Ben Bates was a stunt performer best known for his 25 years of work as the stunt double for Gunsmoke star James Arness.

Did Matt Dillon do his own riding in Gunsmoke?

Yes, James Arness, who played the iconic character Matt Dillon on the TV series "Gunsmoke," performed many of his own stunts on the show. Arness was known for his physicality and willingness to do his own action scenes, including horse riding, fighting, and other physical challenges.

Did James Arness wife appear on Gunsmoke?

In the unedited version, there is an odd scene where Matt and Chester approach a gypsy in Dodge City played by James Arness's wife at the time, Virginia Chapman. She is uncredited in this show; however, in a previous episode, Reed Survives (1955), she is credited as a gypsy but never seen.

How old was James Arness when he died Gunsmoke?

Death. Arness died from natural causes at the age of 88 years at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles on June 3, 2011.

Did James Arness and Dennis Weaver get along?

Arness, who remained close to Weaver after he left the series, praised him as a “really fine actor.” “We really liked each other a whole lot,” Arness said.

Stuntman Diamond Farnsworth discusses the Family Business! James Arness! Yakima Canutt! DANGEROUS!

What disease did James Arness have?

"No disease, nothing untoward, he just got tired, I guess," she said. Arness was best known for his 20 years on TV playing Matt Dillon, the U.S. marshal in the dusty wild-west town of Dodge City, Kansas, a role for which he was recommended by his showbiz mentor and friend, the film star John Wayne.

Who died first Peter Graves or James Arness?

Peter Graves passed away only one year before his older brother James Arness. Peter Graves died on March 14, 2010 while James Arness died on June 3, 2011. Passed away on March 14, 2010, just four days before his 84th birthday. Before he was a successful actor, he worked in a variety of jobs, such as cabdriver.

Did Peter Graves and James Arness have the same father?

James Arness and Peter Graves with their father, Rolf.

How did Festus pass away?

His death was attributed to natural causes, said A. C. Lyle, a producer at Paramount Studios. Mr. Curtis played Festus Haggin, sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, from 1964 to 1975, when the series ended. He replaced Dennis Weaver, who played Chester Goode before leaving the show after nine years.

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.

Was James Arness a good horseback rider?

Among the worst was James Arness who didn't like horses and preferred to spend time on his boat.” Westerns expert James Denniston adds, “The Duke [in his early career], Wild Bill Elliott, Randolph Scott, Slim Pickens, Richard Boone and Jimmy Stewart all rode well. As big as he was, Andy Devine was a good rider.

Who was Matt Dillon stunt double?

Bates became the stunt double for James Arness on Gunsmoke. For the final four seasons of the long-running Western, Bates performed the more dangerous Marshal Matt Dillon stunts.

What happened to James Arness horse?

In 1975 when the Gunsmoke TV Series ended... Lorne Greene bought The Buckskin Horse whose real name was Danny, that he and James Arness shared riding in between Studios from 1959-1973... Lorne kept him until 1979 then he donated Danny to a Therapeutic Riding Center.

Did James Arness daughter appear on Gunsmoke?

Jenny Lee Arness, who appears in this episode as "Amy", is the real-life daughter of James Arness.

Did James Arness have grandchildren?

He is survived by his wife, Janet Surtees of Brentwood, Los Angeles, California; son, Rolf Arness; stepson, Jim Surtees; six grandchildren, and a great grandchild. His adopted son, Craig, passed away in 2004 and his daughter Jenny passed away in 1975.

How old was Gunsmoke?

Gunsmoke, American television western that aired on CBS for 20 seasons (1955–75), becoming the longest-running prime-time television western in history. The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run.

Why did James Arness walk with a limp?

Wounded in the leg during the 1944 invasion at Anzio, Italy, Arness was hospitalized for a year and left with a slight limp. He returned to Minneapolis to work as a radio announcer and in small theater roles.

Why did Kitty leave Gunsmoke?

Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty, grew tired of commuting from her Phoenix home to Hollywood and quit the show in 1974. --that`s a nasty thing for me to say, but it`s true,'' she said, grinning. Blake went on to live through her own personal drama. She got cancer.

Where was Gunsmoke filmed?

Gunsmoke Locations

Filming took place at Big Bear Lake, California, Iverson Ranch, Old Tucson Studios, Big Sky Movie Ranch, and Bronson Canyon (Griffith Park). These locations offered unique characteristics that contributed to the cinematic vision of the Western masterpiece.

Did James Arness own a ranch?

In 1968, he donated his 1,400-acre ranch in northern Los Angeles County to the Brandis Institute. On 6/20/05 he was honored at Los Angeles City Hall by the mayor, the 15 City Council members and the City Attorney with a resolution honoring his life's work as an actor and 60-year resident of Los Angeles.