What Ever Happened to the Cast of ‘Gunsmoke?’

Gunsmoke stands as one of the most influential television series in American history. Premiering in 1955, it brought the Old West into living rooms across the country, offering a gritty, grounded portrayal of frontier life in Dodge City, Kan.

What began as a 30-minute, black-and-white series soon evolved into a one-hour color drama in the ‘60s. Audiences tuned in weekly to watch tales of law, justice, and survival unfold against a backdrop of rugged plains and rising moral stakes.

Unlike many Westerns of its time, Gunsmoke thrived on character-driven plots, emotional complexity, and slow-burning conflicts. The show often explored themes like loyalty, grief, vengeance, and redemption. 

Even after 20 seasons, its legacy endures, and at the heart of Gunsmoke’s success was its unforgettable cast. From James Arness and Amanda Blake to Ken Curtis, each performance added something unique to the fabric of the show. 

Together, they created a rich ensemble that carried the series through 635 episodes and into television legend. Many of the cast members even have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame due to their work on the show.

James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon

James Arness played U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon for all 20 seasons of Gunsmoke, becoming the face of the series. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in February 1960. 

Born in Minneapolis in 1923, Arness served in World War II and began his acting career shortly after. He was married twice: first to Virginia Chapman (1948 to 1960), with whom he had two children, and later to Thordis Brandt (1965 to 1972). 

Arness passed away on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88.  

Milburn Stone as Doc Galen Adams

Milburn Stone played the town’s doctor, Doc Galen Adams, for the entire run of Gunsmoke.

Born in 1904 in Kansas, Stone had a career spanning over five decades. He was first married to Ellen Morrison from 1925 to 1937. He then tied the knot with Jane Garrison. The pair were married twice: from 1939 to 1940 and the second time from 1946 to 1980.

Stone passed away on June 12, 1980, due to a heart attack.  

Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell

Amanda Blake portrayed the saloon owner and Matt Dillon’s confidante, Miss Kitty Russell, from 1955 to 1974. 

Born in 1929 in Buffalo, N.Y., Blake was married five times, including to Frank Gilbert, with whom she co-founded a cheetah breeding program. 

Blake was very passionate about animal welfare and co-founded the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) in 1971. The AAWL is now the oldest and largest “no-kill” shelter in the state.

She passed away on Aug. 16, 1989, from complications related to cancer. 

Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode

Dennis Weaver played the loyal deputy Chester Goode from 1955 to 1964. 

Born in 1924 in Missouri, Weaver was married to his childhood sweetheart, Geraldine Stowell, with whom he had three children. 

After Gunsmoke, he starred in the television series McCloud and appeared in various films. Weaver was also active in environmental and humanitarian causes. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in September 1986.

He passed away on Feb. 24, 2006, at the age of 81.

Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen

Ken Curtis portrayed the colorful and humorous deputy Festus Haggen from 1964 to 1975. 

Born in 1916 in Colorado, Curtis had a background in music and was a member of the Sons of the Pioneers. He was reportedly married three times. He tied the knot for the final time in 1966 when he wed Torrie Connelly. The two were together until he died in 1991 at age 74.

After Gunsmoke, Curtis appeared in several Western films and television shows.

Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper

Burt Reynolds played the blacksmith-turned-deputy Quint Asper from 1962 to 1965. 

Born in 1936 in Michigan, Reynolds became a major film star in the 1970s and 1980s, known for roles in films like Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, and Boogie Nights.

He was married twice. First, to Judy Carne from 1963 to 1965, and then to Loni Anderson from 1988 to 1994. Reynolds and Anderson welcomed a son, Quinton Anderson Reynolds, during their union.

Reynolds passed away on Sept. 6, 2018, at the age of 82.

Roger Ewing as Thad Greenwood

Roger Ewing portrayed the young deputy Thad Greenwood from 1965 to 1967. 

Born in 1942 in California, Ewing appeared in several television series during the 1960s, including None but the Brave. The 83-year-old has kept a low public profile in recent years.

Buck Taylor as Newly O’Brien

Buck Taylor portrayed gunsmith-turned-deputy Newly O’Brien from 1967 to 1975. 

Born in 1938 in California, Taylor is the son of actor Dub Taylor. After Gunsmoke, he continued acting and became a renowned artist, specializing in Western-themed paintings. 

Taylor was inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Hall of Great Western Performers in 1981. The 87-year-old remains active in both acting and art.

He was married twice. First to Judy Nugent (1961 to 1983), with whom he shares four children. He then tied the knot with Goldie Ann Taylor in 1995.