About The Show!

Here are some Fun Facts About Gunsmoke:

U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon is a character portrayed on television by the great Jame Arness in the western drama Gunsmoke.

The entire show is based on Dillon’s efforts to uphold justice in the Old West

The Radio Show

The Gunsmoke radio program was broadcast between 1952 to 1961. Marshall Matt Dillon was voiced by William Conrad.

His deep and powerful sound was perfect for broadcasting and he was paid handsomely.

“I’m that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the 1st man they look for and the last they want to meet. It’s a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful … and a little lonely.” – Matt Dillon

The Gunsmoke TV Show

The Gunsmoke TV show aired for an amazing twenty years (1955-1975)!

Between 1955 to 1961, Gunsmoke was a thirty-minute program that captivated audiences with its engaging storylines and well-drawn characters.

During this era, the show established a loyal fanbase, progressing to a sixty-minute format to accommodate more intricate plots and character development.

The transition allowed for richer narratives and deeper exploration of the Old West, which resonated with viewers and contributed to the show’s enduring legacy in television history.

Firstly, it was unique in it’s writing. Secondly, it educated many people on the history of the old west.

Thirdly, it introduced the relatively new medium of television to fine acting and directing

Gunsmoke was later titled Marshal Dillon in syndication

Unknown Facts About Gunsmoke

• Actor James Arness was wounded in combat in Anzio, Italy during World War II while serving as a rifleman in the US Army. As a result, his wounds made it difficult to walk around during filming of the show. The director had Arness film most of his upright scenes in the morning when his injuries would be less debilitating
• Three child actors from The Brady Bunch appeared on Gunsmoke. Christopher Knight (Peter Brady), Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) and Eve Plumb (Jan Brady)
• The cast found out about the cancellation of Gunsmoke by reading it in the newspaper. Nobody in management had the decency to tell them in person. Shameful!
• James Arness dyed his naturally blond hair dark brown for 20 years in order to fit into his character
• John Wayne was initially offered the role of Matt Dillon but told producers that James Arness would be a better fit. What a classy move by The Duke! another great unknown factabout Gunsmoke
• Gunsmoke was originally scheduled for cancellation in 1967 due to low ratings but the network president was such a fan of the show that he switched Gunsmoke to the Gilligan’s Island slot and that was the end of Gilligan and friends!
• Gunsmoke filmed 635 episodes and James Arness appeared in every episode!
• Four actors from the classic sci-fi TV show Star Trek appeared on Gunsmoke in different episodes. William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Deforest Kelley and James Doohan all made appearances as various characters. They did not appear on the show at the same time but rather in separate episodes
• Gunsmoke popularized the saying “Get Out Of Dodge”, referring to it’s location, Dodge City Kansas
• During Gunsmoke’s 20 year run, US Marshall Matt Dillon shot 407 people. POW!

“But there ain’t no such a thing. A little’s a little, and a lot’s a lot, there ain’t no little lot, or lot of little, don’t you see?” ~ Festus Haggen

Other Gunsmoke Cast Members

Regulars

• James Arness as Matt Dillon
• Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode (1955–1964)
• Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell (1955–1974)
• Milburn Stone as Doc Galen Adams
• Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen (1964–1975)
• Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper (1962–1965)
• Roger Ewing as Thaddeus “Thad” Greenwood (1965–1967)
• Buck Taylor as Newly O’Brien (1967–1975)
• Glenn Strange as Sam Noonan (1961–1973)

Recurring Roles

• Dabbs Greer as Mr. Jonas
• Roy Roberts as Mr. Bodkin (1965–1975)
• Herb Vigran as Judge Brooker
• Howard Culver as Howie the hotel clerk
• Pat Hingle as Dr. John Chapman (1971)
• James Nusser as Louie Pheeters (1956-1970)
• Tom Brown as Ed O’Connor (1959, 1968–1974)
• Ted Jordan as Nathan Burke

Throughout the show’s run, there were numerous guest stars who brought their unique talents, such as John Wayne, Lee Marvin, and Angie Dickinson.

Despite its popularity, Gunsmoke faced its share of controversy, as it was frequently scrutinized for its portrayal of Native Americans and African Americans.

Many viewers felt that these communities were often represented through one-dimensional stereotypes, sparking important conversations about representation in media.

However, it’s important to remember that Gunsmoke was a product of its time, and it’s still beloved by many for its incredible storytelling, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking impact on television history.

Gunsmoke is a show that will always be remembered as one of the greatest of all time.

Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, and its legacy lives on to this day.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering it for the first time, Gunsmoke is a must-watch for anyone who loves great television.

Thanks for reading our list of interesting facts about Gunsmoke!

---

About James Arness

James Arness was a well-known American actor, famous for playing Marshal Matt Dillon in the TV show Gunsmoke.

He was born on May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and served in the United States Army during World War II before starting his acting career.

He began acting in films in 1947 with The Farmer’s Daughter and later appeared in many westerns and war movies.

Arness became widely recognized for his role in Gunsmoke, earning three Emmy nominations for his performance.

He retired from acting in 1994 and died on June 3, 2011, at the age of 88.

Throughout his career, people remembered him for his deep voice, tall stature, and strong presence on screen.