“Gunsmoke” star James Arness had naturally blonde hair. But he did something about it so he would look more masculine. What did he do? Well, Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon, dyed his hair to have a more darker look to it.
What color was Matt Dillon’s eyes?
What a great smile…&, those gorgeous blue eyes… Old western actors, Marshall matt dillon, James arness.
How much did James Arness make per episode on Gunsmoke?
During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. As the seasons went on, and the show became more popular, the actor renegotiated his contract. By this time, Gunsmoke had won numerous awards, and Arness’ new contract reflected that.
Did Peter Graves and James Arness get along?
Although they were both very active in movies and television at the same time, they never acted together. But Graves did direct a 1955 episode of Gunsmoke, the long-running TV series that starred his big brother in the role of Marshal Matt Dillon.
Why did James Arness walk with a limp on Gunsmoke?
During the battle of Anzio, Arness’ right leg was peppered with machine gun bullets, and when the bones were set they didn’t mend properly, leaving him with a slight but permanent limp. The trauma of the experience mellowed into aimlessness after the war.
Was there a real lawman named Matt Dillon?
The character Marshall Matt Dillon was modeled after the real lawmen such as Wyatt Earp (1848-1929) who tamed Dodge City. … Gunsmoke includes the talented actors of Howard McNear (Doc), Parley Baer (Chester) Georgia Ellis (Kitty) along with Dillon who makes up the cast of four main characters.
How old was James Arness when Gunsmoke ended?
Make your mark in television.” From then on, Arness played little else but Matt Dillon, including in five television movies between 1987 and 1994, ending with Gunsmoke: One Man’s Justice, in which the 71-year-old was still someone to look up to.
Why did Festus replace Chester on Gunsmoke?
The reason why the three never shared more screen time together is that Chester was leaving “Gunsmoke” for greener pastures. Actor Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. … Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character.
What happened to Doc on Gunsmoke?
No, Milburn, unfortunately, passed away 40 years ago. 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.
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Did they drink real beer on Gunsmoke?
The Gunsmoke actors actually drank beer, but the whiskey was tea or colored water. Marshall Trimble is Arizona’s official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association.
Does James Arness have twin brother?
Peter Graves (born Peter Duesler Aurness, March 18, 1926 – March 14, 2010) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as Jim Phelps in the CBS television series Mission: Impossible from 1967 to 1973 (original) and from 1988 to 1990 (revival). His elder brother was actor James Arness.
What did James Arness pass away from?
Peter Graves (born Peter Duesler Aurness, March 18, 1926 – March 14, 2010) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as Jim Phelps in the CBS television series Mission: Impossible from 1967 to 1973 (original) and from 1988 to 1990 (revival). His elder brother was actor James Arness.
Who did James Arness marry?
Peter Graves (born Peter Duesler Aurness, March 18, 1926 – March 14, 2010) was an American actor. He was best known for his role as Jim Phelps in the CBS television series Mission: Impossible from 1967 to 1973 (original) and from 1988 to 1990 (revival). His elder brother was actor James Arness.
Where was Gunsmoke filmed?
The television series of Gunsmoke ran from 1955 to 1975 and is said to be one of the longest running prime-time shows on television. There were 635 episodes and many of the outdoor scenes for this show were shot in Johnson Canyon near Kanab, Utah. The setting of Gunsmoke is Dodge City, Kansas during the 1870’s.
How much money did James Arness have?
James Arness net worth: James Arness was an American actor who had a net worth of $8 million. James Arness was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in May 1923 and passed away in June 2011. He was best known for starring as Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke from 1955 to 1975.
Who did Jenny Arness play on Gunsmoke?
Jenny Lee Arness, who appears in this episode as “Amy“, is the real-life daughter of James Arness.