James Arness – Marshall Dillion Of Gunsmoke Passes Away

He was the epitome of an American hero in his role as Marshall Dillon on the old TV show "Gunsmoke." He was the man who kept the peace in what sometimes was a lawless Dodge City in the late 1800's. Actor James Arness passed away Friday at the age of 88.

Surrounded by an excellent cast including Amherst-native Amanda Blake who played saloon owner Miss Kitty, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams and Dennis Weaver as his deputy Chester, Arness was the star of the show. He was recommended for the role by John Wayne.

Arness was 6-foot-7 and because he towered over other actors of his day, many didn't want to do movies with him, so Wayne recommended he try TV. And boy what a great move that was. "Gunsmoke" stayed on the air for 20 years making it one of the longest-running shows in TV history.

Over the years "Gunsmoke" featured dozens of actors who went on to become big stars.  Here's an early episode with Charles Bronson.