James Garner: Stroke, Hopitalized, on His Way Home

• "James Garner hospitalized after minor stroke"
  Associated Press (May 13, 2008)
  "LOS ANGELES (AP) — James Garner, who was hospitalized late last week after suffering a minor stroke, is doing well and should be going home shortly, the veteran television and film star's publicist said Tuesday.
  "The star of such TV shows as 'Maverick' and 'The Rockford Files' went to the hospital after becoming ill at home Friday, said his publicist, Jennifer Allen.
  " 'He's still in the hospital but my understanding is he is doing well and will be going home soon. When, exactly, we have not been told yet,' Allen told The Associated Press."
• ""
  Reuters (May 13, 2008)
  "...The actor underwent surgery on Sunday, and his prognosis following the operation was described as 'very positive,' Allen said, adding that Garner's vital signs were good and that he was conscious and 'responsive.' "
  "Allen said Garner was expected to be discharged from the hospital soon, but she had no further details about the circumstances of Garner's stroke or his condition."

The role I know best from James Garner's career is Rockford, of "The Rockford Files." I'm also impressed by his professionalism. Unlike so many performers, his on-screen interviews lacked self-pity for career setbacks, real or imagined. And he did have setbacks: "Nichols," for example. (Granted, having his character shot when the series was canceled might have been pique in action.)

And I appreciated the way he handled his ancestry. Some of his forebears are Cherokee. He's a member of the National Support Committee of the Native American Rights, but hasn't made being an oppressed Indian part of his marketing package. That's a pro actor.

As usual, IMDB has a pretty good listing for him.