I will be dying and wearing it again . The sassy owner of Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City was played by actress Amanda Blake, a woman who would forever make her mark not only in. Reports later claimed that her cause of death was AIDS, though that wasn't listed on her death certificate. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. In 1989, Amanda Blake passed away at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California. The surprising bit is that she never got any children despite being in those many relationships. How did they write Miss Kitty out of Gunsmoke? As the seasons went on, and the show became more popular, the actor renegotiated his contract. The reason I got away from Gunsmoke was that I wanted to leave the second banana role, Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper. Blake starred on "Gunsmoke" as saloon owner Miss Kitty for 19 years. Did Amanda Blake and James Arness have a child together? The fact he got into the army suggests the limp came afterwards. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? Gunsmoke, starring James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, ended its 20-season run on CBS in 1975. According to KXRB, Amanda had surgery in 1977 for what they reported was oral cancer, and she was sick for some time. Although James Arness was hesitant about taking on the Gunsmoke role, luckily he had John Wayne to help talk him into it. During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. She became a supporter of the American Cancer Society and made fundraising appearances throughout the country. What ever happened to Chester on Gunsmoke? The hair is easy to manage. She used falls and hair pieces to make herselflook more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? She also starred in the female adaptation of Robinson Crusoe, Miss Robin Crusoe. I cant live up to what people believe or think I am, Arness once said. Despite very small differences in opinion, the cast had remained friendly during the shows run. [citation needed] Blake married Frank Gilbert in 1967 and divorced him in 1982. more Burt Reynolds Gunsmoke, Evening Shade Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. LIKE thats it thats all ! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. As Chester sets himself to find Bentlys real killer, the man who was Bentlys best friend hires a man to kill Chester. How much did James Arness make per episode of Gunsmoke? Dennis Weaver left the series in the middle of the ninth season, having appeared in 290 episodes. 3 How much did James Arness make per episode of Gunsmoke? She was ready to give CBS President William Paley. The supporting characters included Miss Kitty Russell (Amanda Blake), owner of the Long Branch Saloon, which doubled as a bordello; Doc Adams (Milburn Stone), the towns adept physician; and Deputy Marshal Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver), Dillons loyal sidekick. The actress said she was tired and quit to protect the cast and crew she loved so much. Gunsmoke Cast List Amanda Blake Gunsmoke, The Edge of Night Amanda Blake (February 20, 1929 August 16, 1989) was an American actress best known for the role of the red-haired saloon Andrew Prine V, V Andrew Lewis Prine (born February 14, 1936) is an American film, stage, and television actor. Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals. The limp is never explained; Chester does, however, mention serving in the army, so I always figured it was probably a war wound. 2 What season of Gunsmoke did Chester leave? Distractify is a registered trademark. Because of her continuing role on television, Blake rarely had time for films. Additionally, she was also an animal welfare activist. In many ways, James Arness was Marshal Matt Dillon. [1] After the divorce from Whitman, she would go to the 'saloon set' of Gunsmoke. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. During the battle of Anzio, Arness right leg was peppered with machine gun bullets, and when the bones were set they didnt mend properly, leaving him with a slight but permanent limp. When auditioning for the part of Kitty, Amanda's hair was extremely short. Blake, who portrayed the saloon owner in CBSs popular western TV series, left one season before the show ended. Fans loved watching her relationship with, Outside of her acting career, Blake was incredibly passionate about animals. 2 Who were the five deputies on Gunsmoke? He appeared in 36 episodes of Gunsmoke from 1965 to 1967. As a supporter of the American Cancer Society, President Ronald Reagan presented her with their annual Courage Award in 1984. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Rather, as historian W.J. Blake, who portrayed the saloon owner in CBS's popular western TV series, left one season before the show ended. An article published in People in 1989 reported, "There was no recurrence of cancer, her physician, Dr. Lou Nishimura, said at the time. Amanda Blake children and at the same time continuation of her talent and implementation of her beauty were not destined to see the world. She passed away on August 16, 1989, at Mercy General Hospital at age 60. Years after her death, the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge was opened in Herald, California, as a refuge for African wildlife rescued from auctions and hunting ranches. Buy it sis you won't regret it, Beautiful Hair ,I am very satisfied, great customer service and fast shipping, I will definitely order more. (Arness would later say that Matts only onscreen kiss was in that episode, Matts Love Story, but Kitty did in fact kiss him once.). She appeared in 425 episodes before wrapping up the show. What season of Gunsmoke did Chester leave? Blake was a heavy cigarette smoker and had surgery for oral cancer in 1977. She became very famous thanks to TV series Gunsmoke where she played Kitty Russell. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Later, after a Gunsmoke reunion film, she made two feature-film appearances: in The Boost, a drug-addiction drama starring James Woods and Sean Young, and B.O.R.N, both in 1988. 5 What was the last episode of TV Chester? Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role as Chester Goode on Gunsmoke after nine seasons. "The Killer" aired as episode 28. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. U.S. President Ronald Reagan is flanked by actress Amanda Blake and Garland Murphy of the American Cancer Institute, during a White House ceremony on Thursday, March 30, 1984 in Washington. This was, primarily, due to the fact that she had been living in . The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! Along with her fourth husband, Frank Gilbert, she ran one of the first successful programs for breeding cheetahs in captivity. Gunsmoke: Why Did Amanda Blake Leave the Show After 19 Seasons? But CBS was moving away from westerns and rural comedies by the mid-1970s. Gunsmoke Star Amanda Blake Said James Arness Was Protective Over Matt Dillons Image. She lived in Phoenix, making her commute rather unbearably long. The shipment was fast and everywhere I go someone compliments my hair!! "Technically she died of liver failure brought on by viral hepatitis, which was AIDS-related., The official cause of Amanda Blake's death, as reported by KXRB, was "cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and CMV hepatitis, which is AIDS-related. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Showing Editorial results for amanda blake. Miss Kitty will forever be one of the strongest female characters in western TV. Arness passed away in 2011. It does not store any personal data. GO SHOP !! Gunsmoke: Michael Landons Best Friend Victor French Held Record for Most Guest Appearances on the Show. The Gunsmoke actors actually drank beer, but the whiskey was tea or colored water. Her name was changed to Amanda Blake, which does have more of a ring to it than Beverly Neill. I love this hair . Actor Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. On August 16, 1989, Blake died of liver failure brought on by viral hepatitis at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California. His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. The reason I got away from Gunsmoke was that I wanted to leave the second banana role, Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series. He wrote, James Arness: An Autobiography in 2001 when he was 78. Amanda Blake was not the first choice for Miss Kitty Russell The role was initially offered to Polly Bond. An only child, Beverly Louise stayed in New York until she was a teenager but decided to move out West to California. Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role as Chester Goode on Gunsmoke after nine seasons. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series. Arness initially made $ 1,200 per episode, but after the series won Emmys and climbed the charts, he again traded $ 20,000 per episode and said flatout, no pressure! Even though she left the show a season earlier, Amanda Blake wasnt taking the news lightly. All Rights Reserved. Weaver sometimes forgot to limp, and he sometimes limped on the wrong leg. ninth season This stuff was raw and made right in the camp or town. How Do You Get Rid Of Hiccups In 5 Seconds. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. They married in April 1984, and divorced a short time later. This was, primarily, due to the fact that she had been living in Phoenix and was commuting to Los Angeles for filming. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. James Arness Protective Over 'Gunsmoke' Role One of his co-stars even spoke about this protective nature. In many ways, Arness had a love-hate relationship with his characters. They married in April 1984, and divorced a short time later. Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty on the show, said it became a natural part of Arnesss life to defend Matt Dillon. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? The Killer aired as episode 28. What was the last episode that Kitty played in Gunsmoke? Id done the show for nine years, and I just felt that if I didnt get away from the guy. Miss Kitty was a fan-favorite on Gunsmoke, as the owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. Ordered on the 10th and received it on the 14st. 25 cents to 50 cents for unaged basic whiskey from corn or rye, often made nearby or in the saloon itself like the beer often was. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Whats The Difference Between Dutch And French Braids? 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. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Ellen Morrison Stone ( m. 1925; died 1937) Jane Garrison Stone ( m. 1939 div. Dennis Weaver If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Did Miss Kitty and Matt ever get together? However, in 1971, he was forced to temporarily leave the show for just a handful of episodes because he had to undergo heart surgery after suffering a heart attack. She somewhat retired after the show ended and lived in Phoenix, Arizona, where she bred cheetahs. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. They decided that she was going to be the next Greer Garson, one of the biggest draws to the box office in Hollywood during the '40s. Dennis Weaver, who played Marshal Dillons trusty sidekick, Chester, from the very beginning, left the show after season nine to free up time for other projects. I love definitely will be order me another. Blake was actually born Beverly Louise Neill in 1929 in Buffalo, New York. Chester, in his last appearance on the show, suspects that Ned was lying in hopes of somehow thereby making life better for his widow. Why so surprising? Did Kitty on Gunsmoke wear a wig? Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? How Was The Government Overthrown In The Russian Revolution? You wont be disappointed. Reports later claimed that her, 'Gunsmoke' Co-Star Ken Curtis Also Found Success in Western Films, Country Music. Rorabaugh wrote in his research on American alcohol consumption for The OAH Magazine of History: By 1700, the colonists drank fermented peach juice, hard apple cider, and rum, which they imported from the West Indies or distilled from West Indian molasses. The hair is incredibly beautiful, soft and very silky the wig is very beautiful, I am very happy with my purchase. Most often asked questions related to bitcoin. [14], Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, "7 things you never knew about the great Amanda Blake of Gunsmoke", "Amanda Blake's Lion Upsets 'Gunsmoke' Set", "AMANDA BLAKE, 60, WHO PLAYED MISS KITTY ON LONG-RUNNING 'GUNSMOKE' SERIES, DIES", The Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge, "Friendsand Her Doctorsay AIDS, Not Cancer, Killed Gunsmoke's Amanda Blake", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amanda_Blake&oldid=1133470227, Game show: one week/5 episodes with husband Frank, Episode: "Nouveau Gypsies", (final appearance), This page was last edited on 13 January 2023, at 23:48. Dennis Weaver, the lanky actor with the gentle drawl who came to fame in the 1950s playing Marshal Matt Dillons limping deputy, Chester, on Gunsmoke and later starred as a contemporary western deputy marshal who battled crime in the Big Apple on McCloud, has died. Marshall Trimble is Arizonas official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association. He had been on the show since the beginning. How long was Doc Adams gone from Gunsmoke? Im in love, absolutely. True Micheal Learned, the mom in The Waltons, is Amanda Blake's sister. There were 635 episodes and many of the outdoor scenes for this show were shot in Johnson Canyon near Kanab, Utah. In 1984, she was the recipient of the society's annual Courage Award, which was presented to her by then U.S. President Ronald Reagan. She was also a board member of the Humane Society of the United States. Amanda Blake, played the role of Kitty Russell, and was the owner of the Long Branch Saloon, on the longest running Western Series ~ " Gunsmoke". Back in 1961, the actor took home a massive payday in exchange for selling her residual rights to the show. She was able to get a job as a telephone operator, which actually got her into acting. False . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. doesn't shed or anything unless you brushing when it's dry . It makes sense then that Arness was very protective of his role. She didnt want to live in a goldfish bowl., Milburn Stone Aka "Doc" Didn't Leave 'Gunsmoke' by Choice, The Actor Behind Chester on 'Gunsmoke' Grew Restless Playing the Sidekick. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? Cooter, where I first saw the beauty mark, aired as episode 27. Blake was a heavy cigarette smoker and had surgery for oral cancer in 1977. [8] She married Jason Seymour Day Jr. in 1964 and divorced him in 1967. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi). Gunsmoke Final Share Watch on What was the last episode of Gunsmoke for Chester? Her father was a banker. Read More:'Gunsmoke' Co-Star Ken Curtis Also Found Success in Western Films, Country Music. The hair is really soft and tangle free. 1940; m. 1946). Its no easy image to live up to, after all. By this time, Gunsmoke had won numerous awards, and Arness' new contract reflected that. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yllGhSdhIL8. Miss Kitty was long the fan-favorite on Gunsmoke. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Blakes death certificate listed the immediate cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and CMV hepatitis. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The hair is amazing. FRESNO, Calif., April 30 Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who played the scruffy deputy Festus on the television series Gunsmoke, died in his sleep on Sunday at his home. When did Kitty get her beauty mark on Gunsmoke? Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. set. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. She even had a pet lion, Kemo, that she brought to the Gunsmoke set. [11], Blake joined with others in 1971 to form the Arizona Animal Welfare League, today the oldest and largest "no-kill" animal shelter in the state. One of Chesters most noticeable features is his stiff right leg the cause of which is never explicitly stated, though its implied that he was injured during the Civil War. The sassy owner of Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City was played by actress Amanda Blake, a woman who would forever make her mark not only in the western genre of television but also in society through her passionate work as an animal rights activist. On June 3, 2011, he died of natural causes. All rights reserved. Fun fact, she's a distant relative of Kate Barry, a heroine of the Revolutionary War who helped the Americans beat the British at the Battle of Cowpens. In 1957, Blake guest-starred as Betty Lavon-Coate in the episode titled "Coate of Many Colors" on Rod Cameron's crime drama, State Trooper. Doc Adams didnt leave Gunsmoke by choice despite the stereotypes that actors leave shows over drama behind the scenes. Blake reigned as Miss Kitty, queen of Dodge City's Long Branch Saloon, for 19 years in the TV series Gunsmoke. Set in the lawless cattle town of Dodge City, Kan., in the late 1800s, Gunsmoke was one of television's original adult westerns in the mid-1950s. Their rooms were normally placed at the rear of the building. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? According to the Chicago Tribune, Amanda had simply grown tired of having to travel to Hollywood. He had been on the show since the beginning. He played his influential, gunslinging, law-enforcing character for a total of 20 seasons. Death In 1977, this actress had surgery for oral cancer. 2023 KissLove Hair He then decided to call it quits for his acting career and pursued his other passion in the field of photography. I received lots of compliments. Arness even said that John Wayne had a lot to do with him accepting and sticking with that TV role instead of pursuing film. In 1954, she appeared in A Star Is Born. She continued to wear a wig throughout the series until the final season when Kitty gets a new hairdo after accidentally setting her hair on fire. Fans loved watching the relationship unfold between Marshal Matt Dillon. It was one of her last roles on screen. In 1985, she helped finance the start-up of the Performing Animal Welfare Society and devoted a great deal of time and money[clarification needed] in support of its efforts, including travels to Africa. How do you win an academic integrity case? Amanda Blake entered into millions of homes as Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke for 19 seasons. The refuge provides sanctuary for free-ranging African hoofed wildlife, most of which were originally destined for exotic animal auctions or hunting ranches.[12]. She warned local patriots of Banastre Tarleton's approach, giving them time to group and prepare for the Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781), a major American victory that helped pave the way for the British defeat at Yorktown. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in The Los Angeles Times. No, Milburn, unfortunately, passed away 40 years ago. 5 How much did James Arness make per episode of Gunsmoke? In the late 1940s, Blake was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as the studio saw her as its next Greer Garson. Blake was married and divorced four times. Your email address will not be published. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. However, it remains one of televisions most beloved shows, seen in syndication around the world. Her name was changed to Amanda Blake, which. During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. 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. They were some of the first to breed cheetahs successfully in captivity; they raised seven generations of cheetahs. She somewhat retired after the show ended and lived in Phoenix, Arizona, where she bred cheetahs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. Buck Taylor, another of Stranges costars on Gunsmoke, named his son Cooper Glenn Taylor in honor of Strange. Copyright 2023 Distractify. She was ready to give CBS President William Paley a piece of her mind. What was the average price for a shot of whiskey in an American Old West saloon? Marshall Trimble is Arizonas official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. She later traveled to Africa. Eventually, Arness gave in and accepted the role. Yes sir, Miss Kitty Russell, played by actress Amanda Blake on the long-running CBS western, actually fronted a house of prostitution, according to IMDB. Why did Chester have a bad leg on Gunsmoke? What was Chester Goode last episode on Gunsmoke? All I use is water and little curl cream and the curls pop and look wet all day long. Despite getting the bypass surgery in 1971 (the time when he had to exit Gunsmoke for a bit), nine years later in 1980, he died of a heart attack at age 75. Amanda Blakes last episode on Gunsmoke was The Disciple, which originally aired on April 1, 1974. Catherine Moore Kate" Barry (17521823), one of Amanda's ancestors, was a heroine of the American Revolutionary War. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? Blake was a telephone operator and briefly attended Pomona College before she took up acting.[2][3]. She did appear on a number of television shows, including a recurring comedy routine on The Red Skelton Show; as a celebrity on Hollywood Squares, Tattletales, and the 1970s revival of Match Game; and comedy appearances on the Dean Martin Celebrity Roast. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ", According to People, her declining health was a secret to most. 4 Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? [5], Blake became best known for her 19-year stint as the saloon-keeper Miss Kitty on the television series Gunsmoke from 1955 to 1974. She was an animal breeder and is one of the first to successfully breed cheetahs in captivity. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? Amanda started with the show, airing on its first episode which ran in 1955. These women were rarely called prostitutes and went under the names of saloon girls, dancers, scarlet ladies, soiled doves and girls of the night. 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. (TV Guide called him a hermit on horseback. What happened to Chester on Gunsmoke? When Gunsmoke was canceled suddenly, James Arness brought back as many faces as possible to film the project How the West Was Won.. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Production paid Blake a lump sum of $100,000for the rights. 1 Did Amanda Blake and James Arness have a child together? He ended up regretting this decision because it cant be that easy limping week after week. To be honest I was very skeptical at first, but I will definitely be ordering again. One thing he didn't do was carry a gun. That protectiveness also extended to his cast members. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. At that point, it was hard to see him as anything other than his Gunsmoke character. He played Frankenstein in House of Frankenstein in 1944, House of Dracula in 1945, and, just for laughs, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein in 1948. The writers of Gunsmoke made the unique decision to have the character leaving the show and the new one taking his place appear together. Amanda Blake, the actress who played Miss Kitty on the long-running t Blake subsequently quit the popular television show, which was then in its 19th season. James was one of the most experienced actors in Hollywood. You have to work fast, and you have to pick up your pace, and youll learn a whole lot about acting in front of a camera and doing stunt work, Wayne said regarding the role. It should be noted that Boris Karloff, who played the original Frankenstein, coached Strange on playing the role in his off-hours. Her close friends have insisted that she was not a drug user or sexually promiscuous, and that she may have acquired the disease from a former husband. The Latest Innovations That Are Driving The Vehicle Industry Forward. The hair is extremely soft and the curls are gorgeous! Blake came back to play Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, the TV movie that brought everyone back to Dodge City, Kansas, one last time. Hair is very full, I got a 180% density. "After about the first five years, Jim got very protective about Matt Dillon's image. At first, Arness didnt accept the interview at all. Whatever show you saw at the end of its 20th season was it, friend. She ended her role in "Gunsmoke" in the 1970s and pursued her passion for animal welfare. Where is Dodge City from Gunsmoke? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more Kitty-like, and continued to wear them in the series. This hair is really is good! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. This is the best hair I ever ordered online! Author David R. Greenland, in his book The Gunsmoke Chronicles: A New History of Televisions Greatest Western, writes about her reaction to the cancellation. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. What was the last episode of Gunsmoke for Chester? Despite very small differences in opinion, the cast had remained friendly during the show's run. When the network called for Gunsmoke to shut down business in Dodge City, it was surprising news to its stars and fans alike. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series.