Actor James Garner honored as “Television’s Most Famous Private Investigator” by PI Magazine

Freehold, NJ, April 26, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Actor James Garner was named “Television’s Most Famous Private Investigator” by PI Magazine, at a ceremony in Garner’s hometown of Norman, Okla.

The Outstanding Achievement award was personally presented to Garner who portrayed private investigator Jim Rockford in the popular television drama series “The Rockford Files” which aired on NBC from 1974 until 1980. In 1977, Garner’s depiction of Jim Rockford earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

PI Magazine publishers Jimmie Mesis and Rosemarie Mesis, both career private investigators presented Garner with the magazine’s first-ever Outstanding Achievement Award. “James Garner has served as an inspiration to many individuals seeking a career as a PI, including myself,” said Jimmie Mesis.

Rockford’s character revolutionized television’s representation of private investigators. Like his real world counterparts, Rockford always sought the truth while helping his clients. “To this day, PIs laud Rockford for putting his clients and his work ahead of the money he made,” added Rosemarie Mesis.

The formal presentation was part of a weekend-long celebration honoring the actor. A heroic-sized statue was unveiled at the James Garner Plaza with numerous dignitaries and several hundred local residents present. The festivities continued with Garner as the Grand Marshall of the 89ers Day Parade.

PI Magazine serves as the source of information for private investigators and law enforcement detectives with more than 30,000 readers from 22 countries. PI Magazine is an international resource for the latest techniques and technology in the investigative field. For more information, call PI Magazine at 1-800-836-3088 or visit the PI Magazine Web site at www.pimagazine.com.

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