Jenny Lee Arness Died Similarly to Her Mother More about James Arness's Daughter

Jenny Lee Arness was James Arness's first child with his first wife, late actress and businesswoman Virginia Arness. Jenny was in her 20s when she passed away, with her mother following two years later.

James Arness accrued long-lasting fame as the star of the western series "Gunsmoke." He had joined Hollywood in the late 1940s, just years before he married his first wife, Virginia Arness, née Chapman.

In addition to Virginia's older son from a previous relationship, the former couple welcomed two children: their daughter, Jenny Lee Arness, and her younger brother, Rolf. Jenny was the first of James and Virginia's children to pass away.

James Arness poses in western clothing on January 1, 1950. | Source: Getty Images

Jenny Lee Arness Appeared in 'Gunsmoke'

She played Amy on the 14th episode of season nine and Laurie on the 13th episode of season ten. No other onscreen roles followed. Jenny graduated from high school and went to study in Switzerland; however, little else is known about her career pursuits.

Her mother, Virginia, had also mostly dabbled in acting. The actress had minor roles in two films and appeared briefly in several TV shows. In addition to being the main star of "Gunsmoke," Jenny's father starred in other onscreen productions, including the "Gunsmoke" revival films in the '90s.

James Arness (as US Marshal Matt Dillon) posing in costume from the CBS western 'Gunsmoke,' on May 15, 1957. | Source: Getty Images

Jenny Lee Arness Lived with Her Father after Her Parents Divorced

Jenny's parents divorced in the early 1960s. Her father received custody of her and her younger brother, but she maintained what appeared to be a good relationship with her mother. In a 1967 issue of Ebony Magazine, she spoke briefly about spending time with Virginia.

"There's never a dull moment with [Mother]," she told the outlet, which was reporting about the Californian motel, Oasis. Virginia had owned Oasis, where Jenny and her brother, Rolf, often visited. It was said that Jenny found the motel's atmosphere "exciting."

Virginia Arness and James Arness at home on July 23, 1955. | Source: Getty Images

Jenny Lee Arness Died of an Overdose

Her older brother, Craig Aurness, whom James adopted after marrying Virginia, lived to become an accomplished photographer. He worked for National Geographic for over ten years and received recognition from the National Press Photographers Association.

James Arness with Rolf (age 5), Virginia with daughter Jenny Lee (age 8) and Craig (age 10) on the floor are pictured at home on May 4, 1957. | Source: Getty Images

Afterward, Craig co-founded the Westlight stock photo agency; the company was sold in 1998, several years before his death in December 2004. He had a wife, Daphne, and two children, Holly and Brian, all of whom survived him.

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