20 Fascinating Facts About Gunsmoke You Probably Didn’t Know – #17 is shocking

Gunsmoke stands as one of the most iconic TV westerns in history, captivating audiences for two decades with its gripping tales of the Old West. Running for an astounding 20 years, the show aired 635 episodes, holding the record for the longest-running primetime TV series until 2018 when The Simpsons surpassed it. Here are 20 fascinating facts about Gunsmoke that every fan should know:

1. Dennis Weaver’s Second Chance: Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, was the first actor cast for the show. Unhappy with his initial audition, he convinced the casting director to let him try again—and this time, he nailed it.
2. The Role of Matt Dillon: Raymond Burr and William Conrad were contenders for the role of Matt Dillon, but both were deemed too overweight. Eventually, James Arness, recommended by none other than John Wayne, was cast as the legendary marshal.
3. John Wayne’s Influence: While rumors swirled that John Wayne was offered the role of Matt Dillon, these claims have never been substantiated. However, Wayne’s recommendation of Arness was crucial to the show’s success.
4. The First Miss Kitty: Polly Bond was originally offered the role of Miss Kitty but turned it down. Amanda Blake then stepped in and played the beloved character for 19 years.
5. Radio Roots: Before it became a television sensation, Gunsmoke began as a radio show, with William Conrad voicing Matt Dillon. The radio version ran until 1961, amassing around 400 episodes.
6. A Record-Breaking Run: James Arness holds the distinction of appearing in every single one of the 635 episodes of Gunsmoke, making him a true fixture of the series.
7. Dedication Despite Hardship: Both James Arness and Milburn Stone, who played Doc Adams, appeared in every season of the show. Stone missed only seven episodes due to heart surgery in 1971.
8. A Wounded Hero: James Arness was injured in World War II, leaving him with a limp that sometimes made it difficult for him to stand or walk. The show’s producers accommodated his condition by adjusting the shooting schedule.
9. Dyeing for the Role: Naturally blond, James Arness dyed his hair darker for 20 years to maintain Matt Dillon’s rugged appearance.
10. Saved from Cancellation: Gunsmoke was abruptly canceled in 1967, but public outcry and the intervention of CBS chairman William Paley, a fan of the show, saved it. To make room for Gunsmoke, CBS canceled Gilligan’s Island instead.
11. Making ‘Dodge’ Famous: The show didn’t originate the phrase “Get the hell out of Dodge,” but it certainly popularized it, cementing it in the American lexicon.
12. International Appeal: A comic strip adaptation of Gunsmoke ran in U.K. newspapers from 1957 to 1978, known there as “Gun Law.”
13. Star Trek Crossovers: Four senior officers from the USS Enterprise guest-starred on Gunsmoke. Leonard Nimoy appeared in four episodes, while DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, and William Shatner each made a single appearance.
14. Brady Bunch Cameos: Half of the Brady kids guest-starred on Gunsmoke. Susan Olsen appeared in two episodes, while Christopher Knight and Eve Plumb each featured in one.
15. Doc Adams’ Name: For the first 16 years of the show, Doc Adams didn’t have a first name. When the time came, Milburn Stone, who portrayed the character, chose “Galen” after the famous Roman doctor Claudius “Galen” Galenus.
16. Amanda Blake’s Departure: Amanda Blake left the show in 1974 after the death of her co-star, Glenn Strange, who played Sam the Bartender. Strange passed away from lung cancer in 1973.
17. Matt Dillon’s Deadly Record: Over the course of the show’s 20-year run, Matt Dillon shot a staggering 407 people, making him one of the deadliest characters in TV history.
18. A Tragic End: The final death in Gunsmoke was portrayed by Gary Busey, whose character succumbed to injuries after being kicked in the head by a horse.
19. A Disheartening Cancellation: Many of the Gunsmoke cast members learned of the show’s cancellation through trade publications rather than directly from the network—a common occurrence at the time, as the cast of Lost in Space had similarly found out years earlier.
20. Emmy-Winning Legacy: Throughout its run, Gunsmoke was nominated for 15 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning five, including accolades for Best Dramatic Series and Best Supporting Actor for Milburn Stone and Dennis Weaver.

Gunsmoke remains a beloved part of television history, and these facts only add to its legendary status. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering the show for the first time, there’s no denying the enduring appeal of this classic western.