Move Back
![gunsmoke_the_first_season_dvd__large_]()
"Gunsmoke" "Gunsmoke" was the number one ranked show on television from 1957-61. But the show was almost canceled after its 12th season. (Apparently the network's president's wife put up a fuss, so CBS canceled "Gilligan's Island" instead. Sorry little buddy!) Sadly, few of the classic show's stars are around today. Let's see who is still alive and well, who has passed on, and what they all did after their amazing "Gunsmoke" run. (Paramount)![james_arness_then]()
James Arness: Then In the '50s and '60s, the name "Matt Dillon" didn't refer to a brat pack member. James Arness played U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon throughout the shows 20-year run. He was responsible for discerning who was coming to Dodge City to stir up trouble, and who was just passing through. Dillon was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. And if they didn't, they were in for a world of hurt. (Paramount)![Arness Now]()
James Arness: 1923-2011 James spent most of his life playing U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon. He reprised the role after the series was over for a reunion in 1987, "Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge." He also played Dillon in the TV movie versions of the show in the '90s. The legendary actor died on June 3, 2011 from natural causes. He was 88. (AP)![burt_reynolds_gunsmoke]()
Burt Reynolds: Then Burt Reynolds joined the cast in 1962. He played Quint Asper, a part Native American, part Caucasian blacksmith, who stuck around for three years. Click here for a shocking photo of Reynolds today. (Getty)![Burt Now]()
Burt Reynolds: Now Reynolds was just getting started in Hollywood when he landed his "Gunsmoke" gig. Little did he or anyone else know that he would become Hollywood's most bankable star, bar none, in the 1970s. With movies like "Smokey and the Bandit," "Cannonball Run," and "The Longest Yard," Reynolds made piles of money for the studios, and himself, but never got much critical acclaim to go with his financial success. Today, Reynolds is still working. The actor recently guest-starred on "Burn Notice" as an ex-CIA agent being hunted down. (Reuters)![Dennis Weaver Then]()
Dennis Weaver: Then Dennis was still working odd jobs - like delivering flowers - when he landed the role of Chester Goode on "Gunsmoke." He received an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in 1959 for his work on the show. (AP)![Dennis Weaver Now]()
Dennis Weaver: 1924-2006 After the role of Chester made him famous, Dennis went on to star on other TV shows including "Gentle Ben" and "Kentucky Jones" in the '60s. Waver also got two more Emmy nods for his starring role in the 70s hit "McCloud." Cancer ultimately took his life in 2006. He was 81. (AP)![BuckTaylorNow]()
Buck Taylor: Then/Now After his stint as Marshall, Buck continued to appear in Western-themed TV shows including "Dallas" and "Walker, Texas Ranger." Also a painter, Taylor uses the West and Westerns as inspirations for much of his artwork. Taylor has a plaque on the Walk of Western Stars in California alongside his "Gunsmoke" co-stars James Arnes, Dennis Weaver and Amanda Blake. (AP)![amanda_blake_hw]()
Amanda Blake: 1929-1989 Blake was best-known for her portrayal of Miss Kitty on "Gunsmoke", the saloon owner slash rumored prostitute. She reportedly left the show before the 20th and final season because she missed her late co-star Glenn Strange. In 1980 she was diagnosed with a form of mouth cancer, presumably caused by her heavy smoking days. She became an advocate against smoking in 1982, but by then it was too late for her. In 1989 she died at the young age of 60. (Getty)Then/Now: The Cast of 'Gunsmoke'
We take a look back at the cast mates from this classic series.
Move Forward
- Then/Now: The Cast of 'Gunsmoke'
