: The Man Behind the Characters

James Garner wasn’t just another pretty face in Hollywood—he was a star whose charm and wit captured audiences worldwide. Over a five-decade career, he starred in nearly 50 films, earning an Oscar nomination along the way. But perhaps his most iconic roles came on television, where he brought beloved characters like Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford to life. Yet, for all his success, James shied away from the glitz and glamour of stardom. Instead, he preferred a quiet life with his family in Brentwood, California—a place that, back then, felt more like a rural retreat than a suburban hotspot. "I absolutely hate publicity," James once admitted. "I’d rather dig a ditch than do an interview." His humility and down-to-earth nature were what made him so endearing to fans.

Breaking Into Hollywood: A Whim That Changed Everything

Believe it or not, James Garner didn't set out to become a movie star. Born in Oklahoma, he stumbled into the entertainment industry almost by accident. Sure, he had dabbled in modeling during high school, but acting wasn’t on his radar until he decided to visit a talent agent he’d met while working at a gas station. That fateful meeting landed him a small, non-speaking role in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, a production that eventually made its way to Broadway. There, James found himself alongside the legendary Henry Fonda, whose acting style became a major influence. "I swiped practically all my acting style from him," James joked. Though he suffered from stage fright, this experience paved the way for his transition to film and television, where his career truly took off.

Read also:
Whos Next At Nbc Tom Llamas And Hallie Jackson In Line To Replace Lester Holt

Becoming a TV Icon: Maverick and Rockford

By the late 1950s, James Garner was making waves in Hollywood. His breakout role came as the suave gambler Bret Maverick, a character who became synonymous with cool confidence. Then, in the '70s, he donned the iconic tattered sport coat of private investigator Jim Rockford, cementing his status as a TV legend. In his 2011 memoir, The Garner Files, James reflected on the similarities between these two characters. "If you look at Maverick and Rockford, they’re pretty much the same guy," he wrote. "One is a gambler and the other a detective, but their attitudes are identical." These roles showcased James' ability to blend humor, intelligence, and heart, making him a standout figure in the world of television.

James Garner Family Meant Everything — Moviestore/Shutterstock

Family First: James Garner’s Love Story

James Garner’s personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his professional one. He met Lois Clarke in 1956 at an event for presidential candidate Adlai Stevenson. It was love at first sight. Two weeks later, James proposed, and they were married despite opposition from both families—Lois was Jewish, and James was Methodist. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising Lois’ daughter Kimberly and their own daughter Gigi. "I really hit the jackpot with my dad," Gigi says. "He was the type of father who would get down on the floor and play with you. He was present, kind, and the greatest father in the world." For James, being a good father and husband was everything, especially given his own difficult childhood.

Breaking the Cycle: Healing from a Painful Past

James Garner’s childhood wasn’t easy. His father was an alcoholic who remarried multiple times, and one of his stepmothers was abusive, both physically and emotionally. "People with abusive childhoods often continue the cycle," Gigi notes. "But my dad stopped the cycle. He tried to give us everything he never had." Through his resilience and love, James created a nurturing home for his family, ensuring that his children never experienced the pain he endured.

Homebody Heart: James Garner’s Simple Joys

While James Garner may have been a Hollywood star, his heart belonged to his home. "He was a homebody," Gigi says. "He loved being with us, watching sports, and hanging out with the dogs." In fact, James was so passionate about sports that Gigi jokes he might have become a sports announcer if not for acting. "He knew sports inside and out," she adds. Despite his fame, James preferred the quiet comforts of family life, finding joy in the simple things.

Fighting the Demons: Depression, Anxiety, and the Price of Success

Behind the scenes, James Garner battled personal struggles, including depression and anxiety. "He was intense when he got angry, but he never took it out on anyone but himself," Maverick director Leslie H. Martinson recalled. True to his generation, James tried to keep his troubles private. "He handled things quietly," Gigi explains. However, the demands of television, particularly the physical toll of performing his own stunts, took a significant toll. During his time on The Rockford Files, James suffered back problems and underwent multiple knee surgeries. "He physically couldn’t do it anymore," Gigi says. "He used to joke, ‘If I knew I was going to live this long, I would have taken better care of myself.’"

Legacy of Love: Remembering James Garner

Even in his later years, James Garner continued to captivate audiences. In 2004, a new generation fell in love with him through the romantic drama The Notebook. He also returned to television in comedies like 8 Simple Rules. But in 2014, at the age of 86, James passed away after suffering a heart attack at his Brentwood home. "My father was an all-around good guy and a big animal lover," Gigi says, honoring her dad’s memory by founding the James Garner Animal Rescue Fund. "He lived by the Golden Rule and was just a genuine person. People like that are rare treasures." James Garner may be gone, but his legacy of kindness, humor, and love lives on.