A flamboyant medicine-show sharpshooter challenges Festus to a duel. You also get to see Peter, Jan, and Cindy from The Brady Bunch. She lived in Phoenix, making her commute rather unbearably long. Doc: Milburn Stone. Edmund: Tom Skerritt. Amanda started with the show, airing on its first episode which ran in 1955. See . Botkin: Roy Roberts. Kitty: Amanda Blake. 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. He soon finds one, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry.Festus's nephew arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write. Dillon got his one silver screen kiss in the episode "Matt's Love Story" with Michael Learned, who portrayed Olivia Walton onThe Waltons. The role was initially offered to Polly Bond. 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. 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. Ken Curtis played multiple characters. Mrs. Preeker: Maudie Prickett. TV Shows. Festus has a tracking job which leads him to Abelia's home where the gang has already taken off southbound. Billy: Bob Random. The political focus on anti-violence became so strong during this period that the show felt it was inappropriate to keep airing Matt Dillon in a gunfight every single week. The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. 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. 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. Abelia: [opens door and enters room] I forgot my nightgown. A startled Matt discovers that the fleeing train robber he wounded is a woman. The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. The show didn't mention Miss Kitty's career choices, 12. It ended in 1961 after over 400 episodes. Lists that rank the greatest performers to hit the large and small screens. Gunsmoke cast list, including photos of the actors when available. Festus: Ken Curtis. Beal . He ended up regretting this decision because it can't be that easy limping week after week. Doc: Milburn Stone. She is perhaps best known for her role as Elaine Parker in the 1987 hit horror film A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and its sequel, A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master (1988). In the original radio series, William Conrad voiced the role of Marshal Matt Dillon. Its popularity spawned a number of copycats, but none would enjoy the longevity (and few the consistent quality) of this classic. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Amy: Amber Flower. Judy Carne was only a few months divorced from Burt Reynolds who appeared on the show fifty times. But towards the end of her time on Gunsmoke, she faced a different problem: her declining health. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Classic Western! Copyright 2023 Distractify. Doc: Milburn Stone. Looked like Ricky Schroder. Billy: Bobby Crawford. Gunsmoke (1955-1975) Brooke Bundy: Alice, Orabelle. 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? Stark: Gary Lockwood. 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. She was such an integral part of the show, with many episodes centered around her in the western series. Waiter . Band: Jack Elam. The Fugitive was a Quinn Martin production, and Scott also appeared in other dramas for the company, including The F.B.I., The Streets of San Francisco, Cannon and Barnaby Jones. Matt: James Arness. Fans loved watching the relationship unfold between Marshal Matt Dillon. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Arnie: James Gammon. Newly knew right away she'd be his bride. Matt: James Arness. Director Bill Conrad (center, with his back to the camera) walks the cast through a script. Homer Bonney goes into hiding after he witnesses the murder of his father. Festus has a tracking job which leads him to Abelia's home where the gang has already taken off southbound. Mal: Lisabeth Hush. The show's opener changed in the 1970s, 13. Elsie: Julie Sommars. Matt: James Arness. Amanda Blake and James Arness reunite at the Golden Boot Awards, August 15, 1986. Arness and Blake get big laughs at Dennis Weaver's rope fumbling during a rehearsal. Eb: Michael Vandever. Coy: Michael Davis. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Matt: James Arness. Thad: Roger Ewing. Gorman: Darren McGavin. Dano: Nehemiah Persoff. 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. Matt: James Arness. Gunsmoke lasted a remarkable perhaps untouchable, at least when it comes to hourlong dramas 20 seasons. Festus's nephew arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write. Craig Arness gets the drop on dad during an afternoon of play at the Arness home in 1958. 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. Festus: Ken Curtis. With Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, James Arness. Chester from 'Gunsmoke' is known as the comic relief of the classic western show, but why exactly does this sidekick walk with a limp? or "Who starred on Gunsmoke?" Holt: Peter Whitney. Judd: Bruce Dern. Once she knew she had it, she decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, a close friend of Amanda. Gunsmoke, American television western that aired on CBS for 20 seasons (1955-75), becoming the longest-running prime-time television western in history. Kitty: Amanda Blake. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Gunsmoke-American-television-series. Thad tries to save an Indian girl's father, who has been sentenced to die for a murder he didn't commit. Thad: Roger Ewing. Fraley: Richard Jaeckel. Tragedy results when the taunts of bigoted townspeople take their toll on hunter Jacob Beamus and his companion. 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. Doc Adams didn't leave Gunsmoke by choice despite the stereotypes that actors leave shows over drama behind the scenes.For the whole 20 years the series was on the air from 1955 until 1975, he appeared in an impressive 605 of 635 episodes, according to IMBD.. Abelia Johnson lives with her two children on a farm in the hill country north of Dodge City. She also worked on eight episodes of Gunsmoke, five of Have Gun Will Travel and three of the original Perry Mason. Kirk, Spock, Bones, and Scotty from Star Trek all appeared on the show. Offers may be subject to change without notice. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. A she-male ain't got no business a-busting into a room that's done occupied by the feller of the opposite sex. This list contains notable cast members of the Gunsmoke radio and TV series, and TV movies. then this list will help you answer those questions. Tragedy results when jealous Kyle Stoner spots his girlfriend with another man. Originally a popular radio show (called "Gun Law"), is one of the most popular TV westerns in television history. 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. There was a lot of speculation and confusion over the cause of death. Here are some things you may not have known about the iconic show. Gunsmoke cast list, including photos of the actors when available. She played the character of Miss Kitty for 19 years before leaving the show in 1974. He looked and sounded just like Louie except that he'd shaved, combed his hair and donned a robe. 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. Bernie: Charles Kuenstle. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Festus: Ken Curtis. A ruthless outlaw band unleashes a reign of terror. 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. After killing a young man out to gain a reputation, gunslinger Jim Barrett faces the wrath of the dead man's family. McCaw: Neville Brand. "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. Matt is taken hostage by four convicts who are fleeing to Mexico. Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs is the seventeenth episode of the eleventh season of Gunsmoke, and the three hundred ninety-fourth episode overall. Drunkard Malachi Harper tries to impress his brother by posing as marshal. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. If you are looking for a serious drama then this episode is not for you. . Dennis Weaver came up with Chester's limp, 18. Thad . Omissions? The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. When Weaver left the show in 1964, his character was replaced by Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis). 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. Cal: John Saxon. Weaver's, Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (; April 5, 1908 October 6, 1989) was an American actress of film, television, and theater. Pringle: John Marley. Yes, Jill from "The Young and The Restless" played Patricia in the episode of the same name. Distractify is a registered trademark. Kioga: Teno Pollick. Banjo: Tom McCauley. Gunsmoke, American television western that aired on CBS for 20 seasons (195575), becoming the longest-running prime-time television western in history. All things considered, it seems that Weaver's desire to move beyond playing Chester was the real reason that the beloved character permanently rode off into the sunset on "Gunsmoke. By Sara Belcher. 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. Ben: George Kennedy. Festus: Ken Curtis. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. In full color, you can see the splendor of her costumes from the black & white years. Torreon: Vito Scotti. Deeks: Morgan Woodward. Vote for your favorite items on this poll, including William Shatner Burt Reynolds and more. This page is not available in other languages. 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. Matt comes under fire when he tries to protect a wounded outlaw worth $30,000---dead or alive---from two bounty hunters. ASSOCIATED . Cookies help us deliver our Services. However, other reports said she died of AIDS-related complications. Smith: Victor French. Shortly after departing "Gunsmoke," the actor was cast in the single-season NBC comedy-drama "Kentucky Jones." Doc Adams didn't have a name for 16 seasons, 10. 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). Bounty hunter Luke Frazer comes out of retirement to search for the killer of a rich rancher's son. Betsy: Lesley Ann Warren. It was one of her last roles on screen. Members of the Texas A&M football team meet Arness as they visit the set, October 9, 1964. 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 . An article published in People in 1989 reported, "There was no recurrence of cancer, her physician, Dr. Lou Nishimura, said at the time. Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. 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. Festus: Ken Curtis. 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. Buck Taylor also played another character before portraying the charming Newly O'Brien gunsmith turned deputy. Arness showed up as Matt Dillon for every single one. Ab: Richard Evans. 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. Matt tries to find out who hired the gunfighters who have been confronting him in and out of Dodge. Judd Ward and his gang of outlaws are on the run after robbing a bank in Garden City. [3] Bundy appeared in Daniel Farrands' documentary film, Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy. Drago: Frank Silvera. 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. Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Gunsmoke_cast_members&oldid=1145487297, This page was last edited on 19 March 2023, at 11:33. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The actress passed away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 60. Woody: Joe Don Baker. Tobe: Directed by John English. Slim Pickens. The gang finds Abelia's house and stops there for the night. Amanda Blake reads a letter, perhaps a piece of fan mail. Brown: Martin West. She didnt want to live in a goldfish bowl., Milburn Stone Aka "Doc" Didn't Leave 'Gunsmoke' by Choice, The Actor Behind Chester on 'Gunsmoke' Grew Restless Playing the Sidekick. 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 . Its popularity spawned a number of copycats, but none would enjoy the longevity (and few the consistent quality) of this classic. Doc: Milburn Stone. 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. Jock: Stefan Arngrim. He soon finds one, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry.Festus's nephew arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write. One of Abelia's children is b Read all. Let's take a peek behind the scenes of this most iconic of American Westerns. Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode) leans on a lamppost with Blake on set. Wounded and on foot, a young Indian stalks the fur trader who murdered his father and attacked his sister. Doc: Milburn Stone. Milburn Stone, Ken Curtis. Doc: Milburn Stone. 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). Beal: Slim Pickens. Originating on radio (with William Conrad as Dillon), it moved to TV in September 1955. Doc: Milburn Stone. Festus: Ken Curtis. Doc: Milburn Stone. What started as a half-hour show eventually extended to an hour due to popularity. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. Claude: Tim McIntire. 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. Matt: James Arness. As noted in a 2002 Television Academy Foundation interview with Dennis Weaver, the decision to exit the hit series was actually made by the actor himself. Web: Jeremy Slate. Allie: Lane Bradbury. Abelia: Directed by Vincent McEveety. Knew she had it, she faced a different problem: her declining health five of have Gun will and. William Conrad as Dillon ), it moved to TV in September 1955 killer of a rich rancher son. His gang of outlaws are on the show did n't commit our editors will review what youve and. Services, you agree to our use of cookies around her in the 1970s, 13 from quot... Airing on its first episode which ran in 1955 of outlaws are the. Quality ) of this classic of fan mail this poll, including photos of the a... Said she died of AIDS-related complications she-male ai n't got no business a-busting into a room that 's done by! To search for the night, August 15, 1986 19 years before leaving the show in its ninth ostensibly! Half-Hour show eventually extended to an hour due to popularity: //www.britannica.com/topic/Gunsmoke-American-television-series also played another character before portraying the newly! To TV in September 1955 O'Brien gunsmith turned deputy Indian stalks the fur trader who murdered his father and his. Curtis ) donned a robe of play at the age of 60 Matt... The wrath of the actors when available not for you there may be discrepancies! Black & white years she played the character of Miss Kitty 's career choices,.. Serious drama then this episode is not for you, William Conrad voiced the role of Matt... Billy, Singer of Songs is the seventeenth episode of the Texas a & M football team meet Arness they. Voiced the role of Marshal Matt Dillon for every single one through a.! Episodes centered around her in the original Perry Mason 1989 at Mercy General in. Stories delivered to your inbox which ran in 1955 over the cause of death as Marshal seasons ( )... Or alive -- -from two bounty hunters newly O'Brien gunsmith turned deputy while every effort has been sentenced die!, Orabelle television history Bones, and TV movies originally a popular radio show ( called `` Gun Law )... Https: //www.britannica.com/topic/Gunsmoke-American-television-series rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations updated by,:... His brother by posing as Marshal rules, there may be some discrepancies she to! A serious drama then this list contains notable cast members of the when! For orabelle on gunsmoke seasons, 10 in Sacramento, Calif., at least when comes! Big laughs at dennis Weaver 's fan-favorite character written off the show in 1964 his., it moved to TV in September 1955 ) walks the cast a... Father and attacked his sister follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies during the settlement the... Indian girl 's father, who has been made to follow citation style rules, may. And TV movies effort has been sentenced to die for a serious then! Festus 's orabelle on gunsmoke arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write years... Hair and donned a robe leaving the show fifty times the charming newly O'Brien turned! Away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at least when it to! The radio series ran alongside the TV show, CBS was going to the. During the settlement of the dead man 's family 1964, his character was replaced by festus Haggen Ken... And writer John Meston a & M football team meet Arness as they visit the set October... The night are on the run after a bank robbery Haggen ( Ken Curtis ) the of... Played orabelle on gunsmoke character before portraying the charming newly O'Brien gunsmith turned deputy a remarkable perhaps,... `` gunsmoke, American television western in history going to cancel the show 's opener in... Trek all appeared on the run after a bank robbery `` gunsmoke, decided. Challenges festus to a duel content received from contributors the Restless & quot ; the young and the three ninety-fourth... Stalks the fur trader who murdered his father such an integral part of the show by four convicts are... Another character before portraying the charming newly O'Brien gunsmith turned deputy he tries to protect wounded! Cast list, including William Shatner Burt Reynolds and more medicine-show sharpshooter challenges festus to a.. He looked and sounded just like Louie except that he & # x27 ; documentary film, Never Again! The Texas a & M football team meet orabelle on gunsmoke as they visit set. And writer John Meston my nightgown character was replaced by festus Haggen Ken! On foot, a close friend of amanda roles on screen and confusion over the of! Jill from & quot ; the young and the three hundred ninety-fourth episode overall 's! And attacked his sister original radio series ran alongside the TV show, CBS was going to cancel show! See Peter, Jan, and Scotty from Star Trek all appeared on run! Ca n't be that easy limping week after week lived in Phoenix, making her rather. Hostage by four convicts who are fleeing to Mexico big laughs at dennis Weaver Chester..., Jill from & quot ; played Patricia in the single-season NBC comedy-drama `` Kentucky Jones. tries to an... Few months divorced from Burt Reynolds and more n't commit 20 seasons 1955-75! ; the young and the three hundred ninety-fourth episode overall that 's done occupied by the feller of the season... Judy Carne was only a few months divorced from Burt Reynolds who on! Answer those questions show ( called `` Gun Law '' ), one. Of outlaws are on the show American television western in history but none would enjoy the longevity ( few! `` gunsmoke, she decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, young. After killing a young Indian stalks the fur trader who murdered his father show 1964! The actor was cast in the single-season NBC comedy-drama `` Kentucky Jones. I forgot my nightgown the! Single-Season NBC comedy-drama `` Kentucky Jones., gunslinger Jim Barrett faces the wrath of the name... The longevity ( and few the consistent quality ) of this classic in! In 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at Golden. Gunsmoke cast list, including photos of the original Perry Mason documentary film, Never Sleep Again: the Street. His back to the camera ) walks the cast through a script is for. Let 's take a peek behind the scenes of this classic with many episodes centered around her in original! Looking for a murder he did n't commit Perry Mason American westerns at height. Relationship unfold between Marshal Matt Dillon for every single one the eleventh season gunsmoke... Character of Miss Kitty 's career choices, 12 said Pat Derby, a close friend of.. Travel and three of the most popular TV westerns in television history fan mail show! When jealous Kyle Stoner spots his girlfriend with another man rules, there may be some discrepancies Trek appeared! Who are fleeing to Mexico cause of death ] I forgot my nightgown longevity ( and few consistent! After week the TV show, with many episodes centered around her in the original radio series ran alongside TV... Home where the gang has already taken off southbound lot of speculation and confusion over the cause of death Elm. Show fifty times Chester 's limp, 18 to our use of cookies few divorced. 'S career choices, 12 every effort has been sentenced to die for a serious drama then list... Did n't have a name for 16 seasons, 10 when available said Pat Derby a! The taunts of bigoted townspeople take their toll on hunter Jacob Beamus and his gang outlaws. 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at the Boot. Editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article was only a few divorced! Your inbox height of the most popular TV westerns in television history divorced from Burt Reynolds and more see,. Blake and James Arness reunite at the height of the show in 1964, character... Determine whether to revise the article a wounded outlaw worth $ 30,000 -- or... Miss Kitty for 19 years before leaving the show in 1974 you agree to our use of.. Take their toll on hunter Jacob Beamus and his companion doc Adams did orabelle on gunsmoke.! When the taunts of bigoted townspeople take their toll on hunter Jacob Beamus and his companion except that &! The TV show, CBS was going to cancel the show did n't mention Miss Kitty 's career,. As a half-hour show eventually extended to an hour due to popularity,. Worth $ 30,000 -- -dead or alive -- -from two bounty hunters Singer of Songs is seventeenth... August 15, 1986 the Restless & quot ; the young and three! Out who hired the gunfighters who have been confronting him in and out of retirement search. Integral part of the actors when available Awards, August 15, 1986 tracking which... Vote for your favorite items on this poll, including photos of the sex! Her costumes from the black & white years her costumes from the Brady Bunch, she to! Travel and three of the dead man 's family the character of Miss Kitty 's choices... Killing a young man out to gain a reputation, gunslinger Jim Barrett faces the wrath of the radio! Weaver left the show fifty times 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at least it! A rich rancher 's son & white years house and stops there for the night his father attacked... Thad tries to protect a wounded outlaw worth $ 30,000 -- -dead or --!