Gunsmoke (1955) was known for having one of the most talented and tight-knit casts in the business. Their long 20-season run could only be made possible by a positive workplace, minimal drama and cohesive chemistry.
However, according to a 1963 interview with The Toronto Star, Amanda Blake revealed that the cast’s close camaraderie didn’t start strong.
In the world of Hollywood, friendship among co-stars is a natural part of show business, but they can also be a tenuous thing. One stolen scene or part, upstaging, or a snubbed award can make two old buddies turn into the worst of enemies.
In fact, Blake, who was known for her role as Kitty Russell, said she initally disliked her co-star Milburn Stone for exactly that reason.
“At first, I hated Milburn,” Blake said. “He got third billing on the show, and I wanted it.”
Dennis Weaver, who left Gunsmoke after nine seasons, held the second spot. This left Blake in fourth place, which isn’t a prime place to be for any actor. Once Weaver left the series, Blake moved up to third billing, with Stone advancing to second.
“I had no idea she resented me at the time,” Stone said. “All I knew was that she laughed at my jokes and that was good enough for me.”
The two actors may have had their initial disagreements, but they did agree on one thing: their love for leading star James Arness. They considered him to be one of the best actors in the world, even beating out big move stars like John Wayne and Robert Redford.
“He’s the guy that makes the show a hit year after year,” Stone said.
“Amen,” Blake added. “He goes through the script and changes the lines to give us more to do. How many stars do you find doing that?”
According to the interview, Stone said the Gunsmoke scripts were more like a guide map rather than a strict blueprint. After 20 years on-air, the cast had created close bonds and knew the characters so well they would invent their own storylines, dialogue and roles along the way.
Over time, Blake and Stone had a beautiful friendship that only grew stronger as the series progressed. Soon, after 20 seasons, a lot of money, and endless fame, the order of the billing didn’t matter to Blake anymore.
Oh, and they had one more thing in common: their love for the series.
“I’ve been an actor all my life, and a show like Gunsmoke comes along only once,” Stone said.
“I feel the same way,” Blake added. “We’re almost like family now. We have parties on the set with the crew members whenever there’s a special occasion. As far as I know, there is nothing like it in show business.”