James Garner 1928-2014 Read the full article on AICN I am – Hercules!! A Korean War vet and Purple Heart recipient from Norman, Okla., Garner knew how to sell a joke way too well for a fellow so handsome. Garner, one of the most celebrated actors on the planet, passed away last night in Los Angeles. He enjoyed an enviable film career that incorporated standout turns opposite Marlon Brando and Richard Montalban in “Sayonara” (1957), opposite Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape” (1963), opposite Julie Andrews in “The Americanization of Emily” (1964) and opposite Toshiro Mifune and Yves Montand in “Grand Prix” (1966).