How did they write Miss Kitty out of Gunsmoke?
How did Miss Kitty die in Gunsmoke? Blake’s death certificate listed the immediate cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and CMV hepatitis. Little did she know, the role would have guaranteed her at least two decades of work. They married in April 1984, and divorced a short time later.
How did they get rid of Chester on Gunsmoke?
Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role as Chester Goode on “Gunsmoke” after nine seasons. A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weaver’s death in The Los Angeles Times. “The reason I got away from ‘Gunsmoke’ was that I wanted to leave the second banana role,” Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper.
Why did Festus replace Chester on Gunsmoke?
The reason why the three never shared more screen time together is that Chester was leaving “Gunsmoke” for greener pastures. Actor Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character.
How much did James Arness make per episode of Gunsmoke?
James Arness earned himself $1,200 per episode for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke during its early years. Later, after the television show earned awards and gained more popularity, he negotiated his contract and started making $20,000 an episode. Today, this would have been around $150,000.
Did Chester carry a gun on Gunsmoke?
Actor Dennis Weaver portrayed Chester on CBS’s Western drama “Gunsmoke” for a few seasons. According to IMDB, Weaver said that Chester didn’t carry a gun on him was “because they wanted him to be non-violent.” If you remember, Chester was sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, played by James Arness.
Did James Arness ride his own horse in Gunsmoke?
James Arness rode the same Buckskin horse (Buck) in this movie as he rode in many episodes of Gunsmoke (1955). Shot in nine days. Because of his role in this movie, John Wayne recommended James Arness for the role of Marshall Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke (1955), a role he played for 39 years.
Why did James Arness leave Gunsmoke?
James Arness Not Leaving ‘Gunsmoke’ In an interview with True West Magazine from many years ago, Arness was asked why he never left the series and pursued a film career instead. He said it was not something he had ever really considered doing.
Who came first on Gunsmoke Chester or Festus?
Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis, was introduced in an eighth-season episode (“Us Haggens”), became a recurring character in the ninth season, and took over as Matt’s sidekick when Chester left –edging his predecessor out by appearing in 304 episodes.
How much did a shot of whiskey cost in the Old West?
Saloons were a cheap form of entertainment. A glass of beer cost 5 cents, a shot of whiskey 25 cents (two bits) and a premium cigar another 5 cents.