Festus finally became deputy marshal because Dillons deputy of nine seasons, Chester, left the show. Surprised Matt didnt want to change Chesters role to make him a little more in line with the others. He would come back later in season nine as Dillons deputy Marshal and would later become his friend as well. I thought it was a good clean show for them as kids and it is a wonderful memory for us now. He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. He died at the age of 75. I didnt understand what my Dad was laughing at until now. I preferred Festus to Chester, whom I felt was a whiner and not too bright. Here are few things you should know about the showGunsmoke: James Arness played the role of Dillon inGunsmoke,the only character to appear in all 635 episodes of the television series. Love Gunsmoke and watch frequently. 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. According to the book, The Gunsmoke Chronicles: A New History of Televisions Greatest Western by David R. Greenland, the cast and crew of Gunsmoke were pretty shocked to find out that the show had been canceled. WebGunsmoke ran 20 years and had 635 episodes, making it the longest-running American prime-time drama TV series to date. Its our favorite Western due to the endearing characters and interesting plots. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Yes, Jill from "The Young and The Restless" played Patricia in the episode of the same name. Otherwise, he was a loyal and hard-working assistant. If you are looking for other great western books, check out these authors. Kitty Left For A Strange Reason There was no denying that Glenn Strange, who was an actual cowboy-turned-actor, had a huge impact on his co-stars. 8. "You can't cancel Gunsmoke," she said. Amanda Blakes last episode on Gunsmoke was The Disciple, which originally aired on April 1, 1974. WebIn all the color episodes of Gunsmoke, the introduction had the major stars pictured sequentially in ovals as the Gunsmoke theme played in the background. After Gunsmoke's season 20 finale "The Sharecroppers" aired, the cast and crew all expected to be renewed for at least another series, but CBS instead opted to He was worse than and old busy body. He appeared on the hit western for three seasons. Miss Kitty was no longer a potential rape victim of leering bad guys. Today, most long-running shows be they comedies or dramas let fans know well in advance when the final episode will air. Upon his cancellation from Gunsmoke, Roger pursued his love of photography. Amen. Amanda Blake plays the saloon employee in season two then she becomes the half-owner of Long Branch Saloon later on. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Milburn Stone, who played Doc Adams, performed almost in all episodes, except he missed six because of a heart attack. The actress passed away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 60. He played the role from 1963 to 1975, sealing himself as an actor. 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. The show did not come back for its 21st season on CBS. , he was in other movies and TV series like Rawhide, Cheyenne Autumn, How the West Won, Perry Mason, Wagon Master, etc. Gunsmoke Inside Milburn Stone's Western Role Wasnt the Dennis Weaver movie called Duel? The show lasted one more season on CBS, then was canceled.