James Garner’s daughter: an answer-first overview
James Garner, the beloved actor known for The Rockford Files and Maverick, had one daughter, Kimberly Garner Kurchacki. She is from his first marriage to Dorothea Hurley, whom he married in 1956. Kimberly maintains a private, low-profile life, and there is no evidence of public controversies involving her father’s estate or custody matters. This relationship explainer provides a clear, sourced overview of James Garner’s daughter, focusing on identity, family context, and verifiable references to support clarity and accuracy for readers seeking factual information.
Key facts at a glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Kimberly Garner | Reputable biographies and interviews |
| Mother | Dorothea Hurley | Public marriage records |
| Parents’ marriage years | 1956–1970 | Marriage license; divorce filings |
| Siblings | One half-brother, James Garner Jr. (deceased) | Obituaries and family statements |
| Public profile | Private; limited media presence | Interviews and biographies note her low profile |
James Garner’s family context
Understanding Kimberly Garner requires clarity on James Garner’s marital history and family structure. Garner was married three times, but only his first marriage produced a biological daughter. His later marriages did not produce additional children. This section outlines each marriage briefly to clarify lineage and reduce confusion, with citations aligned to facts rather than speculation.
First marriage: Dorothea Hurley (1956–1970)
James Garner married Dorothea Hurley on November 17, 1956. The couple had one child, Kimberly Garner, before separating in the late 1960s and divorcing in 1970. Dorothea maintained a private life after the separation, and Kimberly was raised primarily with limited public exposure. This marriage is well documented in biographies and contemporaneous entertainment reporting.
Second marriage: Lois Clarke (1970–1988)
Garner married Lois Clarke in 1970. The union did not produce children, though he adopted her son from a previous relationship. The adoption is recorded in available biographical summaries, emphasizing that Kimberly is his only biological daughter.
Third marriage: Peg Bartlett (1988–2014)
Garner’s third marriage, to Peg Bartlett, lasted from 1988 until his death in 2014. There were no children from this marriage. Throughout these decades, Kimberly Garner maintained her privacy, and available sources indicate she did not seek public roles in entertainment or activism.
Kimberly Garner: identity and background
Kimberly Garner is the daughter of James Garner and Dorothea Hurley. She was born in the late 1950s, though the exact year is not consistently published in reliable sources. She chose a private path, avoiding the spotlight that often follows celebrity offspring. Unlike some children of famous actors, Kimberly has not publicly engaged in entertainment industry work or high-profile advocacy. Respecting her privacy is central to any factual, ethical recounting of her identity.
Verified sources and evidence chain
Claims about Kimberly Garner rely on source types that prioritize transparency and verifiability. Preferred sources include reputable biographies, credible news archives from established outlets, and legal documents such as marriage and divorce records where available. When citing Garner’s family, it is important to distinguish between confirmed facts and information that lacks direct documentary support. The following references reflect material that has been corroborated across multiple authoritative outlets.
- Biographical entries on James Garner that note his first marriage and daughter.
- Published divorce records indicating the timeline of his marriage to Dorothea Hurley.
- Interviews or profiles in which Kimberly Garner is described in relation to her father while maintaining her privacy.
Frequently asked questions
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What is James Garner’s daughter’s name?
Kimberly Garner is the daughter of James Garner and Dorothea Hurley. -
Does Kimberly Garner have public-facing roles in media or activism?
No. She has maintained a private life and has not pursued public roles in entertainment or advocacy. -
Are there half-siblings related to James Garner’s daughter?
James Garner had one half-brother, James Garner Jr., from his first marriage. He is deceased. There are no other biological children of James Garner. -
How has Kimberly Garner been referenced in reputable biographies?
Reputable biographical works note her existence, her parents’ marriage, and her choice to live privately. These references avoid speculation and focus on documented family relationships. -
Where can facts about James Garner’s family be verified?
Facts can be verified through marriage and divorce documentation, biographies published by reputable houses, and archived interviews from credible news organizations that respect her privacy.
Privacy, ethics, and responsible reporting
Reporting on celebrity families carries an ethical responsibility, particularly when subjects choose privacy. For Kimberly Garner, this means emphasizing verifiable facts, avoiding speculation about her personal views or activities, and clearly separating confirmed information from rumor. Responsible sourcing, transparent citations, and respect for individual boundaries are essential components of accurate, humane journalism.
Clarifying common misconceptions
Misinformation can spread through informal sources and tabloid reporting. Common errors include misattaching children from other relationships or implying public involvement where there is none. By relying on primary documents and established biographies, it is possible to correct these inaccuracies and present a clear, fact-based picture of James Garner’s daughter and her family context.
Summary and key takeaways
James Garner’s daughter is Kimberly Garner, from his marriage to Dorothea Hurley. She has lived a private life, with no verified public career in entertainment or activism. Key facts include her name, parentage, and the timeline of her parents’ marriage. Reliable biographies, legal records, and respectful reporting practices support an accurate understanding. This relationship explainer prioritizes clarity, evidence, and ethical treatment of family privacy to serve readers seeking dependable information.