Jul 13, 2021
Today on the Rarified Heir Podcast we are talking to Gigi Garner daughter of James Garner, star of films like Grand Prix, The Americanization of Emily & Victor/Victoria, as well as Television icons Bret Maverick & Jim Rockford in classic shows like Maverick and The Rockford Files. We also hear about James’ love of animals which pushed daughter Gigi to start the James Garner Animal Rescue Fund (https://www.jgarf.org) in his honor after more than 30 years helping animals herself. With a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 15 Emmy nominations, a SAG Lifetime Achievement Award and a Television Hall of Fame inductee, we also discuss James Garner’s love of sports cars, Raiders football and his dedication to his work. He often ran lines & stayed off camera to run his lines with actors after he’d been released for the day or as a producer, coming in under budget because the crew loved him so much. In a career that spanned more than 50+ years, James Garner was able to move from light comedy to heavy drama on both television and movies easily. We also learn about his love of Italian food and current/former Los Angeles restaurants Matteos and Peppone,being the ‘fun dad’ and being the most competitive and excelling at pretty much everything he tried. It’s a romp down memory lane sprinkled with a little about Gigi’s newfound love – painting. Oh and did you know her father took on the TV studios to court, not once but twice and won or settled both? Or that he was a double purple heart recipient during his time in the Korean War? There’s lots to unpack here on the current episode of the Rarified Heir Podcast.