Profile of the Day: James Arness
Remember watching the show Gunsmoke? On this day in 1955, the popular Western show premiered on television. Taking over the starring role in the TV adaption was actor James Arness, who would portray Marshal Matt Dillon for the next 20 years. Arness got the role on the recommendation of John Wayne, who introduced him in the prologue of the first episode. With Norwegian and German ancestry, the naturally blond actor had to die his hair darker for the role. He has the distinction of playing the role of Dillon in five separate decades.
Considered one of the longest running primetime series of the 20th century, Gunsmoke still holds the record for the highest number of scripted episodes for any U.S. primetime, commercial live-action television series with a total of 635 episodes.
Were you a fan of the show? Explore James Arness’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to the Gunsmoke star!
View James Arness’s Geni Profile