“Gunsmoke” actor James Arness Dead [VIDEO]

“Gunsmoke” actor James Arness Dead [VIDEO]

TV LAND

Actor James Arness, best known as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke passed away at home in his sleep at the age of 88.Saturday morning for me had a few cartoons but mostly it was westerns.  My mom ruled the TV and Saturday mornings were filled with Rawhide, Big Valley, Rifleman, Bonanza, Gunsmoke and many others.  So Marshal Matt Dillon, Miss Kitty and Festus were a part of my growing up. The following was found on Arness' website and was posted posthumously upon orders from the actor.  You can still find re-runs of Gunsmoke on TV LAND.

"I had a wonderful life and was blessed with some many loving people and great friends," he said.

"I wanted to take this time to thank all of you for the many years of being a fan of Gunsmoke, The Thing, How the West Was Won and all the other fun projects I was lucky enough to have been allowed to be a part of. I had the privilege of working with so many great actors over the years."

Gunsmoke was the longest running drama on network TV, until Law & Order tied that record in 2010.  James was the brother of actor Peter Graves (stage name) who is best know for his role on Mission Impossible.  He was friends with John Wayne who turned down the role of Marshal Dillon and James stepped in and filled the boots.  I can't see anyone else playing that role, it was his, he made it his own and I find it sad we are losing so many great actors.
Filed Under: Gunsmoke, Gunsmoke actor dies, James Arness, James Arness dies, Marshal Matt Dillon
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