James Garner built a legendary Hollywood career through iconic roles in Maverick and The Rockford Files, but away from the studio lights, his primary role was being a father. When people look into the personal side of the screen icon, they often search for details about James Garner children to understand how the famous actor balanced high-profile stardom with a grounded family life.
Garner shared his life with his wife, Lois Clarke, whom he married in 1956 after a whirlwind two-week courtship. Together, they raised two daughters: Kimberly, Lois's daughter from a previous relationship whom Garner legally adopted, and Greta Scott, known as Gigi, who was born in 1958. Unlike many classic Hollywood stars whose home lives were overshadowed by tabloid drama, Garner cultivated a remarkably stable, private household that left a lasting, positive impression on his children.
Understanding James Garner's Family Structure
To appreciate the dynamics of James Garner's household, you have to look at how the family came together. Garner met Lois Clarke at a presidential campaign rally in August 1956. Lois was a young mother with a nine-year-old daughter named Kimberly, who was recovering from a difficult battle with polio. Despite religious and familial objections at the time—Garner came from a Methodist background while Lois was Jewish—the couple married just fourteen days after meeting.
Garner didn't just marry Lois; he fully embraced her daughter. He legally adopted Kimberly and raised her as his own. Two years later, in January 1958, the family expanded with the birth of their second daughter, Greta Scott (Gigi).
Having endured a turbulent and abusive childhood in Oklahoma following his own mother's death, Garner was deeply determined to provide stability, safety, and unconditional love for his girls. He often stated that his family was his true sanctuary away from the demanding film sets.
Kimberly Garner: Growing Up Away From the Limelight
Kimberly Garner grew up largely out of the public eye. Because she entered James Garner's life as a young child recovering from polio, her early years required specialized care and a protective home environment.
Garner was fiercely protective of Kimberly and Gigi, shielding them from the invasive nature of Hollywood media. While many celebrity children pursue high-profile careers in acting or modeling, Kimberly chose a private path. She did not seek out the spotlight, preferring a quiet, normal life away from the red carpets and film studios that defined her father's professional existence.
Despite keeping a low profile, Kimberly maintained a close and loving bond with Garner throughout his life, remembering him not as a television cowboy or a gritty private investigator, but as a devoted, hands-on father who was always present at home.
Gigi Garner: Protecting and Promoting Her Father's Legacy
Greta Scott "Gigi" Garner took a more public role in preserving her father's memory, though she carved out a diverse career path of her own. Growing up, Gigi had a front-row seat to her father's multifaceted life, accompanying him to raceways, sharing his love for automotive sports, and watching him work on television and film sets.
Over the years, Gigi has worn many hats:
- Songwriting and Creative Arts: She spent years working as a professional staff songwriter, writing chart-topping tracks.
- Animal Welfare: Deeply inspired by her father's compassionate nature, she founded the James Garner Animal Rescue Fund (JG-ARF) to honor his memory through rescue work.
- Legacy Management: Gigi frequently shares anecdotes, interviews, and historical items—such as his personal watches and memorabilia—to give fans an authentic look into who James Garner was behind closed doors.
According to Gigi, her father was the funniest person she ever knew. While television audiences saw a tough, stoic hero, his daughters experienced a playful dad who was happy to get down on the floor to play or jump into a swimming pool just to test the water for them.
Parenting Style and Philosophy
James Garner's approach to raising his children was heavily shaped by the absence of his own mother and the abuse he suffered from a stepmother after losing her at age four. Determined to break the cycle, Garner made his home a place of warmth, humor, and security.
He didn't pull rank as a Hollywood star inside his own walls. Gigi has noted that her friends loved hanging out at their house not because of his fame, but because James was simply the "fun dad" who treated everyone with respect. He practiced the golden rule in his personal life, instilling humility and strong moral principles in Kimberly and Gigi. When Garner famously sued Warner Brothers over contract disputes—becoming one of the first major stars to successfully challenge studio control—he did so partly to secure a stable future and independence for his family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children did James Garner have?
James Garner had two daughters: his adopted stepdaughter, Kimberly, and his biological daughter with Lois Clarke, Greta Scott (known as Gigi).
Who was James Garner's wife?
Garner was married to Lois Clarke. The couple married in August 1956 after a two-week romance and remained married for 58 years until his passing in 2014.
Did James Garner's children become actors?
Neither Kimberly nor Gigi pursued major acting careers. Kimberly maintained a private life away from Hollywood, while Gigi pursued creative fields like songwriting and dedicated much of her time to animal rescue and managing her father's estate and legacy.
What was James Garner's relationship like with his daughters?
Both daughters have described him as exceptionally loving, playful, and grounded. Despite his demanding schedule as a leading man in film and television, Garner prioritized his family and maintained a close, affectionate bond with them throughout his life.
Learn more about the actor's extensive filmography and historical background on TCM and read about his life milestones via Biography.
