Hollywood is mourning James Garner, who died Saturday at age 86.
The actor, who starred on TV shows such as The Rockford Files and Maverick, was also known for decades of big-screen work on Victor Victoria, Space Cowboys and The Notebook.
“My heart just broke,” said actress Sally Field in a statement. Field starred alongside the actor in 1985’s Murphy’s Romance, for which Garner was nominated for an Academy Award. “There are few people on this planet I have adored as much as Jimmy Garner. I cherish every moment I spent with him and relive them over and over in my head. He was a diamond,” she said.
“James Garner was the definition of the smooth, dashing leading man, but his talents were so much more than skin deep,” stated SAG-AFTRA president Ken Howard. “He was a hard worker who dedicated himself wholly to whatever he set out to accomplish, whether it was serving his country or performing for the camera.”
OBITUARY ‘Rockford Files’ Star James Garner Dies at 86
Many in the industry paid tribute to the actor on social media (updating).
I worked with #JamesGarner on the set of “Murphy’s Romance”. He was one of the nicest people… He will be missed. http://t.co/KFvTIu2OXt
— Carole King (@Carole_King) July 20, 2014
RIP James Garner. Admired by all who knew him. When starring in Grand Prix the people around F1 said he had the talent to be a pro driver
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) July 20, 2014
Ease into the week with a Sunday night viewing of “Victor/Victoria” – featuring the just dearly departed Legend James Garner. Rest in Peace
— Haley Joel Osment (@HaleyJoelOsment) July 20, 2014
Everybody else had something and James Garner had 4 of clubs showing. Raise to the max, and it’s me, Garner, and Dennison. Norby’s dealing.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) July 20, 2014
I had the honor of working with #JamesGarner many years ago. Such a gracious man. May he rest in peace. #anothergreatonegone #RIPRockford
— Jim O’Heir (@JimOHeir) July 20, 2014
James Garner was cool because he never tried to be cool. RIP. http://t.co/RSOwuD4sDu
— Richard Roeper (@richardroeper) July 20, 2014
I was once privileged to witness James Garner present a lifetime achievement award to Stephen J. Cannell. RIP Rockford and SJC
— Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) July 20, 2014
Anyone that knows me knows that this is a TRUE RIP from me… James Garner. I loved you. Ur one of the reasons I started this career up #RIP
— Skyler Stone (@theskylerstone) July 20, 2014
Via con dios, James Garner. Good run. RIP
— marc maron (@marcmaron) July 20, 2014
Away from home; can’t sleep. Now sad to read my dear friend & costar James Garner passed. RIP sweet Jim Rockford. XX pic.twitter.com/WUHJ2ic59z
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) July 20, 2014
RIP James Garner. #MaverickWasTheName
— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) July 20, 2014
Dammit I just log on to Twitter for a second and James Garner is dead this is bullshit.
— Mat Johnson (@mat_johnson) July 20, 2014
#JamesGarner as #JimRockford Loved him. Loved the car. Loved the show. pic.twitter.com/8dVyaZmJFS
— Don Lemon (@donlemon) July 20, 2014
James Gardner will always be remembered for HOW HE LIVED not just his work as an actor. Thoughts/Prayers w/ his family #RIP #JamesGarner
— Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams) July 20, 2014
Goodbye, Jim Rockford. The wonderful, amiable James Garner has gone. Had the honour of meeting him at the AFI twenty years ago. RIP
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) July 20, 2014
I mourn the passing of my dear friend James Garner. Working with him was a highlight in my life. pic.twitter.com/IVtdO0jHQc
— Joe Mantegna (@JoeMantegna) July 20, 2014
James Garner #RIP
— Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) July 21, 2014
Damn sad to hear about James Garner passing away.. One of my favorite actors ever. Always wanted to meet him…
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) July 20, 2014
James Garner had a horrible childhood http://t.co/yME6midDjG
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) July 21, 2014
Comedy, drama. Movies and TV movies. Did series when it wasn’t cool and made them iconic. Never stooped to “acting! ” James Garner: my hero.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) July 20, 2014
RIP James Garner. You were magnificent in every way ???
— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) July 20, 2014
RIP James Garner. I will watch “The Notebook” again tonight but sob for different reasons.
— Sarah Colonna (@sarahcolonna) July 20, 2014
So sad to hear of James Garner’s passing. I was honored to work with him on 8 Simple Rules and was always a huge fan of his work. #RIP
— Tiffany Thornton (@therealTiffany) July 21, 2014
James Garner with Diahann Carroll at the March on Washington 1963. Now that’s a man. RIP http://t.co/kK1nD64l6m
— rose mcgowan (@rosemcgowan) July 20, 2014
