A Final Call That Left an Indelible Mark

It was a moment neither of them could have anticipated would be their last. Gigi Garner, James Garner's beloved daughter, initiated the phone call that connected her father with Doris Day one final time. "I handed the phone to my dad, and they had a truly beautiful conversation," Gigi shared with Closer. "It was so important to me that they got to hear each other’s voices one last time. They were such cherished friends." Their connection, forged decades earlier on the set of two iconic romantic comedies, had stood the test of time, lasting well into the twilight years of both stars.

On-Screen Magic That Sparked a Lifelong Friendship

In the early '60s, Doris Day and James Garner teamed up for not one but two unforgettable romantic comedies: The Thrill of It All and Move Over, Darling. Playing a married couple in both films, they quickly became more than just co-stars; they became confidants, sharing a bond that would endure for half a century. "Doris was everyone’s darling," Jim fondly remembered. "I wish I could have made 50 more movies with her." Doris reciprocated the sentiment wholeheartedly. "He’s so funny and so kind—I just adore him," she gushed.

A Match Made in Hollywood Heaven

Pairing these two luminaries in front of the camera felt almost inevitable. Jim Garner, fresh off the success of his hit TV series Maverick, proved himself equally adept at both drama and comedy. Meanwhile, Doris Day reigned supreme as the queen of the box office, starring in countless beloved films. From the very first moment they worked together, they clicked. "On set, they understood each other’s timing and rhythm so effortlessly," explains author Tom Santopietro, who chronicled Doris's life in his biography Considering Doris Day. Their synergy wasn't limited to their performances—it laid the foundation for their enduring friendship off-screen.

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A Shared Midwestern Spirit

What made their connection so genuine? Both Doris and Jim hailed from the Midwest—Doris from Cincinnati, Ohio, and Jim from Norman, Oklahoma. "They were both incredibly down-to-earth people, devoid of pretense," Santopietro adds. "Their shared Midwestern roots gave them a practical outlook on life that resonated deeply with one another." Their down-to-earth nature didn't just bring them together professionally; it created a lasting bond that transcended the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

A Mutual Passion for Animals

Both Doris and Jim shared a profound love for animals, a passion that brought them even closer. Gigi fondly recalls a scene from The Thrill of It All where her father rode a horse. "Dad took me for a little trot around the soundstage during breaks," she reminisces. "And I remember Doris coming over to pet the horse. She had such a gentle way with animals." Doris's love for animals eventually led her to found the Doris Day Animal Foundation, continuing her lifelong advocacy for animal welfare. In honor of her father, Gigi established the Jim Garner Animal Rescue Fund, ensuring that their shared passion lived on long after they were gone.

A Friendship That Might Have Been More

Had circumstances been different, it's easy to imagine Doris and Jim crossing the line from friendship to romance. Jim once confessed that Doris was one of the two most desirable women he'd ever kissed on screen (the other being Julie Andrews). "Doris didn't play sexy or act sexy—she simply was sexy," he explained. "And she had this unique ability to turn a sexy scene into something humorous, which is far more appealing in a relationship than many other traits." Despite being married at the time, Jim admitted, "If I hadn't been married, I would have pursued something more with her."

A Costly Moment on Set

Even their playful banter on set couldn't mask the deep respect they had for each other. During the filming of Move Over, Darling, Jim accidentally broke Doris's ribs while pulling her off Polly Bergen, who played his character's love interest. After the scene wrapped, Doris felt a sharp pain in her side. In her memoir, Doris Day: Her Own Story, she jokingly scolded Jim, "If we don't speak for a while, I forgive you for breaking my ribs—both of them." She completed the movie wearing bandages under her costumes, enduring immense pain with grace and humor.

Two Different Paths, One Common Thread

While Jim remained devoted to his wife Lois throughout his life, Doris faced a series of tumultuous relationships. Her third marriage to producer Marty Melcher initially seemed like a fairytale ending, but it turned out to be anything but. After Marty's sudden death in 1968, Doris discovered that he had squandered her fortune, leaving her deeply in debt. Jim, like many in Hollywood, harbored no love for Marty. Years later, he described him as "a shallow, insecure hustler" who "ripped off" Doris. "Without Doris, he couldn't have driven a truck for the Teamsters," Jim quipped.

A Lifelong Connection

Despite the challenges they faced individually, Doris and Jim's friendship remained unshaken. Though they didn't see each other often—Jim detested dressing up for parties—they stayed in touch through regular phone calls. "We've stayed friends because we talk on the phone regularly," Doris admitted. "Though Jim hates the telephone, I usually have to call him. ‘Can't you pick up a phone?’ I'd tease, but he'd just grumble." In Jim's final years, Gigi helped facilitate their conversations, ensuring Doris could check in on her dear friend. "It was so important for her to know how he was doing," Gigi reflected. "They were truly great friends."