Statue of Norman native James Garner unveiled

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ James Garner returns to his hometown today for the unveiling of a heroic-size bronze statue that depicts the 77-year-old actor as a young Maverick. <br/><br/>Garner told the hundreds

Saturday, April 22nd 2006, 12:20 pm

By: News On 6

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) _ James Garner returns to his hometown today for the unveiling of a heroic-size bronze statue that depicts the 77-year-old actor as a young Maverick.

Garner told the hundreds of Oklahomans who attended the unveiling that he remained loyal to his home state despite having lived for more than a half-century in California.

He says Oklahomans have a moral compass they stick with and credits his Oklahoma upbringing for helping keep him grounded after ``Maverick'' became a TV hit.

Garner later went on to star in the 70s TV show ``The Rockford Files.''

The honors received by Garner during this trip are the latest for the actor from his hometown. Earlier this month, the Norman City Council voted to change a street name to James Garner Avenue and establish a James Garner Corridor along a portion of Main Street.