Statue of James Garner Unveiled in Okla.

James Garner returned to his hometown Friday 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 said that when he watched movies at the Sooner Theater in Norman he never dreamed of being an actor.

“That was the silver screen,” he said. “I thought it was far beyond my reach.”

Garner, who will serve as the grand marshal in Norman’s 89er Day parade Saturday, attended the unveiling with his wife and two daughters.

The town has honored him before. Earlier this month, the City Council voted to change a street name to James Garner Avenue and establish a James Garner Corridor along a portion of Main Street.

Garner got his first big acting break as Bret Maverick in the television series “Maverick” and went on to his most identifiable role, private investigator Jim Rockford of “The Rockford Files.”

Garner has been in nearly 100 films, including “Murphy’s Romance,” for which he received an Oscar nomination, “Victor/Victoria” and “Space Cowboys.”