Gunsmoke actor James Arness brought joy to audiences around the world with his portrayal of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. However, he was also a bright beam of light for the cast and crew that worked with him for many hours. In fact, many of them became like a family away from home. Arness made a point of making the same familiar faces feel special while filming the made-for-tv Gunsmoke movies.
James Arness returned for 5 ‘Gunsmoke’ movies L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amy Stoch as Beth Readon | CBS via Getty Images
Arness was one of the original Gunsmoke cast members, which also included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. They started working together from the very first episode that aired in 1955 based on the radio show until its final episode hit television screens in 1975. CBS suddenly canceled the show,...
James Arness returned for 5 ‘Gunsmoke’ movies L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amy Stoch as Beth Readon | CBS via Getty Images
Arness was one of the original Gunsmoke cast members, which also included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. They started working together from the very first episode that aired in 1955 based on the radio show until its final episode hit television screens in 1975. CBS suddenly canceled the show,...
- 4/8/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke actor James Arness had quite the journey playing U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon over the course of the Western television series. It embraced adult themes, but it didn’t necessarily alienate younger audiences, either. The Western show developed a loyal fan base that continue to watch it long after it left the air. In the early days, Matt slapped another character in the face for the first time in a truly memorable scene involving an intense confrontation.
‘Gunsmoke’ lead Matt Dillon turned to violence when necessary James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Unlike some later additions to Gunsmoke, Matt originated from the classic 1952 radio show. Arness was brought on board to play the iconic character from the first episode. Other original characters included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. However, the television...
‘Gunsmoke’ lead Matt Dillon turned to violence when necessary James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Unlike some later additions to Gunsmoke, Matt originated from the classic 1952 radio show. Arness was brought on board to play the iconic character from the first episode. Other original characters included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. However, the television...
- 3/8/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke aired on the television network CBS for 20 seasons between 1955 and 1975. However, the cancelation surprised the cast and crew, who didn’t see it coming. An entire 12 years later, Gunsmoke returned in the form of movies made for television. This decision revived the beloved Western series for five films. Here’s a look at the IMDb ratings from worst to best.
5. ‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ (1987) L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell | CBS
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge was the first of the made-for-tv movies, but it’s also the worst-rated with a 6.9 audience score.
It saw James Arness and Amanda Blake reprise their roles of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty Russell. Return to Dodge is a continuation of season 14 episode 17 – “Mannon.” It isn’t the fans’ favorite, but they still enjoyed it as a reunion film after so many years. Unfortunately, it...
5. ‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ (1987) L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell | CBS
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge was the first of the made-for-tv movies, but it’s also the worst-rated with a 6.9 audience score.
It saw James Arness and Amanda Blake reprise their roles of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty Russell. Return to Dodge is a continuation of season 14 episode 17 – “Mannon.” It isn’t the fans’ favorite, but they still enjoyed it as a reunion film after so many years. Unfortunately, it...
- 3/7/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Actor James Arness didn’t immediately adapt to the sensational success of Gunsmoke. Many actors coveted the role of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, and CBS knew that the show’s success largely relied on the casting decision. Arness ultimately scored the role, but he was so anxious over the pressure that he got an acting coach to help him prepare.
‘Gunsmoke’ actor James Arness started with small roles James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Before Gunsmoke came along, Arness saw a future for himself in motion pictures. Therefore, he decided to chase his Hollywood dreams to the end. The actor landed some roles in films, including 1947’s The Farmer’s Daughter and 1951’s The Thing from Another World, although he was having some difficulty breaking into the scene as a leading man.
Arness worked under contract for legendary Western movie star John Wayne, and the pair became close friends.
‘Gunsmoke’ actor James Arness started with small roles James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Before Gunsmoke came along, Arness saw a future for himself in motion pictures. Therefore, he decided to chase his Hollywood dreams to the end. The actor landed some roles in films, including 1947’s The Farmer’s Daughter and 1951’s The Thing from Another World, although he was having some difficulty breaking into the scene as a leading man.
Arness worked under contract for legendary Western movie star John Wayne, and the pair became close friends.
- 2/10/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Long-running television shows frequently have to roll with the punches and figure out ways to keep audiences wanting to tune in. Gunsmoke made Ken Curtis’ Festus Haggen a series regular to replace Dennis Weaver’s beloved Chester Goode after he left to pursue other acting opportunities. However, Curtis refused to return for the first made-for-tv Gunsmoke movie after its 20-season run because of a couple of serious disagreements with a producer.
‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ reintroduced audiences to Dodge City Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke met its end on CBS in 1975 after a surprise cancelation that the cast and crew didn’t see coming. The network returned the world back to Dodge City in 1987 with the first made-for-tv movie for the series subtitled Return to Dodge. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon actor James Arness and Miss Kitty Russell star Amanda Blake both came back.
The...
‘Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge’ reintroduced audiences to Dodge City Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke met its end on CBS in 1975 after a surprise cancelation that the cast and crew didn’t see coming. The network returned the world back to Dodge City in 1987 with the first made-for-tv movie for the series subtitled Return to Dodge. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon actor James Arness and Miss Kitty Russell star Amanda Blake both came back.
The...
- 2/6/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke was on television for so long that it was likely one of those shows that felt like a rite of passage for rising stars. After all, with 20 seasons of television, there are plenty of opportunities for actors looking for a big break to snag a guest appearance on the popular Western TV show. Buck Taylor did a lot more than just that. The actor joined star James Arness for roughly half the iconic series’ run. Here’s the wild road that eventually led him to Gunsmoke.
Buck Taylor is best known for his work on TV’s ‘Gunsmoke’ Promotional portrait of the cast of the American television series ‘Gunsmoke,’ July 23, 1969. Foreground, American actors James Arness (Marshal Matt Dillon) and Amanda Blake (1929 – 1989) (as Kitty Russell); on staircase from left, Ken Curtis (1916 – 1991) (as U.S. Deputy Marshal Festus Haggen), Buck Taylor (Newly O’Brien), and Milburn Stone (1904 – 1980) (as Dr. Galen Adams...
Buck Taylor is best known for his work on TV’s ‘Gunsmoke’ Promotional portrait of the cast of the American television series ‘Gunsmoke,’ July 23, 1969. Foreground, American actors James Arness (Marshal Matt Dillon) and Amanda Blake (1929 – 1989) (as Kitty Russell); on staircase from left, Ken Curtis (1916 – 1991) (as U.S. Deputy Marshal Festus Haggen), Buck Taylor (Newly O’Brien), and Milburn Stone (1904 – 1980) (as Dr. Galen Adams...
- 2/3/2023
- by Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Once an actor becomes synonymous with a particular character, it can often complicate their personal and professional lives. But Gunsmoke actor Buck Taylor seems nothing but grateful for his association with that show. In fact, he credits Gunsmoke for bringing many great things into his life. Taylor even claims he wouldn’t have met his wife without his role on Gunsmoke.
Buck Taylor was a fan-favorite on ‘Gunsmoke’ as Newly O’Brien
#BuckTaylor played Newly on Gunsmoke — and he's still acting at age 82!
See him on Guns Of Paradise — 4p Et on @getTV
What have you seen him in? pic.twitter.com/GYeAdfLtKU
— getTV (@gettv) November 30, 2020
From 1967 to 1975, Taylor played acting deputy Newly O’Brien on the popular CBS series. The character fulfilled the same purpose on the show as his predecessors, Burt Reynolds’ Quint Asper and Roger Ewing’s Thad Greenwood. Newly also served as a backup deputy and a doctor-in-training,...
Buck Taylor was a fan-favorite on ‘Gunsmoke’ as Newly O’Brien
#BuckTaylor played Newly on Gunsmoke — and he's still acting at age 82!
See him on Guns Of Paradise — 4p Et on @getTV
What have you seen him in? pic.twitter.com/GYeAdfLtKU
— getTV (@gettv) November 30, 2020
From 1967 to 1975, Taylor played acting deputy Newly O’Brien on the popular CBS series. The character fulfilled the same purpose on the show as his predecessors, Burt Reynolds’ Quint Asper and Roger Ewing’s Thad Greenwood. Newly also served as a backup deputy and a doctor-in-training,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Buck Taylor wasn’t part of the original cast of Gunsmoke. But the actor has become a significant part of its legacy. The series – which began life as a radio drama – premiered on television in 1955, with James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. However, the road that led Taylor to Gunsmoke involves a path the actor very nearly walked down instead of success as a TV star.
Buck Taylor joined ‘Gunsmoke’ as Newly O’Brian in 1967 Promotional portrait of American actor Buck Taylor (as Newly O’Brien) from the television series ‘Gunsmoke,’ 1970. | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
For nearly Gunsmoke‘s entire run, the show principally starred Arness and Amanda Blake. But around 1967, Taylor joined as a character named Newly O’Brien. Following Burt Reynolds’ Quint Asper and Roger Ewing’s Thad Greenwood, Newly was the latest in a series of acting deputies who played an ongoing role on the show.
Buck Taylor joined ‘Gunsmoke’ as Newly O’Brian in 1967 Promotional portrait of American actor Buck Taylor (as Newly O’Brien) from the television series ‘Gunsmoke,’ 1970. | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
For nearly Gunsmoke‘s entire run, the show principally starred Arness and Amanda Blake. But around 1967, Taylor joined as a character named Newly O’Brien. Following Burt Reynolds’ Quint Asper and Roger Ewing’s Thad Greenwood, Newly was the latest in a series of acting deputies who played an ongoing role on the show.
- 2/1/2023
- by Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
CBS Films is currently casting for the part of 'Marshal Matt Dillon', in the upcoming big screen adaptation of "Gunsmoke", based on the 20-season run of the classic "Gunsmoke" TV series.
Screenplay for "Gunsmoke" is by Gregory Poirier, writer of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets".
The original television series starring actor James "The Thing From Another World" Arness, ran from September 10, 1955 to March 31, 1975 on CBS with 635 total episodes. John Wayne was first offered the lead part, but turned it down, not wanting to work in TV.
Wayne introduced the show before its first episode, following-up on his recommendation of Arness for the part.
Other main characters on the series included Dennis Weaver as 'Chester Goode', Milburn Stone as 'Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams' and Amanda Blake as 'Miss Kitty Russell', owner of the 'Long Branch Saloon'.
Initially on the fringes of Dodge society, 'Festus' was slowly phased in as...
Screenplay for "Gunsmoke" is by Gregory Poirier, writer of "National Treasure: Book of Secrets".
The original television series starring actor James "The Thing From Another World" Arness, ran from September 10, 1955 to March 31, 1975 on CBS with 635 total episodes. John Wayne was first offered the lead part, but turned it down, not wanting to work in TV.
Wayne introduced the show before its first episode, following-up on his recommendation of Arness for the part.
Other main characters on the series included Dennis Weaver as 'Chester Goode', Milburn Stone as 'Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams' and Amanda Blake as 'Miss Kitty Russell', owner of the 'Long Branch Saloon'.
Initially on the fringes of Dodge society, 'Festus' was slowly phased in as...
- 2/6/2010
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
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