Amanda Blake (1929 - 1989) أماندا بليك Read more Boot Award in 1985. She was married to four husbands and got no children. Her most important works are The Adventures of Hajji Baba (1954), Miss Robin Crusoe (1953), and Gunsmoke (1955-1974).

Was Amanda Blake's daughter?

Though Alexis insists that Amanda's father is a ski instructor with whom she was involved, it is eventually revealed that she is indeed Blake's daughter and that Alexis kept her hidden from him as revenge for being banished years before. Amanda is attracted to Alexis' fiancé Dex Dexter, and attempts to seduce him.

How old was Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke when she died?

Although when she died in August 1989, the media initially reported that she died of cancer, the cause of death was later confirmed to be AIDS-related complications. It is not known how she contracted the virus. Blake was 60 years old.

Who did Amanda Blake leave her money to?

Blake left her estate, principally a $400,000 home in Los Angeles, to Derby's animal refuge. However, her only surviving relatives--her mother, sister and two cousins -- are contesting the will, which was executed only three days before Blake died.

Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke?

Amanda Blake chose to leave Gunsmoke voluntarily. She was a heavy smoker and had surgery for cancer in 1977. She also lived in Phoenix and commuted those 19 years to Los Angeles for the production. With her declining health, the commute became difficult.

The Real Reason AMANDA BLAKE Left Gunsmoke

Why did Festus leave Gunsmoke?

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.

Why did Burt Reynolds quit Gunsmoke?

Reynolds left Gunsmoke to pursue a career in movies, which ultimately led him to become an iconic movie star.

Who turned down the role of Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke?

But that was the reasoning behind Polly Bond's decision to refuse the part of Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke. The former Polly Ellis had recently married Tommy Bond, a former child actor most famous for playing "Butch" on The Little Rascals.

How was Kitty written out of Gunsmoke?

Kitty, the red-haired saloon owner who spoke with courage and confidence, was played by Amanda Blake. The character was a vital part of the production, and for 19 seasons, the role stood out, making it a fan favorite. Amanda Blake decided to leave the show; therefore, Kitty was not in the final season.

Who did Matt Dillon marry in Gunsmoke?

A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. But in a 1973 episode, Matt had a brief affair with another woman, Mike Yardner (Michael Learned), while he had amnesia.

How old was Doc when he died from Gunsmoke?

Fully retired to his ranch in 1975 after the show's cancellation, he was eventually awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Mary of the Plains College in (of course) Dodge City, Kansas. Married to Jane Garrison, the 75-year-old veteran died of a heart attack on June 12, 1980 in La Jolla, California.

What was the relationship between James Arness and Peter Graves?

James Arness and his family were Methodists. Arness' younger brother was actor Peter Graves. Peter used the stage name "Graves", a maternal family name. Arness attended John Burroughs Grade School, Washburn High School, and West High School in Minneapolis.

How many children did Amanda Blake have?

She was married to four husbands and got no children.

What was the cause of Miss Kitty's death on Gunsmoke?

While some believed that her death was caused by cancer, her doctor confirmed that Blake died of AIDS complications. Her fourth husband, Mark, also died of AIDS complications in 1985. Amanda Blake was only 60 years old.

What was the cause of death with Amanda Blake?

Declining health and death

On August 16, 1989, Blake died of AIDS-related pneumonia at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California at the age of 60. Her death was initially attributed to throat cancer but, after her death, her doctor publicly announced her death was due to complications from AIDS.

Did James Arness do his own riding in Gunsmoke?

Arness was known for his physicality and willingness to do his own action scenes, including horse riding, fighting, and other physical challenges. However, for particularly dangerous or high-risk stunts, a stunt double would sometimes be used to ensure the safety of the actors.

Did the cast of Gunsmoke get along?

The cast of Gunsmoke was able to get pretty chummy with each other during the show's twenty-season run, to the point where they felt like a family. Leading this cast of Western stars was James Arness, a man who was— apparently— as tall as he was kind.

How old was James Arness in the first episode of Gunsmoke?

The actor was 32 when friend John Wayne declined the lead role in "Gunsmoke" and recommended Arness instead. Afraid of being typecast, Arness initially rejected it. "Go ahead and take it, Jim," Wayne urged him.

Why did Dennis Weaver quit Gunsmoke?

Dennis Weaver never anticipated that the series would be as successful and long running as it was— and as he neared the end of his time on Gunsmoke, he was entirely out of creative directions in which to take his character, and he began to feel the physical repercussions of walking with a limp for so long.

Why did Katie leave Gunsmoke?

Nineteen years of encouraging the good works of Marshal Matt Dillon on the TV show ”Gunsmoke,” and never even a kiss from the hero. Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty, grew tired of commuting from her Phoenix home to Hollywood and quit the show in 1974.

Did Burt Reynolds get along with the Gunsmoke cast?

Luckily, Reynolds not only had the support of Gunsmoke producers, but he had Marshal Matt Dillon on his side as well. The actor said that, while James Arness had a more reserved personality, he gave Reynolds his undivided support.

Why did Buck Taylor leave Gunsmoke?

Taylor said he was up for a couple of other film roles at the time and had to make a choice. It turns out to have been the best decision of his career. Newly became a key member of the cast and Taylor stayed with the series for eight seasons and 174 episodes until its cancellation in 1975.

Why was Doc written off Gunsmoke?

He stayed with Gunsmoke through its entire television run, with the exception of 7 episodes in 1971, when Stone required heart surgery and Pat Hingle replaced him as Dr. Chapman.