Mount up, and let’s head back to Dodge City to revisit Gunsmoke, the epic western drama often compared to The Iliad and The Odyssey for its sweeping tales of justice and humanity. Airing from 1955 to 1975, this legendary series was a staple of American television. It nearly faced cancellation in 1967, but a well-placed fan in President Lyndon B. Johnson gave it a new lease on life. Let’s take a look at the iconic cast of Gunsmoke, then and now.
1. James Arness (Marshall Matt Dillon)
As the Marshal of Dodge City, Matt Dillon was the embodiment of justice, navigating a treacherous world with fairness and compassion. James Arness initially modeled Dillon after the character from the radio version, but with 20 years to develop the role, he made it uniquely his own. Dillon evolved over time, learning to seek peaceful resolutions when possible, though he never hesitated to do what was necessary to protect Dodge City. Arness brought a relatable and heroic quality to Dillon, making him one of TV’s most admired lawmen.
Off-screen, Arness had his own challenges. A WWII veteran, he overcame serious injuries before hitchhiking to California to pursue acting. His rugged charm made him a natural fit for westerns, and his friendship with John Wayne helped him land the iconic role. Beyond Gunsmoke, Arness starred in How the West Was Won, which gained a cult following in Europe. Despite his tough on-screen persona, Arness enjoyed surfing and could often be found catching waves in California. He played Dillon across five decades, from the series’ weekly episodes to TV movies in the ’80s and ’90s. His dedication to the role earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Arness passed away in 2011 at age 88, leaving behind a legacy as one of television’s greatest western stars.
2. Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode)
Chester Goode, Marshal Dillon’s loyal and slightly bumbling deputy, was a cornerstone of Gunsmoke for nine years. Known for his limp, Chester added depth and humor to the show as a dependable partner and friend to Dillon. The limp wasn’t part of the original character; Dennis Weaver added it to visually differentiate Chester from the marshal, and legend has it that a rock in his boot made the limp more convincing (and painful!). Chester’s endearing loyalty made him a fan favorite, but Weaver began to feel creatively restricted by the role.
After leaving Gunsmoke, Weaver shed the limp and took on leading roles, starting with Kentucky Jones in 1964. Though the show didn’t last long, it opened new doors for Weaver, who went on to star in Steven Spielberg’s thriller Duel. His biggest success came with McCloud, a hit series that ran from 1970 to 1977. Off-screen, Weaver was a passionate environmentalist, advocating for sustainable living and promoting eco-friendly initiatives long before they became mainstream. He also founded Love Is Feeding Everyone (LIFE), an organization dedicated to ending hunger. Weaver remained active in both acting and activism until his death in 2006 at age 81. His legacy as Chester and his broader contributions to television and society continue to resonate.
3. Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty Russell)
Miss Kitty Russell, Dodge City’s feisty saloon owner, was a dynamic and beloved character on Gunsmoke. Amanda Blake played Kitty with a mix of strength and warmth, creating one of television’s earliest examples of a multifaceted female character. Kitty’s relationship with Marshal Dillon was one of the show’s longest-running “will they/won’t they” storylines, adding an element of romance and tension. Blake’s performance was so impactful that she earned a place in the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Beyond acting, Blake’s life was just as colorful. She was a trailblazer in animal conservation, becoming one of the first people to successfully raise cheetahs in captivity. Her dedication to wildlife led her to semi-retire from acting to focus on animal welfare. Despite her professional success, her personal life was more tumultuous, with four marriages and a battle with declining health. Blake passed away in 1989 at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy as both an actress and a conservationist. Her portrayal of Miss Kitty remains an enduring highlight of Gunsmoke, showcasing her ability to blend grit and grace in a male-dominated genre.
4. Milburn Stone (Doc Adams)
As Doc Adams, the gruff yet dependable physician of Dodge City, Milburn Stone brought depth and humanity to Gunsmoke. A curmudgeon with a heart of gold, Doc was always there to patch up the show’s rugged heroes and dispense some tough love along the way. Stone’s family was full of creative talent; his cousin, Madge Blake, played Mrs. Cooper on Batman, and his brother Joe wrote two episodes of Gunsmoke. Stone himself had an eclectic background, starting out as a barbershop quartet singer before transitioning to Broadway and Hollywood.
Stone’s fame came late in life, as he was already a seasoned performer when he joined Gunsmoke. Recognizing the value of his role, he fought CBS for royalties, ensuring his financial security after the series ended. Stone remained with the show until its conclusion in 1975, after which he finally retired. Unfortunately, his retirement was short-lived, as he passed away in 1980 at age 70. His absence was deeply felt, particularly during the Gunsmoke reunion films. Stone’s portrayal of Doc Adams remains a testament to his talent and dedication, solidifying his place in television history.
5. Ken Curtis (Festus Haggen)
Festus Haggen brought humor and charm to Dodge City, serving as Marshal Dillon’s deputy and friend after Chester Goode’s departure. Ken Curtis initially appeared on Gunsmoke in smaller roles but became a series regular as Festus in season eight. His character’s verbal sparring with Doc Adams provided some of the show’s funniest moments, making Festus a fan favorite. Curtis played Festus for 11 years, the longest tenure of any deputy on the show.
Before Gunsmoke, Curtis had a varied career, including a stint as a singer with the Sons of the Pioneers, a popular western music group. His musical talents added another layer to his Gunsmoke persona, though he rarely sang on the show. After Gunsmoke ended, Curtis continued acting in westerns, including The Yellow Rose with Sam Elliott. In his later years, he became a beloved figure in Clovis, California, where a statue of Festus now stands in his honor. Curtis passed away in 1991 at age 74, but his portrayal of Festus remains a highlight of Gunsmoke’s long legacy.
6. Buck Taylor (Newly O’Brien)
Newly O’Brien, Dodge City’s gunsmith-turned-deputy, brought a unique combination of skill and reliability to Gunsmoke. Played by Buck Taylor, Newly’s expertise with firearms made him a valuable asset to Marshal Dillon and the citizens of Dodge. Taylor’s rugged charm and quiet intensity added depth to the character, who was more than just another lawman—he was a craftsman with an understanding of the tools of his trade.
Taylor joined Gunsmoke in the later years, appearing from 1967 to 1975, and reprised his role in the 1987 TV movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, where he earned a well-deserved promotion to marshal. Outside of the show, Taylor’s career remained rooted in the western genre, with appearances in classics like Tombstone and, more recently, in the hit series Yellowstone as Emmet Walsh. Beyond acting, Taylor found another creative outlet in painting. Since 1993, he has been a successful artist, selling his works at western-themed events. At 85 years old, Taylor continues to embody the spirit of the Old West, both on-screen and in his art, solidifying his status as a beloved figure in western culture.
7. Glenn Strange (Sam Noonan)
As Sam Noonan, the calm and reliable bartender of Dodge City, Glenn Strange provided a steady presence amid the chaos of bar fights and saloon drama. Strange joined Gunsmoke in its sixth season and remained a beloved part of the cast until his death in 1973. Sam’s level-headed demeanor made him a trusted confidant for the show’s characters, offering advice and a listening ear from behind the bar.
Strange’s career spanned over 300 roles, but his most famous before Gunsmoke was his portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in several Universal horror films, including Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. His imposing 6’5” stature and chiseled features made him a natural fit for the role, and he even received coaching from Boris Karloff, the original Frankenstein. Despite his fearsome roles, Strange was known for his kind and easygoing nature off-screen. When he passed away in 1973, his Gunsmoke co-star Buck Taylor honored his memory by naming his son after him. Strange’s contributions to both horror and western genres make him a truly unique figure in Hollywood history.
8. Burt Reynolds (Quint Aspen)
Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most famous leading men, Burt Reynolds spent two years in Dodge City as Quint Aspen, a skilled blacksmith who could hold his own in a fight. Joining the cast in season eight, Reynolds brought charisma and grit to the role of Quint, a half-Native American character who added diversity and complexity to the show. Quint’s physicality and no-nonsense attitude made him a standout in Dodge City, even though Reynolds left after season ten to pursue other opportunities.
Reynolds’ time on Gunsmoke helped launch his career, giving him the experience and exposure needed to land major roles in films like Deliverance and Smokey and the Bandit. Known for his charm and rugged good looks, Reynolds became a Hollywood icon, starring in numerous hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Despite his success, he never forgot his roots in television, often crediting Gunsmoke as a formative part of his career. Reynolds passed away in 2018 at age 82, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved actors in American cinema.
The cast of Gunsmoke brought Dodge City to life, creating a world of complex characters and unforgettable stories. Their contributions to television history are unmatched, and their legacies continue to resonate with fans of the western genre.
