when did sam the bartender leave gunsmoke
Home; About; Program; FAQ; Registration; Sponsorship; Contact; Home; About; Program; FAQ; Registration; Sponsorship . It featured many outdoor scenes in Johnson Canyon near Kanab, Utah. In some scenes of Gunsmoke, he is seen to play the fiddle. He was a young rancher, but in 1930, he came to Hollywood as a member of the radio singing group Arizona Wranglers. Julies grandfather was known as Cactus Mack, a famous cowboy actor. His father was a rancher and a bartender. When and why did Miss Kitty leave Gunsmoke? Growing up in Cross Cut, Texas, his father was a rancher. Strange was cast in five episodes of the ABC Western The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp and three segments of the syndicated Annie Oakley. He appeared in more than 300 mo tion pictures, including Red River, Red Badge of Cour age, The Cardinal and the Frankenstein series, in which he succeeded Boris Karloff as the monster. James Arness played the heroic Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, serving as a paragon of law and order for the west. George Glenn Strange (August 16, 1899 September 20, 1973) was an American actor who mostly appeared in Western films and was billed as Glenn Strange. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. DICE Dental International Congress and Exhibition. It was he who played the Creature in the cult horror/comedy classic Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) as part of the monstrous trio of Bela Lugosi's Dracula and Lon Chaney Jr.'s Wolf Man.As the "B" western started faded off into the sunset in the 1950s, Strange moseyed on over to TV work. During his time as Dodge Citys Marshal on Gunsmoke, Arness did quite well for himself. They had three children together. Is Leslie Nielsen related to James Arness? Gunsmoke George Glenn 'Peewee' Strange ( 1899-1973) Glenn Strange played Sam the Bartender on Gunsmoke. How many bartenders were there on Gunsmoke? His limbs were in proportion, and I had selected his features as beautiful, because he was described as an 8-foot-tall creature of hideous contrasts. The main character, Matt Dillon, was portrayed by William Conrad. Sam McKay played the bartender in the 1960s, a role he held for six years. His declining health forced him to leave the role of Sam the bartender in 1973. [citation needed], On September 20, 1973, at age 74, Strange died of lung cancer in Los Angeles, California. Perhaps another thing that contributed to Blake's departure was the death of Glenn Strange. Curtis hometown drunk, Festus, was named after him. Glenn Strange played Sam the Bartender on Gunsmoke. Strange grew up in the West Texas town of Cross Cut. (September 2020) Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. He held his notable bartending role for 12 years before passing away from lung cancer on September 20, 1973. And James Arness comes back as Marshal Matt Dillon in CBS Gunsmoke: The Last Apache. To his surprise, Dillon finds that he has a 21-year-old daughter named Beth (Amy Stock-Poynton) and that she has been kidnapped by Wolf (Joe Lara), a renegade Apache warrior for the infamous Geronimo (Joaquin Martinez). Buck Taylor, another of Stranges costars on Gunsmoke, named his son Cooper Glenn Taylor in honor of Strange. How old is Sam on Gunsmoke? matlab display text and variable on same line Who is Timothy on Little House on the Prairie? Strange was cast twice on Kirby Grant's Western aviation adventure series, Sky King, as Rip Owen in Stage Coach Robbers (1952), and as Link in Dead Giveaway (1958). While doing this, he continued appearing in westerns. Their sons Rolf and Craig are still alive, but sadly, he died before his daughter. He was seen (or glimpsed) in many of the popular serials of the day, including The Hurricane Express (1932), Law of the Wild (1934),The Lone Ranger Rides Again (1939), and Riders of Death Valley (1941). One of his first roles was uncredited as a soldier, in tin armor, as part of "Ming's Army", in the science fiction classic serial "Flash Gordon"(1936/I). Mr. [citation needed], In 1932, Strange had a minor role as part of the Wrecker's gang in a 12-part serial, The Hurricane Express, starring John Wayne. After the show's cancellation, Noonan continued to appear in other westerns, including "Smith" and "Play It As It Lays." It should be noted that Boris Karloff, who played the original Frankenstein, coached Strange on playing the role in his off-hours. Does a Mobile Bartender Need a Liquor License? Heck, there was no pre-emptive warning that the show was being pulled from CBSs lineup. Gunsmoke is a 1953 Western film directed by Nathan Juran and starring Audie Murphy, Susan Cabot, and Paul Kelly. By the time he was 12, he was performing at cowboy dances. Shortly afterward, he began performing as a teenager. He was 74 years old when he died of cancer. That same year, Strange appeared in an uncredited role as the sheriff in Silver Rapids in the Western movie The Fastest Gun Alive starring Glenn Ford. One died during the run of the show, in 1973, at the age of 74Glenn Strange, a real New Mexico cowboy who played Sam the bartender. But CBS was moving away from westerns and rural comedies by the mid-1970s. During his tenure on the show, Sam appeared in 237 episodes. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. He never did. Jump to: Photos (11). He first appeared on Gunsmoke in 1959 and assumed several roles on the long-running program before he was permanently cast as stolid bartender Sam Noonan, a role he played from 1961 until 1973. June 9, 2022 . Strange died of cancer in 1973, but his influence on the cast of the series was still felt today. The series ran from 1955 until 1975, and was one of the longest running prime-time shows on television. He played the character from 1961 until his death in 1974. 1973 It does not store any personal data. He stood 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weighed 220 pounds (at his peak). Mr. Bert Rumsey: Bartender, Sam, Sam, Bartender, Bartender Sam, Long Branch Bartender, Second Bartender, The Bartender, Townsman. How Much Do Bartenders in Las Vegas Make? As a teenager, Burt Reynolds played the role of Sam the bartender on the hit show Gunsmoke. Who ran the boarding house in Dodge City? TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Sent. Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. luke huard texas a&m salary; simchart 84 post case quiz Most California beaches allow bonfires, while many campgrounds on the Oregon coast provide fire rings. He dropped the u from his name at the urging of his theater coach. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? During his pre-teen years, he played guitar and fiddle. Strange started playing Sam the bartender on Gunsmoke in 1961 but he still acted one last time in The Rifleman in 1962. Strange also appeared in character with Lou Costello in a haunted house skit on The Colgate Comedy Hour and made a gag publicity appearance as a masked flagpole-sitter for a local Los Angeles TV show in the 1950s. A lone lawman and a chaotic frontier, a stern yet gentle lawman, and moral judgments all of these elements of the Western genre are central to the shows appeal. How Much Do Bartenders Make in California. After the shows cancellation, Noonan continued to appear in other westerns, including Smith and Play It As It Lays.. Beginning in 1949, he portrayed Butch Cavendish, the villain responsible for killing all of the Texas Rangers except one in the long-running television series The Lone Ranger. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Its popularity lasted well beyond the original run. He gained his first motion picture role in 1932, and appeared in hundreds of films during his lifetime. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Author David R. Greenland, in his book The Gunsmoke Chronicles: A New History of Televisions Greatest Western, writes about her reaction to the cancellation. Six years after Gunsmoke moved to TV, however, producer Norman MacDonnel went out on a limb and cast Nusser in the role of Dodge City's town drunk "Louie Pheeters". He learned to play guitar and fiddle. His first wife was Flora Hooper of Duncan, Oklahoma. Gunsmoke was a radio series that ran from 1952 to 1961. Actress Amanda Blake landed the role of Miss Kitty Russell on the popular western series Gunsmoke in 1955. Perhaps another thing that contributed to Blakes departure was the death of Glenn Strange. as Sam the bartender. One more interesting bit of trivia about Strange. The Arness brothers and Nielsen were all born in the 20s, with Nielsen and Peter Graves even co-starring in Airplane! No reason for Chester leaving Dodge was ever. Gunsmoke even had Strange act as a fiddle player in one episode. In 1950, he was cast in his first film, The Cowboy. He had been working as a radio announcer and had small parts in several movies. You could almost say he was born to play western roles. Even though she left the show a season earlier, Amanda Blake wasnt taking the news lightly. He even performed at cowboy dances. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Is Leslie Nielsen related to James Arness? Arness died of natural causes at his home in Brentwood, said family spokeswoman Ginny Fazer. It started as a radio series, then moved to CBS television (with a completely different cast) in 1955. Utilizing clever editing techniques, the production team at the show put together what they described as a "patchwork scene" with unused footage of a scene in which his character fell asleep in court. Arness passed away in 2011. Why did Sam the bartender leave Gunsmoke? Despite his death on the set of Gunsmoke, Arness remained an icon of western film and television. The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! He held his notable bartending role for 12 years before passing away from lung cancer on September 20, 1973. Miss Blake left Gunsmoke in 1974 after 19 years. When did Sam become the bartender on Gunsmoke? In addition to his acting roles, he also acted as a fiddle player in one Gunsmoke episode. Is Sarah Strange related to Glenn Strange? Call us now: 012 662 0227 very faint line on covid test. According to Trimble, Dodge Citys federal marshal was shot no less than 56 times, knocked unconscious 29 times, stabbed on three occasions, and poisoned once. His declining health forced him to leave the role in 1973. She was serious, too. His biographical information states that he was 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 220 pounds. After Gunsmoke wrapped up, Dillon gifted Bates his signature .45 sidearm. Moreover, he never forgot the role of Dinah Shore and continued to act in her movies. By nature a gentle, sym pathetic man, he usually played the bad guy or a monster in some 500 television shows. If the rumours are true, he and Rock Hudson would have been hot fuckbuddies in the 60s. What should you not say to a car salesman? Strange played Frankensteins monster in three Universal films in the 1940s, and also played a character named Sam Noonan on the series. There were 635 episodes and many of the outdoor scenes for this show were shot in Johnson Canyon near Kanab, Utah. Answer: The last episode of Gunsmoke was not designed to be a series finale. He won many awards for his work on the series, including the Emmy Award for Best Actor. Strange died on Sept. 23, 1973, from lung cancer at 74 years old. She was ready to give CBS President William Paley a piece of her mind. Lee Majors was hawt when I was a kid. In 1959, he appeared in another Western syndicated series, Mackenzie's Raiders, in the episode entitled "Apache Boy". When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What. It was in March of 1971 that Stone had heart bypass surgery and he passed away in 1980 from a heart attack at the age of 75. He died of lung cancer, and Sam Noonan was buried at the Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills Cemetery. Gunsmoke/Final episode. The final episode of Gunsmoke that went on air was episode 635, entitled "The Sharecroppers.". His declining health forced him to leave the role in 1973. Then Blake decided it was time to go. How Long Does It Take To Become A Bartender? Blake, who portrayed the saloon owner in CBSs popular western TV series, left one season before the show ended. James Arness rode the same Buckskin horse (Buck) in this movie as he rode in many episodes of Gunsmoke (1955). Who is the actress on Gunsmoke? His absence on the show led the creators to make sure that all three characters were written out. The episode that killed James Arness was filmed in 1973. However, the Minneapolis-born Peter and James are not related to Nielsen. If you were a fan of the hit TV series GUNSMOKE, you may be curious to learn how did Sam the bartender die. Strange appeared in six episodes of The Rifleman playing the same role in different variations: Cole, the stagecoach driver, in "Duel of Honor"; a stagecoach shotgun guard in "The Dead-eye Kid"; Joey, a stagecoach driver in "The Woman"; and an unnamed stagecoach driver in "The Blowout", "The Spiked Rifle", and "Miss Bertie".[3]. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Arness role in the show as detective Jim McClain is particularly memorable. Strange died of lung cancer in Los Angeles, California. The episode occurred during the middle of his run. A long, long running Western series about the adventures of U.S. Sent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Why did Milburn leave Gunsmoke? Glenn quit school after 8th grade. Altogether, he appeared in 237 episodes, including those in which he does not play Sam. How long was Doc Adams gone from Gunsmoke? In the high tide and low tide chart, we can see 5 hours and 56 minutes until low tide. Most often asked questions related to bitcoin. As Glenn began to get a serious chill, Chaney recommended that alcohol would keep Strange warm. One more interesting bit of trivia about Strange. Arness was born James Aurness in Minneapolis on May 26, 1923. The most popular and well known beach for bonfires is Dockweiler State Beach, located in the Playa Del Rey District of LA, and it has over 70 bonfire pits to choose from. Strange was cast in 1944 film House of Frankenstein in the role created by Boris Karloff in Frankenstein (1931), coached by Karloff personally after hours. His widow, Nin, and a daugh ter, Janine, survive. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Jump to: Photos (11). So why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? This is a odd coincidence as his father was a bartender in real-life back in Cross Cut. Among other TV roles, he capped off his career with a steady (12 years) role as Sam the bartender on the classic Gunsmoke (1955) series from 1962 until shortly before his death from lung cancer in 1973. He played the character from 1961 until his death in 1974. as Sam the bartender. 24 Hour Services - Have an emergency? James Nusser (born in Cleveland Ohio in 1905) played various roles on radio's Gunsmoke, but because he was an alcoholic in real life, most directors were reluctant to cast him. He played numerous small parts in Paramount's popular Hopalong Cassidy film series, usually cast as a member of an outlaw's gang and occasionally as a local sheriff. Reynolds starred in the series for three seasons, and after leaving the show, went on to a successful career as an actor in movies. He is best remembered for playing Frankenstein's monster in three Universal films during the 1940s and for his role as Sam Noonan, the popular bartender on CBS 's Gunsmoke television series. It lasted to 1975. 1961 Did Sam really play fiddle on Gunsmoke? Why did Sam the bartender leave Gunsmoke? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The show was a hit, and it lasted for 20 seasons. His obituary was mistakenly published in the New York Times, which caused a stir. Arness created and shaped the character, making him both a quick draw and incorruptible. Strange also played a monster in the Bowery Boys horror-comedy Master Minds in 1949, mimicking the brain-transplanted Huntz Hall's frantic comedy movements, with Hall providing his own dubbed voice. James Arness, the towering actor best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon, the strong and commanding symbol of frontier justice on the landmark TV western series Gunsmoke, died Friday. He was of Irish and Cherokee descent and was a cousin of the Western film star Rex Allen. Gary Cooper was born in Montana on May 7, 1901, and went on to become famous for his performances in movies such as High Noon and The Pride of the Yankees. James Arness, the 6-foot-6 actor who towered over the television landscape for two decades as righteous Dodge City lawman Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, died Friday.James Arness Obituary. What happens at the end of the bells of St Mary? His death prompted many fans to mourn the loss of Noonan, who had portrayed Sam on the show. The show lasted one more season on CBS, then was canceled. After 19 seasons as Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke, the actress decided it was time to leave the show. "Roy Bean, Temple Houston, Bill Longley, Ranald Mackenzie, Buffalo Bill, Jr., and the Texas Rangers: Depictions of West Texans in Series Television, 1955 to 1967", Last edited on 22 December 2022, at 03:21, "Secrets Of TV's The Rifleman: More Than Just Guns And Good Times: Stagecoach Driver (Glenn Strange)", "Glenn Strange, Actor, Dies; Was 'Gunsmoke' Bartender", https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JT41-TQ9, Glenn Strange appears on Abbott and Costello's television program, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Glenn_Strange&oldid=1128811847, This page was last edited on 22 December 2022, at 03:21. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Your email address will not be published. He managed to make it on the radio in El Paso and later joined the Arizona Wranglers singing group. When did Sam become the bartender on Gunsmoke? In 1973, he succumbed to lung cancer. His father William Russell Strange was of Irish ancestry, but his mother Sarah Eliza Strange (ne Byrd) was of British ancestry. why did sam the bartender leave gunsmoke . Amanda Blake entered into millions of homes as Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke for 19 seasons. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". How did Sam on Gunsmoke die? Known for his role as Sam the bartender on Gunsmoke, Glenn Strange passed away nearly 50 years ago. His death sparked debate and controversy, but he is remembered for being an extremely fast draw. Interestingly, his father also served as a bartender while in Cross Cut. Strange dropped out of school at the end of 8th grade and taught himself the guitar and fiddle. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Strange could barely walk straight after the day's shooting. most beautiful catholic churches in los angeles. It was his massive build that helped him break into the Universal horror picture genre of the 1940s. He played the nemesis Butch Cavendish and later reprised the role, after a prison escape, on The Lone Ranger (1949). Glenn would play extra or bit roles for a number of years B Western and serials. In addition to his legendary role on the show, Noonan also played a monstrous role in The Lone Ranger. In 1984, the Cancer Society gave her its annual Courage Award, which was presented in the Oval Office by President Reagan. In 1961, he began the small, but regular, role as Sam Noonan the bartender in Miss Kittys Long Branch Saloon, Dodge City in the TV show, Gunsmoke. Strange took over the role in House of Frankenstein (1944). His marriage to Minnie Thompson lasted 36 years. The shows long-running run and wide popularity led CBS to continue its run on Monday nights. Frankensteins monster in films and Sam Noonan, the big, leathery bartender in the tele vision series Gunsmoke for 11 years, died last night of cancer at a hospital here, He was 74 years old. She left the show following the death of her co-star Sam the bartender in season eight. Among other TV roles, he capped off his career with a steady (12 years) role as Sam the bartender on the classic Gunsmoke (1955) series from 1962 until shortly before his death from lung cancer in 1973. When western movie demand grew scarce in the 1950s, Strange began acting in western television shows. How much did James Caan get paid for The Godfather? It centers on Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, during the settlement of the American West. She lived in Phoenix, making her commute rather unbearably long. He was raised in Texas. Strange died on Sept. 23, 1973, from lung cancer at 74 years old. Cast members read about the cancellation in an Associated Press story. Doc Adams didn't leave Gunsmoke by choice despite the stereotypes that actors leave shows over drama behind the scenes. This is a odd coincidence as his father was a bartender in real-life back in Cross Cut. This was, primarily, due to the fact that she had been living in Phoenix and was commuting to Los Angeles for filming. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. This was, primarily, due to the fact that she had been living in Phoenix and was commuting to Los Angeles for filming. To show his gratitude, he insisted his double got a pay raise every single year they worked together. In 1958, they performed at the Albuquerque Arena during the New Mexico State Fair, breaking a house record. Strange was born in Weed, New Mexico Territory, 13 years prior to New Mexico gaining statehood. 2012-08-30 18:30:46. In the late 1920s, Glenn and his cousin, Taylor McPeters, better known later as the western character actor Cactus Mack, joined a radio singing group known as the "The Arizona Wranglers" that toured throughout the country.They both started providing singing fillers in film westerns in the early 1930s. He is best remembered for playing Frankenstein's monster in three Universal films during the 1940s and for his role as Sam Noonan, the bartender on CBS's Gunsmoke television series. The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! In 1954, Strange played Sheriff Billy Rowland in Jim Davis's syndicated Western series Stories of the Century. Among other TV roles, he capped off his career with a steady (12 years) role as Sam the bartender on the classic Gunsmoke (1955) series from 1962 until shortly before his death from lung cancer in 1973. Glenn Strange was born in Weed, New Mexico, on August 16, 1899. [4] Frankenstein's monster [ edit] Strange (left) and Boris Karloff in the 1944 horror film, House of Frankenstein The Long Branch barkeep was also known as Frankensteins monster in a few Hollywood movies, the Dodge City Daily Globe reports. He first appeared on Gunsmoke in 1959 and assumed several roles on the long-running program before he was permanently cast as stolid bartender Sam Noonan, a role he played from 1961 until 1974. How many different bartenders did they have on Gunsmoke? Although she was only 26 at the time, Blake had been part of a singing group that toured fairs and rodeos. Despite the death of his co-star, the show remained in Dodge City after 1975. Add an answer. In his last few years, Sam Noonan passed away in Los Angeles, but he is best remembered for his role as Sam in Gunsmoke. In 1944, while Strange was being made up for an action film at Universal, make-up artist Jack Pierce noticed that Strange's facial features and 6'5" height would be appropriate for the role of Frankenstein's monster. He had heart surgery in 1970, and was forced to leave the show for a short time. LOS ANGELES. The actor was born in Weed, New Mexico Territory, which became part of the state in 1876. That proved successful enough that "Gunsmoke" was revived as a series of TV-movies: "The Last Apache" in 1990, "To the Last Man" in 1992, "The Long Ride" in 1993 and "One Man's Justice" in 1994.. Strange is interred at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills Cemetery. Played Sam in "Gunsmoke" in 1955. Stranges early film roles included The Adventures Of Kit Carson and The Cisco Kid. In 1961, he began the small, but regular, role as Sam Noonan the bartender in Miss Kittys Long Branch Saloon, Dodge City in the TV show, Gunsmoke. His most memorable roles were those of a drunk bartender and Sam Noonan in the popular western series. Did Sam really play fiddle on Gunsmoke? Why are Will Ferrell and Adam McKay not friends anymore? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Is The Woman in the Window the same as the woman in the house? He portrayed Sam Noonan, a mainstay bartender on "Gunsmoke." He was beloved by many on the show. Got that? In 1961, he was permanently cast as the stolid bartender Sam Noonan. He appeared on the hit western for three seasons. Limited Time Offer: Order now and get an additional Rs.100 OFF on your First Order! George Glenn Strange (August 16, 1899 - September 20, 1973) was an American actor who mostly appeared in Western films. After weeks of the station teasing the public about the sitter's identity, Strange removed his mask and revealed himself as Frankenstein's monster (actually, yet another mask.) Nevertheless, she is best known for her role as Kitty Russell. Actor Buck Taylor, best known as the gunsmith turned deputy Newly OBrien on Gunsmoke, is 81 years old at the moment and looks as handsome as ever! Strange recounted a personal anecdote in Ted Newsom's documentary, 100 Years of Horror (1996). She appeared in 425 episodes before wrapping up the show. At 20 seasons, the TV version was/is the longest-running live-action prime time American dramatic series (Law & Order tied this record in 2010 . He was beloved by many on the show. He played the nemesis "Butch Cavendish" and later reprised the role, after a prison escape, on "The Lone Ranger" (1949). She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. By the time he was 12, he was performing at cowboy dances. Played Dodge City Bartender in "Gunsmoke" in 1955. Blakes death certificate listed the immediate cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and CMV hepatitis. She was ready to give CBS President William Paley. Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. . He played Pa Cathart in the Gunsmoke episode Marry Me. While his role in Gunsmoke was likely his most memorable, Strange had a successful career acting in other. In 1943, he played a badman in the Hopalong Cassidy movie False Colors. Horror star Boris Karloff had grown weary and fearful of his Frankenstein Creature typecast and abandoned the role. However, it seems Arness harnessed some of that persona in real life, especially with how much he looked out for his stuntman. He was married to Virginia Chapman for 10 years. Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. Bates isnt the only one singing the Gunsmoke actors praises. He also played Fred Ziffel on Green Acres. Gunsmoke even had Strange act as a fiddle player in one episode. James Arnesss death was a tragedy for both the actor and the audience. Blake's character was Miss Kathleen "Kitty" Russell, the proprietor of a saloon in Dodge City, the setting for "Gunsmoke."