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 Gunsmoke end so abruptly?

CBS likely felt Gunsmoke was outdated and wanted to replace it with more contemporary shows, though it was still performing well. This abrupt cancellation meant the crew weren't able to give Gunsmoke a proper finale, however.

Why did Chester limp on Gunsmoke?

When Dennis Weaver landed the role of Chester Goode, it was apparent that he was leading man material. To create a more fitting character, Dennis Weaver began portraying Chester Goode with a limp and speaking in a Midwestern twang—a decision that would ultimately help steer his decision to leave the series.

How was Sam written out of Gunsmoke?

After over 200 episodes of the show, Glenn Strange stepped away from Gunsmoke in 1972 because of his lung cancer diagnosis. The sizable character actor was most remembered for playing villainous roles, but his turn as Sam Noonan was a pleasant change of pace for the somewhat typecast performer.

Why was Doc Adams replaced on Gunsmoke?

Did you know. First of 6 episodes where Pat Hingle played Dr. John Chapman as a replacement for Doc Adams when Milburn Stone left the series for heart bypass surgery.

Why did Gunsmoke change from Chester to Festus?

When did Louie Pheeters leave Gunsmoke?

James Nusser (May 3, 1905 – June 8, 1979) was an American film and television actor. He was known for playing the recurring role of town drunk Louis Pheeters in the American western television series Gunsmoke from 1956 to 1970. Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Los Angeles, California, U.S.

What actor was in every episode of Gunsmoke?

James Arness played Marshal Matt Dillon in 635 episodes of Gunsmoke, the only cast member to appear in every single one. While fellow regulars Amanda Blake and Milburn Stone can't top that, they were both in more than 500 episodes — a significant achievement by any standard!

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.

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.

What happened to Glenn Strange on Gunsmoke?

Strange began playing Sam Noonan during the seventh season, and continued on in the role for 222 episodes. In 1972 Strange was diagnosed with lung cancer, but worked as long as he was able. Five of his episodes were broadcast after his death.

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.

What was the relationship between James Arness and Peter Graves?

Arness' younger brother was actor Peter Graves.

What was wrong with Festus eye on Gunsmoke?

Often, Festus would squint with the right eye partially closed as well. This means he is right handed but left eye dominant. There are many other actors who do this too. Clint Eastwood does it on Rawhide.

Did Doc ever shoot anyone on Gunsmoke?

Lord would later play the iconic character Steve McGarrett in the series Hawaii Five-O. Longtime Gunsmoke viewers know that Doc killed a few people during the twenty-year history of the series. While Doc's reaction to Myles Brandell shooting his horse is surprising, it is justified under the circumstances.

What episode of Gunsmoke did James Arness wife play on?

A few years later, Virginia had the chance to work with her husband, popping up in two episodes of Gunsmoke, "Reed Survives" and "The Killer." Both times, she played a gypsy. The actress also had small roles on the action shows Highway Patrol and Whirlybirds.

How did Miss 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.

How did Gunsmoke end?

After 20 seasons on air, Gunsmoke simply disappeared from the schedule. Alas, there was no fanfare, no fond farewell, no spelling "Goodbye" with rocks as Marshal Matt Dillon rode off into the sunset. Instead, the final episode of Gunsmoke to air was "The Sharecroppers," the 635th tale of that classic Dodge City show.

Did Chester from Gunsmoke pass away?

Dennis Weaver, whose portrayal of Deputy Chester Goode in the classic television western "Gunsmoke" made him the favorite sidekick of the early television era, died on Friday at his home in Ridgway, Colo. He was 81.

Did James Arness have a favorite Gunsmoke episode?

James Arness's Favorite 'Gunsmoke' Episode: "Chato"

That's 20 years of work! Actually, it was one of the later tales that stood out in his mind. It was the 16th season opener! "The episode 'Chato' is probably my all-time favorite show," Arness told the Chicago Tribune in 2005.

Was the beer cold on Gunsmoke?

Sometimes they had cold beer, usually not. Saloons served up volumes of beer, but in those days the beer was never ice-cold, usually served at 55 to 65 degrees. Though the beer had a head, it wasn't sudsy as it is today.

What female guest starred the most on Gunsmoke?

Nolan appeared as a guest star in television's Gunsmoke more than any other female. Nolan portrayed Mrs.