However, according to IMDb, she turned down the role due to her Marshal Matt Dillon. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome and cancer were listed on the certificate as contributing to her death. Ewen said the hospital reported the death to the federal Centers for Disease Control. One of the most popular characters on Gunsmoke was the infamous Miss Kitty. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? Eventually, she quit the show because she was sick of traveling. She lived in Phoenix but traveled to Hollywood to film the show. In her personal life, she was married briefly to Don Whitman in the 50s. She went on to marry three other men: Jason Seymour Day Jr., Frank Gilbert, and Mark Edward Spaeth. They were perfect for their roles. ", The Real Reason Chester Was Written Off Gunsmoke. I notice many of the characters play different roles, from time to time (good guys and bad guys). Characters came, stayed, and left. . WebGunsmoke ran 20 years and had 635 episodes, making it the longest-running American prime-time drama TV series to date. Its still a very good, wholesome show. Despite the productions fear that people wouldnt accept him as a replacement for Chester, he gained popularity. 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. He was a Haggen every time his last name was used. Blake endeared herself to a generation of television viewers as Kitty Russell, a worldly wise woman with a compassionate heart beneath a crusty exterior. My dogs and cats keep me company. He has written words for Den of Geek, Collider, The Irish Times and Screen Rant over the years, and can discuss anything from the MCU - where Hawkeye is clearly the best character - to the most obscure cult b-movie gem, and his hot takes often require heat resistant gloves to handle. It is safe to assume he, as Festus would have continued since he didnt leave any indication of departing the show, This post is an overview of the character Festus and the successfultelevision show, Why Did Festus Leave Gunsmoke? He loves to read, write and review all things western, whether historical or fiction. In this case, the friends were the family, Ewen said. I am frustrated that Matt and Kitty never married but at least they were not easy like the Golden Girls. Love Gunsmoke and watch frequently. Do you want to know more about Gunsmoke and Festus? They were so funny together. In my opinion, Festus was a great replacement for Chester, who I think was just too silly in his role. People described his character as polarizing because most fans either loved the character and wanted to keep seeing him or hated the character and didnt want him on the show. Blakes character was Miss Kathleen Kitty Russell, the proprietor of a saloon in Dodge City, the setting for Gunsmoke. After Blake left the show, the writers decided that Kitty had left Dodge City for New Orleans. (is there a lady in Reno (75-80) who would like to join me?). It is safe to assume he, as Festus would have continued since he didnt leave any indication of departing the show Gunsmoke. Once she knew she had it, she decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, a close friend of Amanda. Why Did Festus Leave Gunsmoke? Heres The Truth She was in a western singing act called The Darling Sisters. She had her own show with her sister called The Rangeriders. She was the co-founder of the Toys For Tots drive. The thing that really ruffled my feathers was the way Chester would read Matts mail before he gave it to Matt. Never really saw how Chester left. I just wished that Matt and Kitty were a little more frisky with one another. It kept the number one spot for about five consecutive years and kept doing well in the following years despite losing its rank. If you are looking for other great western books, check out these authors. Dillons allies were his supporting characters. So far I have seen Festus in 2 different episodes with Chester. I was so sad when I learned that Milburn Stone had passed away. She was once a two-pack-a-day smoker. We prefer the early and black and white shows. With Amanda Blake appearing as Miss Kitty for 19 of the 20 seasons. Why Did Amanda Blake Leave 'Gunsmoke'? On Miss They married in April 1984, and divorced a short time later. Festus was a shot of fresh air. There was also one very furious actress. Once while traveling by the networks offices in New York City, she said: I think Ill go in there and hit Bill Paley over the head with a brickbat. Paley was an executive at CBS. Festus finally became deputy marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, left the show. The Lone Writer is an American frontier and Old West journalist and historian. I really like gunsmoke. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing this? We like it better in black and white. Curtis died at 74 in his sleep, leaving behind his wife and two children. 'Gunsmoke': Miss Kitty's Occupation Was Omitted from TV Show AIDS is caused by a virus that attacks the bodys immune system. He fully joined the cast on its ninth season, on an episode called the Prairie Wolfer.. BesidesGunsmoke, he was in other movies and TV series like Rawhide, Cheyenne Autumn, How the West Won, Perry Mason, Wagon Master, etc. He made his first appearance in the eighth season of the show and stayed on for eleven years. I had a friend named (Shorty) and he was identical to Festus. Always thought Doc Adams would return. Mannon also has an old score to settle with Miss Kitty. Before he became Dillons deputy, he was a Hillman with a ragged appearance who wanted to avenge his brothers death. However, some characters made more impressions than others. Its our favorite Western due to the endearing characters and interesting plots. Polly retired from acting after getting married. He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. Actually, I love the scenes where all we do is, as Jim says, eyeball it.. and was the best actor. So they keep having me kidnapped., After Gunsmoke, she worked only sporadically, usually in guest appearances for TV game shows, movies of the week and such series as Edge of Night, Hart to Hart, and Love Boat., Miss Blake, born Beverly Louise Neill in Buffalo, N.Y., made her dramatic debut as a 10-year-old in a school pageant. Festus was one of the main characters inGunsmoke. I loved her very much, Weaver said. Blakes character was Miss Kathleen Kitty Russell, the proprietor of a saloon in Dodge City, the setting for Gunsmoke. After Blake left the show, the writers Looking at the reruns, it is amazing to see the roster of actors that started out or had roles on Gunsmoke: Ernest Borgnine, Clint Eastwood, James Mason, John Saxon, I cant even name them all. Gunsmoke: Why the 1st Actress Offered Miss Kitty - Outsider Gunsmoke Curtis originally entered Hollywood as a singer with the swing bands, later becoming a singer and an actor. Everyone on Gunsmoke are my favorites. Her fifth marriage, in April, 1984, was to Mark Spaeth, a city councilman and developer in Austin, Tex. Miss Kitty was no longer a potential rape victim of leering bad guys. Surprised Matt didnt want to change Chesters role to make him a little more in line with the others. Amanda Blakes last episode on Gunsmoke was The Disciple, which originally aired on April 1, 1974. He seemed to be around whenever there was free food or if Kitty gave him free beer. I am however so happy that some Stations are continuing to play the Re Runs. Gunsmoke However, none of them lasted or thrived for as long as, Ken Curtis played Festus, Dillons sidekick, in. In the show, Dillon would tell criminals to "Get outta Dodge." I watch Gunsmoke every day, Im a widower living along on my small farm and enjoy westerns. 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 The Associated Press shared the news about the cancelation of Gunsmoke on April 30, 1975. Eat, drink and enjoy life with the foodies of the world. When it returned, Thad no longer appeared. I love Festus but dont care for his Hagen relatives. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Im sick and tired of it. Gunsmokewas formerly a radio show entitled called Gun law. It is spread most often through sexual contact, needles or syringes shared by drug abusers, infected blood or blood products, and from pregnant women to their offspring. Ive been enjoying the recent re-runs of the early 1955 episodes. 'Gunsmoke' was one of the most popular shows, with Amanda Blake starring between 1955-1974. It was a suspenseful movie about an 18 wheeler driver with road rage and it ended with a surprise ending. Actress Amanda Blake was Furious After The end was a usual episode entitled The Sharecroppers, mostly centered on Festus. Sadly They obsess over small details or binge the entire series or search for spoilers to what could happen. The series would end up running for over 630 episodes, and was once the longest-running scripted primetime series - which is a record The Simpsons eventually broke with season 29 episode "Forgive and Regret. Chesters main full-time job was to maintain Matts office and jail, feed prisoners, pick up the mail, and so on. After Rogers 51 episodes over two seasons (11 and 12), Gunsmoke was briefly cancelled in 1967. While this didn't lead to a TV series revival, Arness did return for another four movies, including Gunsmoke: The Long Ride and 1994's Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice. However, some characters made more impressions than others. Upon his cancellation from Gunsmoke, Roger pursued his love of photography. Here's why classic Western series Gunsmoke was canceled after 20 years and didn't receive a finale episode. 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. It is an important part of American and television history. Why did Matt Dillon never marry Kitty? Ultimately, Arness believed the producers behind Gunsmoke made the right choice. They didnt commit to a Dillon/Miss Kitty relationship because it kept viewers invested. They would often tune in each week to see if the two ended up together. Where does Matt Dillon live on Gunsmoke? She loved animals. She was played by Amanda Blake on TV. 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). 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. The show did not come back for its 21st season on CBS. I only wish it was in order. b. Buck Taylor as Newly or, c. earlier, Roger Ewing as Thad. I love Festus better than Chester; I didnt like the bum leg thing. Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987 Cookies help us deliver our Services. Yes sir, Miss Kitty Russell, played by actress Amanda Blake on the long-running CBS western, actually fronted a house of prostitution, according to IMDB. No one knew the network planned to end the show, so the fans didnt get to see even a goodbye episode. A more detailed obituary on Amanda Blake will appear in Fridays editions of The Times. Once a two-pack-a-day smoker, Blake had undergone surgery for oral cancer in 1977 and afterward made appearances throughout the country on behalf of the American Cancer Society. 73 of 75 found this interesting | Share this The show ended. The one constant for Gunsmoke was James Arness and Milburn Stone. Nowadays fans get time to do what fans today do. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty in the long-running Gunsmoke television series, died of AIDS-related complications, not Thankfully, Return To Dodge helped right that wrong. It was almost unbelievable that a show with such a long and successful run didnt end in a grand style. Each character was the perfect fit for their time. It is one of the most popular Western television shows from the mid-1950s to the 1970s. Anyone that doesnt like my commentcan Get out of Dodge!. My husband and I watch Gunsmoke every day and it was great reading all about the characters. Now that's out of the way, a brief introduction. They play several episodes several different episodes every day on different stations. Gunsmoke Bartenders Death Shook Up Blake, Costars Perhaps another thing that contributed to Blakes departure was the death of Glenn Strange. Strange died on Sept. 23, 1973, from lung cancer at 74 years old. He portrayed Sam Noonan, a mainstay bartender on Gunsmoke. He was beloved by many on the show. All Rights Reserved. THANKS FOR THE MEMORY, I was watching gunsmoke in the 70s when I was growing up. There was a public backlash to this, however, so the network decided to continue producing it. My most favorite shows ever. Festus also helped Matt in an unofficial capacity for years after Chester left, but he did eventually become an official Deputy US Marshall. Gunsmoke: Why the Original Actress Offered the Part of Miss Kitty Turned Down Role, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWDFcUW_SCo, Favorite Kitty/Matt Clips Part 1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWDFcUW_SCo). The article describes the episode as lighthearted. It followed the character of Festus, who was played by Ken Curtis. Curtis pursued music for a long time and, after a while, added acting to his pursuits. Im a lover of early TV westerns and Gunsmoke is the BEST imho. Before he became Dillons deputy, he was a Hillman with a ragged appearance who wanted to avenge his brothers death. And at 71 years old, I am seeing eppisoads that I either never seen, or dont remember seeing as a young girl.