James Garner brutally described the biggest problem with Steve McQueen

[@wasylowskir]

James Garner was the only actor willing to give newcomer Tom Selleck a chance; the other men too insecure to be seen on screen with Selleck . Now that is a cool guy.

[@paulcarter2907]

10/10....

[@DennisHurst-f2q]

Good point ! Both really superior actors, great films and for Garner really good films and TV

[@rogershore3128]

I know the episodes of Rockford files you are talking about Very funny but very dark if you pay attention

[@DennisHurst-f2q]

@ I’m glad you said that I really liked it but was very young , so like that’s confirmation for me 😎👍

[@cwavt8849]

And a war hero to boot! Good looking, funny, sexy and casually confident, James Garner was just so incredibly likable. No wonder he was so likable

[@broccoli-rabe]

Garner was a cool dude.

[@DennisHurst-f2q]

Absolutely 😎👍

He was great in The Rockford Files.

[@haroldwilson950]

"Jimbo" (As 'Angel called him, lol) was indeed the epitome of greatness in TRF's.". And all of the scams and jams he got into were great too.

steve mcqueen was the king of cool

[@fusionfan6883]

There is a consistent theme of stars saying McQueen was narcissistic and difficult, and equally having nothing but praise for Garner.

[@JefferyHagen]

I’ve read that too.

[@theaccountant5133]

But you can bet these "stars" didn't say a peep to McQueen! He would likely have split their lip.

[@Ollies2CentsWardill]

@@theaccountant5133 Which proves their point.

[@alangrund5031]

Serial adulterer and wife beater. Macho He-man? Not really. Stole Ali McGraw from husband Robert Evans after Evans got him movie roles. Nice, hey?

mcqueen was not a narcissist off set. i was with him in the 70's a bit. he was into motorcycles like the rest of us. and he acted like the rest of us. very down to earth

[@NVRAMboi]

RIP James Garner. You are missed, but not forgotten.

[@LWebber-k7x]

The Rockford files still is the best series ever.

[@thetvbaby83]

It's on antenna TV now. Awesome

[@rogershore3128]

Amazing show and still a great watch

[@cwavt8849]

With the possible exception of Justified

[@FilmBuff54]

I even love the opening credits. James Garner had so much style.

[@jerrywagner4690]

@@LWebber-k7x I like that he could have had any car. But he said no, nothing but second best for Rockford, Lol.

[@NorsePJ]

James Garner served in two wars namely WW2 and in Korea. Received numerous medals for his service including two purple hearts.

[@cdorman11]

Glad he made it to the other side.

[@jerrywagner4690]

@@NorsePJ that's why he had a limp.

[@cupholder7758]

NorsePJ. Absolutely WRONG. James Garner never served in WWII, just Korea. He was in the National Guard hoping not to get drafted into the Army and be sent to combat in Korea. He was shocked when his Guard unit was activated and deployed to Korea. While in Korea, he received 2 Purple Hearts for wounds sustained by friendly fire. I learned this from Garner himself. I worked security at his house in Brentwood in 2009.

[@NorsePJ]

@@cupholder7758 James Garner did serve in World War II, but only fought in the Korean one. You can serve in a war without fighting in it. My dad did the same.

[@Cheepchipsable]

@@jerrywagner4690 No, his limp was from a football injury.

[@peterwatters]

Anything James Garner was in was worth a watch. He did always play the same character but I really like that character

[@robertwilkinson8421]

100%!

[@janehughes2279]

James Garner was a great actor and human being. Not many like him😊❤

[@HootOwl513]

McQueen was a Marine, so was I. That much I respect. I never worked with him. I worked for Garner on ''Maverick'' in 1993. I admired and respected him.

[@richardm3023]

James Garner was a Marine. He served in Korea.

[@HootOwl513]

@@richardm3023 Mr Garner was in the Merchant Marine at the tail end of WWII. He got out after a year unable to tolerate seasickness. He later enlisted in the California Army National Guard, and was called up for active duty in the Korean Peace Action, serving as a Rifleman with the 5th RCT of the 24th Infantry. He was in country for 14 months. He was not a Marine but he was a combat Grunt.

[@richardm3023]

@@HootOwl513 Could have sworn I saw an interview that he did his boot camp at Ft.Pendleton. Maybe it was Lee Marvin I'm thinking of. Dunno. You sound like you know a lot more about it than I do.

[@Daniel-wd4jg]

Sempre Fi Always Faithful

[@HootOwl513]

@@richardm3023 Lee Marvin was a Marine. He did Boot Camp at MCRD San Diego, and advanced training at Camp Pendleton. He said they filmed a lot of his platoon training there for some war movie. Marvin was assigned to be in Logistics/Supply. He was sharp and on the ball and got promoted to Corporal. But he'd be stuck Stateside. He deliberately misbehaved so he'd get busted bact to PVT, and then volunteered for a combat MOS. He was then trained as a Scout/Sniper. This was after the Marine Raider batallions were disbanded and before Force Recon was created. He went ashore at night with a team in rubber boats before major landings commenced and blew Japanese stuff up. He did this many times -- like 66 missions ? -- and then decided he was pushing his luck and asked to transfer out of the Scout Snipers to a line platoon. His request was granted, but on his first mission -- Saipan -- he was shot in the butt by a Japanese sniper. Medevac-ed, and after a long recovery, he was returned to duty, but found wearing 782 gear rubbed on his wound. The Sciatic nerve was involved, [I think. Not a Dr.] And so PFC Marvin was medically discharged. I met Lee Marvin at the Oro Valley [AZ] garbage dump. He was a real nice guy. We talked about the Corps, and our individual experiences. The guys who ran the dump knew Lee, and let him shoot rats after closing time. I was invited, but hadn't brought my pistol. He chewed me out for not being armed. It was too late in the day to go home and get my Luger. I served right after VietNam. I was an Air Winger. I was out in the WestPac, but never in country in Nam. He encouraged me to get into the film industry and even gave me the name of the IATSE Business Agent to call. I wish I could have run into him again, but his time was very short then. He went into the local VA hospital for another shrapnel pulling operation, and came out feet first. I've been an IATSE Union member for 37 years, now. One of the Brothers interviewing me for union admission, had been a Navy Corpsman on Iwo Jima. When I said Lee sent me, I was in like Flynn.

[@Shoehorn-Jackson]

You should look up Robert Mitchum's critique on McQueen's acting. John Wayne said James Garner was the best actor around, he said he can do anything, extremely well.

[@LJ-ht4zs]

I have always loved James Garner -

[@MikeHeath7]

Good comment! Robert Mitchum was a REAL 'man's man" and also a great actor~! M

[@timheavrin2253]

James Garner was spot on about McQueen. I liked everything Garner appeared in, most especially THE GREAT ESCAPE & SPACE COWBOYS. RIP Mr. GARNER.

[@jerrywagner4690]

Huge fan of James Garner, I still like The Rockford files and always will.

[@chrisblood7395]

Much as I like Steve McQueen's movies? I think James Garner's assessment of him was... absolutely right...

[@jenacarruthers2993]

Why say that? You didn’t know him!

[@Hithere-ek4qt]

And you did?

[@terrier53]

💯

[@jenacarruthers2993]

@@chrisblood7395 youropion …, I respect that … but I knew him slightly

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

Steve as Norman Jewison said was “ a movie star” I ride motorcycles with Steve in the late 1960’s and 70’s. He was a great guy on and off the bike. Willing to help anyone. I’m old and broken now but have great memories. Off the bike very insecure guy. Was always afraid of being taken advantage of Jim Garner was a tremendous actor and person. RIP both

[@denisberte778]

I don't agree Gil, maybe you're old but not broken, get back on that bike sir! Regards, Denis Berte' USMC (Nam 70-71).

[@GilturnerknocksoutphonyFloyd]

@ Semper Fi

[@josron6088]

I remember Eli Wallach calling Steve McQueen arrogant. But he also went on to say you just knew he was going to be a big star.

[@icewaterslim7260]

My Mexican American boss on a paving crew called Wallach a "damned good Mexican". I think if Eli were around he should consider that a damned fine compliment of his talent as a method actor.

[@hlcepeda]

"But he also went on to say you just knew he was going to be a big star." Not necessarily meant as a compliment.

[@josron6088]

@hlcepeda I don't think he particularly cared for him.

[@mrakl3]

Would have liked to hear Garner say these things more than hear this guy SAY that Garner said it...

[@robertgeorgemiller278]

Yes Hear Say - not evidence in Court

[@cliffordbowman6777]

Don’t believe he said those things

[@jjacobs190]

Absolutely!

[@MikeM-rh7yq]

He was quoting from his book.

[@paulcarter2907]

@@MikeM-rh7yq Fair enough, never read it...yet

[@diannegazzola1957]

Garner was a true gentleman he never forgot those who were his friends he always fund time to talk with men he grew up with and he served with in the military. A real gentleman

[@trudigoodman4825]

James Garner is correct about McQueen. The fact that he could look at the situations with McQueen in a balanced way says alot about Garner. I am a Professional Actor. James Garner is much admired in my profession and in my Union as a fine actor and an fine human being.

[@augustseptember3503]

McQueen didn't get on with Yul Brynner on the set of The Magnificent Seven, McQueen kept trying to upstage Brynner. Brynner was relieved when Robert Fuller took McQueen's place in the sequel.

[@MrJm323]

....There was a sequel? (Maybe we don't remember it because McQueen was replaced.)

[@mrpoizun]

@@MrJm323 Wake up, Rip! There have been about a half dozen sequels or remakes!

[@MrJm323]

@@mrpoizun ZzZzZzZz... But, you say one of these snorers had Yul Brynner but not Steve McQueen, you say?

[@donutarmageddon7975]

James Garner made "Murphey's Romance", late in his career. He gave Sally Field a kiss that made her legs wobble. I'll never forget that about him.

[@michaelsapoznik5984]

Say what you want about Steve. The Sand Pebbles, Great Escape, Thomas Crowm Affair, Magnificent Seven, The Cincinnati Kid, Papillon, Bullitt, Nevada Smith, The Reivers, The Towering Inferno, The Getaway...were great. Saw them all growing up. That's all that matters. Thank you so much Steve, you were awesome.

[@DebJones-dj7lz]

@@michaelsapoznik5984 Those were great films, but they were fantasies. Real life is what truly matters.

[@Lechaim11]

Great fan ofJam3s Gardner but disagree about Steve's acting. He was in my opinion one of the best actors around.

[@deathlarsen7502]

It's very true that's all that matters the rest is just gossip

[@deathlarsen7502]

FairPoint but you don't know these people you're just a consumer watching entertainment what do you care what they're like in real life

[@DebJones-dj7lz]

@ The purpose of this video was to talk about the real person, not their public image.

[@joeyweaver7421]

Steve McQueen and James Garner are two of my very favorite actors. Like Garner, McQueen also had a terrible childhood. It seems strange how two people can go through similar experiences and come out so different.

[@cliffordbowman6777]

Ego

[@StevenPine-s8t]

Garner has a right to his opinion of McQueen. He knew the guy! I liked both of thier works!

[@toddadale]

I was lucky to meet Jim Garner, a gentleman who was kind to me as I stopped to say hello.

[@leftcoaster67]

Even on things I didn't agree with Garner on. He was honest and a straight shooter. Probably one of the best guys on and off the set.

[@GTX1123]

I'm 62. I was a big Steve McQueen fan as a kid but by the time I reached my teen yrs, me and my brother became long haired, counter culture, drug doing drug dealing hellions who thought that all TV sitcom shows were a joke - with one exception; the Rockford Files. Though Garner was older than our father we thought Jim Rockford's character was beyond cool.

[@WilliamPappas-b6o]

James Garner was 72 when he made Victor Victoria and he still looked pretty good and was great in the role. I had to Google how old he was when he made that movie and I was shocked. I thought maybe he'd be in his fifties.

[@myname-ib5zi]

James Garner was born in 1928. Victor/Victoria was released in 1982 when he was 54 years old meaning he would have been a year or two younger than that when it was actually filmed.

[@donutarmageddon7975]

@@myname-ib5zi about to make the same comment, but you beat me!

[@CC-xu2yz]

He was in his fifties.

[@stevensteven3456]

Yes I agree Gardner was a class act. He reminds me of the character he played in the Great Escape. Good role model indeed.

[@stevehawkland4279]

Whether it was The Great Escape, The Rockford Files, a Doris Day movie, or anything else. I always loved James Garner. He always seemed like a wonderful man with a sense of humor and a good head on his shoulders.

[@strattuner]

I worked with STEVE'S UNCLE, no bull,they looked remarkably alike,he told me that his nephew had went through literal hell as a kid,never felt home anywhere and always had a chip on his shoulder due to his youth,it was torrential ,i believe his uncle

[@gerardmackay8909]

In the 1964 movie ‘Love with the proper stranger’ McQueen’s character had to lose his temper with Natalie Wood’s character and he was directed to pull her roughly by the shoulder as she was walking away. After several takes Natalie was experiencing increasing pain and began to wince audibly. At this point McQueen said to the director ‘I’m not happy about this’ Natalie was touched that he was concerned for her discomfort until he finished off by saying ‘I’m not happy because when I pull her across she completely blocks my face during the close up’ THATwas Steve McQueen to a tee

[@gallery7596]

Barbara Walter: ''How would you like to be remembered?" James Garner: "With a smile."

[@BeachsideHank]

You could see Steve's acting chops coming up short during his initial confrontation with the camp Kommandant played by Hans Messemer, himself a former P.O.W. of the Russians, he managed to escape and make it back to Germany on foot.

[@hex4047]

From all of the different accounts I've read and heard regarding Steve McQueen, Jim Garner was spot on. I think Jim was actually a good man and actor. I always enjoyed films he was in.

[@jamezkpal2361]

I always got a friendly vibe from Garner while McQueen gave me an uncomfortable feeling. Like if they both beat the shit out of me Garner would throw my hat at me when I was on the ground and then walk away, while McQueen would hurl insults and keep kicking me. Loved them both.

[@fredm2791]

Garner was the Roy Hobbs of Hollywood. Never was there a more natural actor. McQueen could only wish. That said, I respect both of their impressive career accomplishments. Their movies share my voluminous library of re-watches.

[@andymckane7271]

As one who vastly prefers movies made in the 1960's, 70's, 1980's, and into the 1990's, vs the vast majority of present day films, I very much agree with your conclusion that James Garner was a better actor than Steve McQueen, "the king of cool," ever thought of being. I like watching McQueen's movies just as I enjoy Garner's, but the always "laid back" Garner will always be a joy to me to watch, read about and try to emulate. Wonderful analysis with this well-considered video. Thank you! Andy McKane, Maunaloa, Hawaii.

[@lusmas99]

Growing up, I wanted to BE Steve McQueen. Growing up...I wanted be James Garner's friend.

[@spencer4hire59]

I think James Garner was far more gracious in his critique of McQueen, than others that I've heard.

[@Grasshopper0122]

I was assistant to the casting director on the James Garner movie, “Promise.” He truly was a gentleman. On my last day on the set, he shook my hand, had some kind words and signed my copy of the script. Pure gold……pure gold.

[@richardw64]

Grew up watching James in all his tv series and movies, as a child of the 60s and a teen of the 70s. He had a respectable persona in all his characters. My number one actor. RIP

[@jonathanvince8173]

In the great Escape it was Charles Bronson and James Gardner that looked after the only actor on the set that actually was a real Prisoner of war. Who was coming up with how people really were as a prisoner of war to the writers and directors. Charles and James pushed the ideas to be used. As made sense and when watching the film you see why it all worked.

[@gmatgmat]

Donald Pleasance was in the RAF and also a POW.

[@jeffcurtis5980]

I was a big fan of Steve McQueen till I read a biography of him. 'Antics' doesn't get close.

[@davidtidman5531]

From the first James Garner film I saw, it was plain to me this actor would be much liked throughout his career. As you said, a genuine likeable person. Just love the moment with Donald Pleasance escaping together, sums he up perfectly! (great escape)

[@chipschannel9494]

Ali. MacGraw thought Steve had issues also.

[@jamesthurber4730]

James Garner was a man, McQueen was a boy.

[@HEADLINEZOO]

And you know this how? I’m a fan of both. Garner appears to be of higher character. Appearance isn’t fact.

[@1rjbrjb]

Steve McQueen was never beaten and humiliated by a 5'7 guy who grabbed his gold chains and coke spoon. "Jimbo" was. After 15 years of Tonight Show appearances about wanting to "pop" this studio exec or that one, he got into a streetfight against a guy 6 inches shorter and used the martial art of moaning and feigning unconsciousness. McQueen: better actor, better man. Garner: leftist bully and coward.

[@toygiants8748]

Thurber may have spoken in rather general terms but a lot of authors have mentioned Steve McQueen's insecure and immature behavior on the sets of various motion pictures.

[@HEADLINEZOO]

@ As with many workplaces, I imagine there are many in the film industry who have axes to grind.

[@jerseyforhawks]

Basically, that's it.

[@mikewalters3048]

I would have liked to have heard Garner actually speak for himself in the vid.

[@tvtimes3402]

That was never gonna happen he was making money off this, KZbin dollars

[@JohnRavenwood]

FWIW, my father was a Depression kid who joined the Navy in 1938, and stayed in until 1960. He was a Water Tender (Boilerman). He was mildly interested in movies, but didn't pay attention to actors/movie celebrities, etc. However, when he watched McQueen's movie, "The Sand Pebbles" on TV, he told me that McQueen's portrayal of a member of an Old Navy "Black Gang" (engineering crew) was the most realistic he'd ever seen. He said that the movie captured the general feeling of the pre WW II Navy very well.

[@cwavt8849]

I liked MvQueen, but he was so Very insecure. Garner was so incredibly confident that he was comfortable making fun of himself. Few man can laugh when the joke is on them. He reminds me of my husband who was the most likable and confident man i ever knew. I have to admit that this is a character that is a magnet for women

[@11JohnBooker22]

I bought the "Rockford files" episodes years ago. My dad watched them as they aired from the early seventies until the series end. Watch them once in a while. I like to think dad's watching them with me.😊😊

[@Conman2413]

I've read stories about The Magnificent Seven (1960). McQueen would do whatever it took to get under Yul Brynner's skin.

[@justkidding9751]

Garner was the better actor in my opinion, McQueen was image and he picked the rolls that he knew would make him look cool.

[@JoeChip]

McQueen’s on screen presence is undeniable but there was something about Garner the was equally compelling. Even now, if a film comes on TV with James Garner in it, I want to sit and watch. You always come away feeling happier after watching his work. And Rockford Files is still fantastic.

[@BillHalliwell]

Retired, professional film/TV critic here; I have a great respect for James Garner. I only disagree with him on one point. Actor to actor, Steve McQueen fell far short of Mr Garner's, all-'round, outstanding talent. Mr Mcqueen always played the same, or very similar, portrayals, no matter what his character. A lack of range and diversity is always a strong indication of an actor lacking in genuine talent. Cheers, Bill H.

[@MicahMicahel]

i think the biggest quality is this mysterious engaging personality. Some people just command thr screen somehow. lots if actors arentvsuch great actors but their look is engaging. I only temember two movies with mcqueen, the getaway and the great escape. Flawless as far as i see for those movies

[@MicahMicahel]

John wayne too... was he a goid actor ir did he just have thos mysterious charisma. John ford said he was a crappy actir didnt he? It didnt matter. its impossible to say if Clint eastwood or john wayne were talented actors They did yhemselves perfectly

[@misterramon7447]

In the movie Hell Is For Heroes, the story is McQueen swiped the leading role from Bobby Darin who wound up as a supporting player rather than in what was SUPPOSED to be his breakout role as an actor. A reporter on the set who got blown off by McQueen was said to have muttered, "That guy is his own worst enemy." to which Darin supposedly retorted, "Not while I'M Alive."

[@crazyralph6386]

Garner was a real one

[@mikekenney1947]

mcQ an insecure actor? Perish the thought. The audience likes them both, but only one of them was an actor and a real life tough guy. I knew Jack Kelley in passing. He had basically been bypassed by Garner’s Brett Maverick role. Rather than any chagrin, he exuded enthusiasm for Garner as a person and a dramatic presence. Last vote: Ask Donald Pleasance, a real World War 2 hero, what he thought of McQueen in contrast to Garner.

[@teacup3133]

Garner was a very good actor and quite a man. I liked them both but McQueen wasn't as talented.

[@MikeHeath7]

I grew up around the Hollywood industry and I had several family members who worked in the business. I even briefly worked in the business myself at a very small level. I was never any kind of "star chaser" like many fans because I have always known that there are good and bad folks in the industry just like every other aspect of life. I have however always been very interested in the production end of film making (behind the camera) and some actors are CLEARLY the best of the best~! James Garner was always someone that you could count on to give an extraordinary performance regardless of his role. He was on the same level as John Wayne and the other greats who were real professionals who deeply cared about their craft. I completely agree with James Garner pointing out the difference between a REAL skilled actor who is absolutely believable in a role, compared to an actor who is struggling to make it look as if they are believable in a role. When you watched James Garner in any role that he portrayed, he was absolutely believable, and the audience could therefore become much more involved in the production/story line. Most actors struggle to be believable in roles that they play, and it does detract from the story if the audience knows that they are constantly seeing someone "fake it" as opposed to someone who is completely believable in a role~! I miss the astounding actors that "we" (society) had at one time in the Hollywood industry, because the best has unfortunately passed away and can never be replaced. I don't even watch Hollywood movies anymore because the scripts are usually terrible, the acting is poor most of the time, and the current level of "special effects" do not create the kind of "magic productions" that Hollywood was once so famous for being capable of producing.... Thank you, James Garner, for helping to make our society better by your hard work over the decades~! Thank you to all of the Hollywood greats who contributed so much to so many generations of folks who needed your wonderful skills during difficult times~! M

[@robertcatesby8420]

James Coburn also said that McQueen was a real diva. Steve did a lot of whining. James Garner wasn't one to cheat with other guy's wives.

[@razorsharp8549]

McQueen, Paul Newman, Gardner, John Wayne. What a great era, really the Golden age of Hollywood. Now it's Hollywierdos.

[@nala3038]

Garner

[@danerogers9058]

I was stationed at FT. Benning Ga. (3/7 Inf. 197th Brigade) when James Garner was filming the movie Tank back in 82 or 83. Saw him filming the PT running shots on Kelly Hill while waiting on a cab to go into downtown Columbus

[@markpage9886]

McQueen had a HORRIBLE childhood. It doesn't excuse anything but it explains a lot. Stepfather beat him so severely, Steve ran away at nine years old. He spent the rest of his childhood fighting with his stepfather. Not arguing. Being punched in the face.

[@mariegeorge8865]

Talk about being traumatized over and over! Sad.

[@gregalonzo747]

James Garner was not only a great actor, he was quite versatile. Frankly, Steve McQueen was overrated.

[@PhilipAlvers]

Jimmy was my fave actor of all time,compassion, action and human frailty. RIP Jim the great!

[@markknivila8383]

Well, when you're right, you're right! And James Garner was right, about Steve McQueen! He wasn't a bad guy, just insecure!

[@ginsin1234]

Garner was a better actor and a more down to earth and a no nonsense guy, I heard Steve was not so cool off camera but hey , they both made some great films.

[@TheSaltydog07]

Read McQueens bio. He grew up in miserable and brutal conditions. That kind of misery stays for life, no matter how successful you are.

[@tonysweet7507]

There were only two tv channels where I was growing up in the 50's and neither one was the network that had Maverick, but somehow they managed to get it and they showed it on Saturday nights at 11:00pm and I got to stay up and watch it. James Garner has remained my favorite actor of all time.

[@VictorMaxol]

In fairness Garner would be better company, McQueen I'd watch at a distance.

[@davegroves1924]

Jim Rockford was one of the greatest characters to ever grace televisions in this Country.

[@davidprovance6609]

This afternoon, I was telling my wife about the cast listing order in the movie Road to Perdition which was in order of appearance giving the young boy actor the first mention as opposed to the famous row between McQueen and Newman in the Towering Inferno. All of this was verbal. Nothing online whatsoever. This evening I got served this video. Google is definitely not listening in.

[@jessestewart2598]

McQueen was famous for his jealous actions toward Yul Brynner in the Magnificent Seven- Brynner created the western style Seven Samurai, he cast the film, choose the location, but from day one of filming according costar Robert Vaughn McQueen bitched all the time about Brynner to even complaining Brynner's gun was shined more then his, Vaughn said he reminded McQueen Brynner was the star and McQueen just stood there in shock and walked away! After McQueen kept using actions known as tropes to try and keep the camera's focus of he McQueen, even in one scene were a gunfight is about to start and McQueen keeps adjusting his hat ( who in a gunfight would fool with their hat?).

[@tomwhelan4561]

James garner,a great human being,not many in Hollywood!

[@benthead]

James Garner is a true legend. He is my favorite Hollywood actor.

[@natomblin]

Never saw McQueen as cool. Too self-conscious, clinically depressed. Garner is admirable.

[@ManvasPachenko]

I agree. I sometimes thought McQueen's acting was like "Hey look at me, I'm a big movie star" and it had nothing genuine about it.

[@antoniocruz5596]

I always thought that McQueen, Brando, and Dean were overrated. Sure they made some good movies, but I think they were mediocre actors at best.

[@claudemaassen2963]

Finally someone I can agree with.

[@curtgottler9961]

Especially Dean, hammy actor.

[@MicahMicahel]

@@curtgottler9961i didnt like a rebel without a cause but i saw east of eden and i found myself looking atvdean and wondering what he's thinking. he was doing all these expressions. it worked for me and i understand why people thought he was engaging.

[@halley4032]

I've never understood the deal with James Dean. Right place at the right time i.e. Rock n Roll years or something maybe. In Giant, he just seemed 'odd', compared to everyone else.

[@janetbarkwith]

Brando, especially. Could never understand the hype. Dean was patchily good, mostly in east of eden, but McQueen was fun to watch, even though he was mostly playing the same character - not always, but mostly. Loved James Garner in pretty much everything he did from Maverick onwards.

[@joemoore8107]

James Garner is right on the money about the person such as Mc Queen Garner had personality and Mc Queen never had it

[@dstorm7752]

Everybody liked Garner, but McQueen was a good actor. Take a gander at "The Thomas Crown Affair" or "Bullitt" and McQueen's ability is clear.

[@Paul-tk2my]

To be fair, The Great Escape would not have been the movie it was without Steve McQueen‘s character and scenes. It’s the reason why a lot of people watch it. Garner comes across as a well balanced guy who is also an important actor in Hollywood. It’s difficult to assess McQueen as an actor, because he didn’t really say a lot. But then, that’s not why he was on the big screen.

[@shaunvduke]

Watched a great yt short about how Garner and Bronson stood up for Donald Pleasance with the director on the great escape.

[@USMCM16A2]

Decent, good hearted, honest. James Garner, McQueen meh!

[@marilyngrimes1749]

Loved James Garner such a real man. He was strong and sweet.

[@Sigma_Freud18]

I emulated Steve for many years. But Garner's assessment of Steve is spot on.

[@jenacarruthers2993]

Garner was just jealous of McQueen like all the other actors…

[@michaelsheedy]

If you noticed, Steve would do a lot of hand gestures during a scene to put the spotlight on himself. He was very competitive which really showed up in his racing.

[@robynheavner4689]

Steve McQueen did finally accept Jesus before he passed!. James Gardner was a great actor too! Both are favorites!

[@rondagostino6798]

Everyone knows this, but he remains "The King of Cool", regardless. At least , to those of us who share his insecurity.

[@MauriceKiernicki]

I like them both equally. Garner could do comedy as well. He also fought in the Korean War and won medals for bravery in the field. Respect to Mr. Garner. Other Korean War heroes who became actors; Dan Blocker,James McEachin and Sir Michael Caine. God bless all of them for their Service

[@neilmonroe7903]

Garner was a war hero in both WWII and Korea; he was a real dude, had done incredible things long before he became an actor. He didn't need his ego stroked. He knew who he was and what he'd done. A great American.

[@degrelleholt6314]

The only film I can think of that Steve McQueen was not so much a movie star but played a role that was different and "not so movie starish" was The Hunter.

[@foppo100]

I used to watch the Rockford Files.Garner top actor and a great personality.I do think the McQueen played a great part in Papillion.

[@andreafox7267]

Total gentleman! I loved James Garner. A class act and a beautiful human being.

[@lizzardwizard2000]

You nailed it. All true. Garner was the better actor for sure, but McQueen had a bigger screen presence.

[@johnradovich8809]

I love the comparisons of McQeen to Paul Newman. McQueen finds it imperative to act cool. Newman is cool. Also Mitchum said about McQueen there’s nobody home upstairs.😅

[@MicahMicahel]

Newman was charming rather than cool i think. Clint is cool. Robert Mitchum was cool...

[@1Tomrider]

My Dad liked the Rockford Files, and we rented it at the library and did too! - I've yet to hear anyone say McQueen was anything but an ass, and I never could see him as a "Mr. Cool," or "King of Cool," whatever, a nickname ~he~ probably started!

[@bobturnley2787]

McQueen usually played the likeable, easily relatable type on screen, but I thought he was great only in Soldier in the Rain with Jackie Gleason from 1963. That seemed like the most fun and lively character of his career.

[@jabe3780]

Say what you want, but women loved both of these guys.

[@fundamentos3439]

I always admired Steve McQueen. I remember Mr. Garner from his " Maverick " days , and then , he evolved into an excellent character actor.

[@glenmartin2437]

I watched much more of Garner's works than Steve McQueen 's. Garner was the better actor.

[@MakerBoyOldBoy]

McQueen as a lad was arrested for stealing hubcaps and sentenced to time at Boys Republic Chino California. Opened in 1927 as a "Home for Wayward Boys" by a kindly lady a young bearded Catholic priest lived there for 6 months then moved on to Omaha Nebraska and opened Boys Town which was a detached copy of Boys Republic. McQueen eventually ran away but kindly remembered his stay and invited a bus load of Republic boys to the Hollywood premier oh his early movie The Reivers. He had other contacts with the boys, but they began to feel he was using them and the contracts ended.

[@geezerguy6410]

I meant McQueen once we were both on bikes. In the early 70s I had a Cushman Eagle that was like new. McQueen and I talked bikes for about 5 mins. Just two guys talking about something they both enjoyed. To those who say he was not an actor, remember where he came from. In his early films he used his image more. Later films the talent does come. To me the scene in Sand Pebbles, where he introduces himself to the steam engine he is now in charge off, is as good at describing a character has Montgomery Cliffs phone booth scene in Misfits.