James Garner, one of the most iconic actors in television history, has passed away at the age of 86.

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For years, he had been dealing with health issues, he had a quintuple bypass all the way in 1988, but that has done nothing to diminish the memory of his work. The Los Angeles Times reported on his death on Sunday, and within their piece, they included this quote from legendary director Robert Altman: "[Garner] is often overlooked because he makes it look so easy, and that is not easy to do. I don't know anyone in the business with his charm and charisma who can act so well."

Garner appeared in several films, and to a younger generation he is probably best known for The Notebook. However, his most quintessential role was probably as "the scrounger" in the film The Great Escape. This film exemplifies what Garner did best. He was charming, he was smooth, and he was able to put one over on anybody. Most importantly, you believed he could put one over on anybody, and that's all due to Garner's performances.

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Despite his film success, Garner did his best work and most successful work in television. In 1957, he got his first big break as Bret Maverick, the roving gambler who helped put a new spin on the Western. Then, in 1974, came The Rockford Files. It remains one of the best private eye shows of all-time, and, to many, Garner's Jim Rockford is the preeminent private eye. Rockford was not rich, he was not suave, and he often took a beating. However, he remains smart, determined and, of course, charming. Garner's performance earned him an Emmy in 1977, and the show only ended in 1980 because Garner's health issues kept him from continuing.

The best work of James Garner may have been done many years ago, but it is a testament to how great his work was that it remains in the forefront of our minds. Television has lost an icon.

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