Actor James Garner, best known for his roles in multiple TV series and his Oscar-nominated performance in "Murphy's Romance" has died. He was 86. (Via Getty Images)
According to Los Angeles police, Garner died of natural causes. TMZ reports the actor was found dead when an ambulance arrived at his Los Angeles home Saturday evening around 8p.m.
Garner appeared in over 50 films over his six-decade career, but he was best known for his roles in two TV series. (Via Getty Images)
As a nomadic cardsharp in the 1950s show "Maverick" and as a wrongly convicted private investigator in "The Rockford Files" during the 1970s.
Garner appeared in more recent films such as 2004's "The Notebook" where he played an older version of Ryan Gosling's character.
The Oklahoma native's death evoked strong reactions online from actor/comedian Norm Macdonald recalling a poker game he once lost to the star. (Via Twitter / @normmacdonald)
And "Parks and Recreation" star Jim O'Heir remembered him as a "gracious man." (Via Twitter / @JimOHeir)
A writer at The New York Times described him a "genuine star but as an actor something of a paradox: a lantern-jawed, brawny athlete whose physical appeal was both enhanced and undercut by a disarming wit."
In an interview, Garner cited legendary actors Spencer Tracy and Henry Fonda as two inspirations for his unique on-camera personality.
"I don't ever remember catching Spencer Tracey acting. You know everything he did seemed so natural to me. And of course I learned a little technique and professionalism from Henry Fonda." (YouTube / Jimmy Carter)
Garner is survived by his wife, daughter, stepdaughter and stepson.
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