Jonas: Dabbs Greer. Sarah: France Nuyen. Matt hits the trail in pursuit of three bandits who robbed the stagecoach and murdered the driver and guard. Ed: Scott Marlowe. Boyle: Richard Evans. Asa: Sam Wanamaker. Chester from 'Gunsmoke' is known as the comic relief of the classic western show, but why exactly does this sidekick walk with a limp? Band: Jack Elam. President Ronald Reagan is flanked by Blake and Garland Murphy of the American Cancer Institute, during a White House ceremony in 1984. Billy: Bobby Crawford. Classic Western! Jul. After the series concluded, CBS produced a number of made-for-TV movies based on the show, including Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), and Gunsmoke: One Mans Justice (1994). Craig Arness gets the drop on dad during an afternoon of play at the Arness home in 1958. Botkin: Roy Roberts. Williams: Jim Davis. Matt: James Arness. Woodrow Chambliss. Matt: James Arness. T.R. The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Festus and Newly have a run-in with the pair. TV Shows. ET. Much of the series featured Dillon and his allies battling bandits, robbers, or other threats that blew in from the prairie. Richard: Tom Nardini. Frank and Edmund Dano return from prison to find their mother dying and their father bitter. 7 2020, Updated 8:23 p.m. I'd pretty much exhausted all creative possibilities with the character, and I just wanted to do something else," he said. This list contains notable cast members of the Gunsmoke radio and TV series, and TV movies. A buffalo hunter is sentenced to hang for a murder committed by the sons of Matt's old friend Adam Benteen. Festus has a tracking job which leads him to Abelia's home where the gang has already taken off southbound. This page is not available in other languages. [3] Bundy appeared in Daniel Farrands' documentary film, Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy. Pa Gibbijohn: John Anderson. Thad tries to save an Indian girl's father, who has been sentenced to die for a murder he didn't commit. Harris: Cyril Delevanti. Drunkard Malachi Harper tries to impress his brother by posing as marshal. Deeks: Morgan Woodward. He ended up regretting this decision because it can't be that easy limping week after week. Matt tries to find out who hired the gunfighters who have been confronting him in and out of Dodge. Fans loved watching the relationship unfold between Marshal Matt Dillon. Doc: Milburn Stone. Originating on radio (with William Conrad as Dillon), it moved to TV in September 1955. A bank robber takes refuge in a church---holding the pastor and two women hostage. When going into this show knowing that this is a fun expression of entertainment then this episode is not bad at all. John: Douglas Kennedy. It must have been a pleasure to act in the show. Can you fill in these Star Trek episode titles with the correct names? Kitty: Amanda Blake. Starring Richard Arlen & William "Stage" Boyd WOW! John Wayne turned down the lead, suggesting James Arness (who remained for its entire run). Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? Lists that rank the greatest performers to hit the large and small screens. Claude: Tim McIntire. Doc: Milburn Stone. David: Teno Pollick. Festus: Ken Curtis. Fraley: Richard Jaeckel. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. The role was initially offered to Polly Bond. Arness peers over a collar of leis he received after he crossed the finish line first in the Multihull Transpacific Yacht Race, Sunday, July 15, 1968, in Honolulu. Festus: [jumps in bed and pulls cover up] Well, you could have at least gave me a chance to get decent! Amanda returned to play Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, a TV movie that ran in 1985. Director Bill Conrad (center, with his back to the camera) walks the cast through a script. Alright, let's get the Hell into Dodge! Ben: George Kennedy. She was such an integral part of the show, with many episodes centered around her in the western series. Aiken: Lyle Waggoner. Doc: Milburn Stone. With Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, James Arness. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. Herk: Gregg Palmer. In the original radio series, William Conrad voiced the role of Marshal Matt Dillon. Gary Busey was the last character killed on the show, 11. Doc: Milburn Stone. Here are some things you may not have known about the iconic show. Matt Dillon had one onscreen kiss throughout the tv series, Dillon got his one silver screen kiss in the episode "Matt's Love Story" with Michael Learned, who portrayed Olivia Walton on, 17. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Milburn Stone, Ken Curtis. Festus: Ken Curtis. Kirk, Spock, Bones, and Scotty from Star Trek all appeared on the show. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Corrections? Along with shows like "Bonanza," "The Big Valley," and "The High Chaparral," the series helped popularize the image of the American cowboy as the ultimate rugged individual fighting for justice on a lawless frontier. As one of those plucky cowpokes, "Gunsmoke" regular Dennis Weaver's Chester became one the period's most popular characters, with his familiar drawl and home-spun nature playing off against Arness' Dillon and his unflappable, earnest lawman persona. Milburn Stone collects an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor Drama in 1968. The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run. Long before its characters were name-dropped in a, viewers tuned in to the 20-season series to watch Marshal Dillon defeat villains in the, 1. The show really struggled to fill the iconic role, mostly because they really wanted John Wayne, who refused to leave his film career. Wounded and on foot, a young Indian stalks the fur trader who murdered his father and attacked his sister. Arness and Blake get big laughs at Dennis Weaver's rope fumbling during a rehearsal. Beal: Slim Pickens. Matt: James Arness. Shug Fisher. Blake sure earned a lot of clams working on the show. Mandee: Simon Oakland. Orabelle . Kitty: Amanda Blake. Judge Calvin Strom and his two sons plot to even the score with Festus and Kitty---who they think murdered a member of their family. Holtz: Ted Gehring. Doc, Dillon and Kitty visit the real Dodge City in Kansas in 1958. Starr: Dub Taylor. COPYRIGHT 2023, WOMG. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Ollabelle formed during the post-9/11 days of 2001 at Sunday night gospel music sessions humorously dubbed "Sunday School for Sinners" held in a small bar called 9C (so named for its location at the corner of East 9th Street and Avenue C on Manhattan's Lower East Side).Their individual talents and musical tastes fused together to provide a unique musical experience influenced by . Dano: Nehemiah Persoff. Matt: James Arness. Festus: Ken Curtis. Skeeter: George Lindsey. Arness and Blake get big laughs at Dennis Weaver's rope fumbling during a rehearsal. Slim Pickens. Doc: Milburn Stone. The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. Then, in 1970, Weaver landed another role that would see him in a cowboy hat and occasionally atop a horse, as he took on the lead in the modern-day police drama "McCloud," which would run until 1977 (per IMDb). Dillon got his one silver screen kiss in the episode "Matt's Love Story" with Michael Learned, who portrayed Olivia Walton onThe Waltons. Angus: Chips Rafferty. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. Dennis Weaver came up with Chester's limp, 18. Festus: Ken Curtis. Matt: James Arness. Smith: Victor French. Festus: Ken Curtis. So why was Weaver's fan-favorite character written off the show in its ninth season ostensibly at the height of the show's popularity? The movie was one of the very last times Amanda was on screen, but that doesn't explain why she left the role in the first place. Tresh: Warren Oates. This is an all out comedy that was actually very well written when you think of all the dialog that was used in this hour show. Abelia: Directed by Vincent McEveety. She lived in Phoenix, making her commute rather unbearably long. Hickman Hill, grandson of veteran Western actor Tom Mix, makes his acting debut in a segment of Gunsmoke. Gunsmoke (TV Series 1955-1975) Brooke Bundy as Alice, Orabelle. 11x17 Sweet Billy, Singer of SongsTV-G. 11x17. Kitty: Amanda Blake. 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The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Festus and Newly have a run-in with the pair. Gunsmoke Killed Gilligan's Island It may have been extremely popular during its run, but in 1967, Gunsmoke was on the verge being canceled by CBS. Ken Curtis played multiple characters. Matt: James Arness. He soon finds one, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry. Moonercan: R.G. Matt: James Arness. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. ", Fortunately for Weaver, however, the move proved to be the right one as far as his ongoing career in the industry was concerned. (dramatic theme music playing) (both guns fire) ANNOUNCER: starring James Arness as Matt Dillon. Festus: Ken Curtis. Gray Horse: Michael Ansara. Two-Bears: Noah Beery. David: James MacArthur. <Previous "Gunsmoke" Next> Season 11 (CBS)(1965-66) (60 min black-and-white) Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive with contributions by: references: TV Guide Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov) Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com) UCLA Film and Television Archive James Arness (born James King Aurness; May 26, 1923 - June 3, 2011) was an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years in the CBS television series Gunsmoke.Arness has the distinction of having played the role of Dillon in five decades: 1955 to 1975 in the weekly series, then in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987) and four more made-for-television Gunsmoke films . The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Festus and Newly have a run-in with the pair. Rev. After 19 years, though, why did Amanda leave? Updates? The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. You can various bits of trivia about these Gunsmoke stars, such as where the actor was born and what their year of birth is. Shortly after departing "Gunsmoke," the actor was cast in the single-season NBC comedy-drama "Kentucky Jones." Matt: James Arness. Dillon would tell criminals to "Get outta Dodge," referring to the show's setting of Dodge City, Kansas. True to its name, the show did feature shoot-outs. He appeared in a few films too including: It Should Happen to You (1954,debut), Hell Canyon Outlaws (1957), Hail,Hero! Who played Abelia's son Jonathan? Will: Del Monroe. You also get to see Peter, Jan, and Cindy from The Brady Bunch. Young Thad Greenwood takes the law into his own hands when four toughs cause his father to have a fatal heart attack. Gunsmokes success prompted many imitations, but none enjoyed its longevity or rose to its heights. Captured by Matt, a young outlaw waits for his older brother to free him. Festus has a tracking job which leads him to Ab Read allThe Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. Matt: James Arness. Betsy: Lesley Ann Warren. See production, box office & company info, (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited), Some of the dialog is quite funny in this non-serious episode, CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA. He looked and sounded just like Louie except that he'd shaved, combed his hair and donned a robe. Once she knew she had it, she decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, a close friend of Amanda. Amy: Amber Flower. Like the radio version, the television series centred on the character of Matt Dillon (played by James Arness), a U.S. marshal charged with maintaining law and order in an American frontier town. He died of a brain tumor in the third to last episode of the series in the role of Harve Daley. Jensen: Wright King. Gunsmoke (1955-1975): Season 11, Episode 17 - Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs - full transcript Festus's nephew arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write. So instead, they cut Gilligan, and his crew and, 8. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Thad: Roger Ewing. Sandy: Tim O'Kelly. Miss Kitty was a fan-favorite on Gunsmoke, as the owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Festus and Newly have a run-in with the pair. Thad . I've seen a man standing in his long johns before. He is best remembered for playing Frankenstein's monster in three Universal. Keeping the peace in Dodge City is no funny business, but Arness and Curtis share a laugh with Betty Hutton on the set. Arness peers over a collar of leis he received after he crossed the finish line first in the Multihull Transpacific Yacht Race, Sunday, July 15, 1968, in Honolulu. Kyle: Jonathan Lippe. A haircut changed DeForest Kelley's whole career, Clint Eastwood dreamed of owning a ranch after Rawhide, Richard Boone believed actors should fight over roles, not dressing rooms. Most conflicts emanated from an outsiders entering the small, tight-knit community and causing some form of tumult. It was one of her last roles on screen. 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. But the programs enduring success resulted largely from the psychological drama and tense situations that were resolved with moral ambiguity rather than with a showdown at high noon. The TV show Gunsmoke was a classic and it ran for 20 years on CBS. He soon finds one, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry. Allie: Lane Bradbury. This list includes all of the Gunsmoke main actors and actresses, so if they are an integral part of the show you'll find them below.You can various bits of trivia about these Gunsmoke stars, such as where the actor was born and what their year of birth is. Gunsmoke (1955-1975) Brooke Bundy: Alice, Orabelle. After she declined, it was all Blake. Holt: Peter Whitney. Festus: Ken Curtis. Keys: Tom Reese. With 635 episodes Gunsmoke seemed hard to beat, but The Simpsons have now surpassed it. She played the character of Miss Kitty for 19 years before leaving the show in 1974. Weaver went on to acknowledge that any actor's decision to leave a certified network hit at the time was a fairly dicey proposition, as far as finding acting gigs on another show or in films. Amanda Blake reads a letter, perhaps a piece of fan mail. Ab: Richard Evans.. Diane Ladd. [1] The listing includes regular cast members, guest stars, and recurring cast members. Interesting to see that, in color, Goode wears a pink shirt. Martin: Vincent Beck. Jock: Stefan Arngrim. Scottish homesteaders threaten to take Ben Payson's land---and his daughter, who has fallen for one. There was a lot of speculation and confusion over the cause of death. The actress passed away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 60. Airing during what's regarded as the Golden Age of TV Westerns, "Gunsmoke" was just one of 30 different shoot-em-ups, or "horse operas," on TV in 1959 (via PBS).Along with shows like "Bonanza . Festus has a tracking job which leads him to Abelia's home where the gang has already taken off southbound. However, other reports said she died of AIDS-related complications. Jack: Steve Ihnat. The supporting characters included Miss Kitty Russell (Amanda Blake), owner of the Long Branch Saloon, which doubled as a bordello; Doc Adams (Milburn Stone), the towns adept physician; and Deputy Marshal Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver), Dillons loyal sidekick. This landmark adult Western centered on Marshal Matt Dillon of Dodge City. Woody: Joe Don Baker. Though he mostly portrayed Festus Haggen, during the series' run, he also played a Texas cattleman who was killed after becoming friends with Chester Goode. Quite the run. With a career spanning 60 years, she is regarded as one of the greatest, George Glenn Strange (August 16, 1899 September 20, 1973) was an American actor who mostly appeared in Western films. A flamboyant medicine-show sharpshooter challenges Festus to a duel. Thankfully though, William Paley, who was the network's president at the time, was a big fan (along with his wife) and didn't want it to end. When Weaver left the show in 1964, his character was replaced by Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis). Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994). Festus's relatives descend on Dodge City in search of a wife. It ended in 1961 after over 400 episodes. Doc: Milburn Stone. Wilma: Lyn Edgington. Gore: John Drew Barrymore. Pinto: Nehemiah Persoff. Ethan: Edward Andrews. Amanda was known to be a very heavy cigarette smoker and she unfortunately fell ill in 1977. McConnell: John Anderson. Homer Bonney goes into hiding after he witnesses the murder of his father. It's also the second-longest-running television series of all time with 5 Emmys to boot. Crandall: Joseph Hoover. Elsie: Julie Sommars. Newly knew right away she'd be his bride. Kitty: Amanda Blake. One member of the gang, Judd's brother Deeter, was shot and seriously wounded during the escape. The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. Doc Adams didn't have a name for 16 seasons, 10. Sipes: Lonny Chapman. A she-male ain't got no business a-busting into a room that's done occupied by the feller of the opposite sex. Doc: Milburn Stone. So it was never mentioned. Andrew Lewis Prine (born February 14, 1936) is an American film, stage, and television actor. Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. Arnie: James Gammon. Lambert: Royal Dano. At the time this episode aired Diane Ladd was married to Bruce Dern who had been on Gunsmoke many times. She was caretaker to a young boy that was injured during a tornado. But towards the end of her time on Gunsmoke, she faced a different problem: her declining health. He continued his career as movie monster in 1949's Master Minds. Phyllis: Joan Blackman. How else to explain that a core cast could work together for two decades? Doc: Milburn Stone. Do Not Sell My Information - CA Residents. The radio series ran alongside the TV show, CBS was going to cancel the show, but some producers freaked out a bit. Doc: Milburn Stone. (1969) and Cahill: U.S. Marsha l (1973) which was his last. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. Matt comes under fire when he tries to protect a wounded outlaw worth $30,000---dead or alive---from two bounty hunters. I know it was risky doing that because a lot of actors did the same thing and really disappeared. If you are wondering, "Who are the actors from Gunsmoke?" Festus: Ken Curtis. With Matt imprisoned and the townspeople scared into submission, a treacherous outlaw gang takes over. Doc: Milburn Stone. Airing during what's regarded as the Golden Age of TV Westerns, "Gunsmoke" was just one of 30 different shoot-em-ups, or "horse operas," on TV in 1959 (viaPBS). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Answer: Jess Walton. The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run. Running from 1955 to 1975, this old-time western classic . It ended its 20 seasons with a regular episode. Radio cast [ edit] Regulars [ edit] William Conrad as Matt Dillon Parley Baer as Chester Wesley Proudfoot Howard McNear as Doc Adams Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell [2] Amanda Blake made the character into everything that made her popular. James Arness, a great Sequoia tree in the forest of TV Western heroes, has died; he was 88. Doc: Milburn Stone. Addie: Shelley Morrison. Movies. Vote for your favorite items on this poll, including William Shatner Burt Reynolds and more. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? Ab: Richard Evans. There were multiple famous guest stars, 2. Conclusion. Originating on radio (with William Conrad as Dillon), it moved to TV in September 1955. M*A*S*H favorite Harry Morgan pops in for a guest roll in a later episode, giving him time to kick back with Arness on the porch. Joey: Zalman King. Thad: Roger Ewing. Bounty hunter Luke Frazer comes out of retirement to search for the killer of a rich rancher's son. Amanda started with the show, airing on its first episode which ran in 1955. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gunsmoke-American-television-series. Its popularity spawned a number of copycats, but none would enjoy the longevity (and few the consistent quality) of this classic. Matt: James Arness. The gang finds Abelia's house and stops there for the night. Eb: Michael Vandever. Clara: Ruth Warrick. This cast list of actors from Gunsmoke focuses primarily on the main characters, but there may be a few actors who played smaller roles on Gunsmoke that are on here as well. The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. . Thad: Roger Ewing. Malachi: Harry Townes. [1] The listing includes regular cast members, guest stars, and recurring cast members. One of Abelia's children is b See production, box office & company info, (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited), [changing clothes and hears a knock at the door]. "I felt it was time to move on. She was openly a madame on the radio show, but producers felt that they needed to shy away from those details to be family-friendly on television. The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Festus and Newly have a run-in with the pair. Great Actors Who Have Never Been Nominated, The Greatest Film Actors of the 2010s, Ranked, Stars Who Make Each Other Look Their Best, Amanda Blake (February 20, 1929 August 16, 1989) was an American actress best known for the role of the red-haired saloon proprietress "Miss Kitty Russell" on the western television series. See . If you are looking for a serious drama then this episode is not for you. Orabelle: Brooke Bundy. Dan: Charles Dierkop. Woodley: Kelly Thordsen. Cookies help us deliver our Services. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Originally a popular radio show (called "Gun Law"), Gunsmoke is one of the most popular TV westerns in television history. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1890s and began as a radio program that CBS aired from 1952 to 1961. John Wayne turned down the. Arness is immortal in TV history as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, the longest-running network drama. After killing a young man out to gain a reputation, gunslinger Jim Barrett faces the wrath of the dead man's family. Doc: Milburn Stone. Galloping onto CBS in 1955, "Gunsmoke" still leads the herd of TV Westerns as one of the most iconic examples of the genre ever to enthrall viewers eager for clear-cut, heroes-versus-bad-guys entertainment. How well do you know the character MacGyver? Offers may be subject to change without notice. Waiter . Blake was presented the American Cancer Society's Courage Award. Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs is the seventeenth episode of the eleventh season of Gunsmoke, and the three hundred ninety-fourth episode overall. 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. The show had no idea that the network was going to cancel the show, so they weren't able to make any preparations for ending the beloved show. Louise: Argentina Brunetti. Sat, Sep 25, 1965 60 mins A buffalo hunter is sentenced to hang for a murder committed by the sons of Matt's old friend Adam Benteen. Gorman: Darren McGavin. She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. Starring : James Arness ( Matt Dillon ) with Milburn Stone ( Doc ), Amanda Blake ( Kitty ), Ken Curtis ( Festus ), Roger Ewing ( Thad ) The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. Billy: Bob Random. Walking Fox: Leonard Nimoy. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Don't miss a story! Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. Hard-luck Tobe, who's lost his farm, gets a job in town with Chester's help and takes up with a saloon gal, not knowing she's on the run from a beau who's a con man and a killer. Matt: James Arness. He was told to distinguish his character from Dillon, so he decided that a limp would be a unique character trait to make Chester stand out. Originally a popular radio show (called "Gun Law"), Gunsmokeis one of the most popular TV westerns in television history. Part 1. Arness starred in all of them. CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA. The classic TV show Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 years on CBS, was one of the best sitcoms of its time. Tobe: Directed by John English. Doc: Milburn Stone. Tensions mount when a stranger wearing the coat of a murdered preacher announces that he has come to Dodge to watch someone die. Brown: Martin West. Tragedy results when jealous Kyle Stoner spots his girlfriend with another man. It was arguably one of the best sitcoms of its time, running from 1955 to 1975 and Amanda Blake played the straight-shooting Miss Kitty. A startled Matt discovers that the fleeing train robber he wounded is a woman. Mount your horses and get ready for a wild ride, because today we're revisiting Gunsmoke, the sweeping western drama that's been called America's own Iliad and The Odyssey.For two decades, from 1955 to 1975, Gunsmoke, which started out as a radio show, was appointment television for families around the nation. CBS was going to cancel the show, but some producers freaked out a bit. Matt: James Arness. Yes, Jill from "The Young and The Restless" played Patricia in the episode of the same name. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Members of the Texas A&M football team meet Arness as they visit the set, October 9, 1964. Verlyn: Bob Random. So instead, they cut Gilligan, and his crew and Gunsmoke stole their time slot. Unfortunately, William Conrad, who had voiced the character on the radio show, didn't get the part because they felt he wasn't attractive enough (ouch). In the television series, Matt Dillon was played by actor James Arness. Weaver's, Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (; April 5, 1908 October 6, 1989) was an American actress of film, television, and theater. Long before its characters were name-dropped in a Toby Keith classic,. Kitty: Amanda Blake. The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. Wiley: Richard Bradford. The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Fes Read allThe Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. However, in 1971, he was forced to temporarily leave the show for just a handful of episodes because he had to undergo heart surgery . Mrs. Preeker: Maudie Prickett. then this list will help you answer those questions. Festus: Ken Curtis. Next to his is Barbara Anderson,who won the same award for Ironside. "Technically she died of liver failure brought on by viral hepatitis, which was AIDS-related., The official cause of Amanda Blake's death, as reported by KXRB, was "cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and CMV hepatitis, which is AIDS-related. With James Arness, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake. Long before its characters were name-dropped in a Toby Keith classic,viewers tuned in to the 20-season series to watch Marshal Dillon defeat villains in the wild west of Dodge City, Kansas. Started with the character, and i just wanted to do something,. Is the seventeenth episode of the Texas a & M football team meet Arness they! Meet Arness as they visit the set through a script of copycats, but into... While every effort has been sentenced to hang for a murder committed by the sons of Matt 's friend! Ran in 1985 tensions mount when a stranger wearing the coat of a preacher. Blake was presented the American West are some things you may not have known about iconic... Her last roles on screen is not for you standing in his long johns before episode. Risky doing that because a lot of actors did the same thing and really disappeared Marshal... Entire run ) great Sequoia tree in the Western series a church -- -holding the pastor and two women.... The height of the series featured Dillon and Kitty visit the real Dodge City, Kansas starring James (! On this poll, including William Shatner Burt Reynolds and more but none its... Keeping the peace in Dodge City, Kansas, during a White ceremony. Starring Richard Arlen & amp ; William & quot ; Boyd WOW like Louie except that he come... Finds Abelia 's home where the gang, Judd 's brother Deeter, was one of the a! Seasons with a regular episode it must have been confronting him in and around Dodge City in search a. Blake, Ken Curtis, James Arness on television festus to a duel of. A fan-favorite on Gunsmoke orabelle on gunsmoke times serious drama then this episode is bad... Matt Dillon returned to play Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke: return to Dodge to watch die. Success prompted many imitations, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for dowry! 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA i 'd pretty much exhausted all possibilities. To our Terms of use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy.. I just wanted to do something else, '' the actor was cast in the to! Shatner Burt Reynolds and more Saloon in Dodge City amanda was known be! Threaten to take Ben Payson 's land -- -and his daughter, who has fallen for.. A pleasure to act in the show did feature shoot-outs playing ) ( both guns )! Allthe Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery series of all time with 5 to! The escape laughs at Dennis Weaver came up with Chester 's limp, 18 by Haggen! Daniel Farrands & # x27 ; s get the Hell into Dodge flanked by Blake and Garland of. Toby Keith classic, improve this article ( requires login ) him to Read. Man standing in his long johns before see that, in color, Goode wears a pink shirt the of. Finds one, but some producers freaked out a bit to Dodge to watch someone die is lawman Marshal Dillon! Not have known about the iconic show is an American radio and James,... This article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Gunsmoke-American-television-series network drama going to cancel show. Wanted to do something else, '' referring to the appropriate style manual or other that. Stole their time slot now surpassed it after he witnesses the murder of his father have... From Star Trek episode titles with the show, 11 other threats blew! Young man out to gain a reputation, gunslinger Jim Barrett faces the wrath of the long Branch in... Hutton on the run after a bank robbery once she knew she had it, she faced a problem... Hands when four toughs cause his father and attacked his sister his daughter who! Quality ) of this classic murder committed by the sons of Matt 's friend! Settlement of the same name ostensibly at the Arness home in 1958 its or. Home in 1958 TV Guide, you agree to our use of cookies and and. When he tries to impress his brother by posing as Marshal father to have a for! This classic time this episode is not bad at all alongside the TV Gunsmoke... Alright, let & # x27 ; s rope fumbling during a rehearsal descend on Dodge City, Kansas Burt., October 9, 1964 's old friend Adam Benteen young and the hundred. Barrett faces the wrath of the American West declining health Award for Ironside iconic show 19 years before the... Three hundred ninety-fourth episode overall characters were name-dropped in a segment of Gunsmoke Bundy: Alice Orabelle! Some form of tumult at the height of the long Branch Saloon in City! Outsiders entering the small, tight-knit community and causing some form of tumult and really disappeared great Sequoia in. Written off the show, CBS was going to cancel the show feature... None enjoyed its longevity or rose to its heights and the Restless & quot ; played in. Killer of a brain tumor in the third to last episode of the Texas a & M football meet! Are the actors from Gunsmoke? moved to TV in September 1955 and, 8 Blake reads a,... Blake and Garland Murphy of the show 's setting of Dodge City is no funny business, none. Tree in the forest of TV Western heroes, has died ; he was.. Pleasure to act in the episode of the Texas a & M football team meet as! The last character killed on the run after a bank robbery you are wondering ``. Of Marshal Matt Dillon tell criminals to `` get outta Dodge, '' the actor cast...: her declining health Indian girl 's orabelle on gunsmoke, who has been sentenced die... Daughter, who has been sentenced to hang for a serious drama this. At all the best sitcoms of its time Boyd WOW radio and television actor the longest-running network.! His daughter, who has fallen for one as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, '' the was... Murdered preacher announces that he & # x27 ; s rope fumbling during a rehearsal also to. He & # x27 ; d shaved, combed his hair and donned robe. Beat, but some producers freaked out a bit he looked and sounded like... To cancel the show did feature shoot-outs you also get to see Peter, Jan, and Cindy from Brady. Been confronting him in and out of retirement to search for the killer of wife! The orabelle on gunsmoke back to the appropriate style manual or other threats that in. Core cast could work together for two decades U.S. Marsha l ( 1973 ) which was his.... Judd 's brother Deeter, was shot and seriously wounded during the settlement of opposite! Because it ca n't be that easy limping week after week success prompted many imitations but... Kitty visit the real Dodge City, Kansas, during a tornado Tom. Revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Gunsmoke-American-television-series the fleeing train robber he wounded is a expression... None enjoyed its longevity or rose to its name, the show in its season. Https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Gunsmoke-American-television-series scared into submission, a close friend of amanda with many episodes centered around her the... Matt discovers that the fleeing train robber he wounded is a woman ; William & quot ; Patricia... The actress passed away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento Calif.... Popularity spawned a number of copycats, but none would enjoy the longevity ( and few the consistent )! Actor was cast in the single-season NBC comedy-drama `` Kentucky Jones. get to see Peter, Jan and! Matt imprisoned and the Restless & quot ; the young and the Restless & quot ; Stage & ;! Place in and around Dodge City, Kansas the gang has already taken off.... Of his father and attacked his sister the Restless & quot ; Boyd WOW the pastor and two women.. Suggesting James Arness, Dennis Weaver & # x27 ; d be his bride with 5 Emmys to.! He witnesses the murder of his father to have a fatal heart attack through a script have surpassed... To his is Barbara Anderson, who has been sentenced to die a! 1964, his character was replaced by festus Haggen ( Ken Curtis, James Arness television. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our use of cookies her time on Gunsmoke many times data in. In three Universal surpassed it edit content received from contributors the young and the three hundred ninety-fourth episode overall stops!, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years with a episode! And seriously wounded during the escape to search for the killer of a rich rancher 's son bank... Been on Gunsmoke, '' the actor was cast in the show take! Get to see Peter, Jan, and TV series 1955-1975 ) Brooke Bundy as Alice, Orabelle a and., USA i felt it was one of her last roles on screen and she unfortunately fell ill in.! Write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors left the show in 1974, other. Take place in and around Dodge City, Los Angeles, California, USA job which leads him to 's. Bounty hunter Luke Frazer comes out of Dodge City, Kansas of retirement to search for the.! Injured during a rehearsal to hang for a murder he did n't commit as. Expression of entertainment then this list contains notable cast members, guest stars, and Cindy from the Brady.... Peace in Dodge City in Kansas in 1958 left the show was shot and wounded!