Who’s Still Alive From ‘Gunsmoke’ & Where Are They Now?
For two decades, Gunsmoke brought law and order to the American frontier through the eyes of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and the citizens of Dodge City. It was one of the longest-running primetime dramas in television history, filled with action and tales of morality.
While many of the stars have passed away since it went off the air in 1975, a few key cast members and guest performers are still with us. In honor of one of the most popular Westerns of all time, let’s reminisce and see what some of the stars are up to now, and pay tribute to those we have since lost:
Buck Taylor (87)
Newly O’Brien
Gene Trindl/TV Guide/Everett Collection; Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images for Paramount
Taylor made his Gunsmoke debut in season 13 as Newly O’Brien, a gunsmith and aspiring doctor who soon became one of the show’s most dependable and well-liked characters. He later reprised the role in the 1987 TV movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, where Newly had become the town’s new marshal.
He continued acting in countless Westerns and popular shows afterwards, including Tombstone, The Mist, Cowboys & Aliens and most recently, Yellowstone, where he played ranch hand Emmett Walsh.
In addition to acting, Taylor is also a celebrated Western artist whose work has been featured in galleries and rodeo events. He remains active in the entertainment world and frequently appears at Western conventions and fan gatherings.
Roger Ewing (83)
Thad Greenwood
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Ewing appeared in several roles on Gunsmoke, but fans remember him best as Deputy Thad Greenwood. He joined the cast in season 11 as a young lawman who came to Dodge City on a personal mission and ended up staying to work alongside Matt Dillon. You may also recognize him from an episode of Bewitched.
He stepped away from acting entirely, with his final screen credit in Play It As It Lays in 1972. After leaving Hollywood in the early 1970s, Ewing chose a different creative path and pursued a career in photography. Now in his 80s, Ewing lives a peaceful life away from the public eye, but his role on Gunsmoke continues to be fondly remembered by longtime fans of the series.
Kim Darby (77)
Carrie Neely / Angel
Everett Collection; Angela Weiss/Getty Images
Darby made a few small but memorable appearances on Gunsmoke, first as Carrie Neely in season 12 and later as a character named Angel in a two-part episode during season 13. Just a year later, Darby starred alongside John Wayne in True Grit, playing the headstrong Mattie Ross, a role that remains her most iconic.
Darby’s career extended well into the 1990s and early 2000s with roles in films like Better Off Dead and Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers, along with appearances on shows such as The X-Files and Becker. She eventually began teaching acting and has largely retired from public life.
William Shatner (94)
Fred Bateman
Everett Collection; Victoria Sirakova/Getty Images
Before he became a household name as Captain James T. Kirk, William Shatner made a one-time appearance on Gunsmoke in the episode “Quaker Girl.” He played Fred Bateman, a criminal on the run who ends up hiding in a peaceful Quaker settlement. It was a rare early villainous role for Shatner and showcased his dramatic chops at a time when he was still building his career.
Of course, Shatner’s career would go on to become one of the most recognizable in all of entertainment. In addition to Star Trek, he starred in T.J. Hooker, Boston Legal and numerous films and comedy appearances. He has also become known for his spoken-word albums, books, and even space travel, having joined a Blue Origin flight at age 90.
Other Notable Guest Stars Still Living
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Several famous faces who made early guest appearances on Gunsmoke are also still alive today. Harrison Ford, now 82, appeared in two episodes just before he became an international star as Han Solo in Star Wars. Jodie Foster, who is now 62, showed up in three episodes as a child actress before her Oscar-winning turns in Taxi Driver and The Silence of the Lambs. Kurt Russell, 74, also appeared in two episodes and went on to become a staple of modern Westerns like Tombstone and The Hateful Eight. Sam Elliott, now 80, made a guest appearance and would later costar in 1883, a Yellowstone prequel. Other notable guest stars who are still with us include Ron Howard (71), Nick Nolte (84), Richard Dreyfuss (77) and Jon Voight (86), all of whom had early roles on Gunsmoke before launching significant careers in film and television.
In Memoriam
Everett Collection
James Arness, who played Marshal Matt Dillon, passed away on June 3, 2011 at the age of 88 from natural causes. Arness was the face of the series and one of the most iconic TV lawmen in history.
Milburn Stone, best known as Doc Adams, died on June 12, 1980 at the age of 75. He reportedly suffered a heart attack.
Amanda Blake, who played the saloon keeper Miss Kitty, passed away on August 16, 1989 at the age of 60. Her death was attributed to complications related to AIDS, which she contracted from a previous partner.
Everett Collection
Dennis Weaver, who portrayed the loyal and limping Chester Goode, died on February 24, 2006 at age 81. He had been battling prostate cancer.
Ken Curtis, who brought a rough-edged charm to the role of Festus Haggen, died on April 28, 1991 from a heart attack. He was 74 years old.
Glenn Strange, who played bartender Sam Noonan, died of lung cancer on September 20, 1973 at age 74. He also famously played Frankenstein’s monster in several Universal horror films.
Burt Reynolds, who played blacksmith Quint Asper, left Gunsmoke after three seasons but remained close to the cast. He died on September 6, 2018 at age 82 from a heart attack.
Dabbs Greer, a familiar face in dozens of episodes as store owner Mr. Jonas, passed away on April 28, 2007 at the age of 90 due to kidney failure and heart disease.
Remind 
TV Westerns of the 50's & 60's
September 2021
’50s and ’60s TV Westerns roundup, celebrating the shows and stars of their golden age.
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