James Garner Doesn’t Hold Back in ‘The Garner Files’

James Garner has been in the public eye since the 1950s. The legendary actor has starred alongside Hollywood icons like Steve McQueen, Henry Fonda, and Charles Bronson. In his new book, “The Garner Files,” he looks back on his childhood and his long career, and he isn’t holding anything back.

Garner says:

“Something funny happens as you get older. You don’t hold back so much.”

Garner, 83, opens up about how he smoked a lot of marijuana as an adult, did cocaine with John Belushi, and thought Steve McQueen was an insecure poseur. Garner also insults his other “The Great Escape” co-star, Charles Bronson, who he calls bitter and belligerent.

But “The Garner Files” isn’t all about insults. USA Today reports that Garner’s laid back charm and humor are much more prevalent than his sharp tongue in his new book.

Garner relates stories of growing up in Depression-era Oklahoma, of how he worked odd jobs in Korea, and how good luck landed him in the acting business in Los Angeles.

Garner first rose to fame in 1957 for his portrayal of Bret Maverick on the show “Maverick.” He was nominated for an Emmy for the role in 1959. After filming movies like “The Great Escape” and “The Americanization of Emily,” Garner returned to TV for another signature role as Jim Rockford in “The Rockford Files.”

In the last decade James Garner has appeared in hits like “The Notebook,” “Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood,” and was a regular on “8 Simple Rules.”

Out of all his movies, Garner says that “The Americanization of Emily” is his favorite.

Garner says:

“Audiences have come around to it, and it’s now a cult favorite and a minor classic. Unfortunately, it hasn’t put war out of style.”

Are you a James Garner fan?