Main Cast and Characters
Gunsmoke centered on Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by James Arness. The series also featured Amanda Blake as saloon owner Miss Kitty, and Ken Curtis as ranch hand Festus Haggen.
Supporting Players and Recurring Roles
Milburn Stone played Doc Adams, the town physician, while Buck Taylor appeared as gunsmith Newly O'Brien. Dennis Weaver and Burt Reynolds both appeared early in their careers as deputies.
Legacy and Cast Longevity
The show ran on CBS from 1955 to 1975, making it one of the longest-running prime time dramas in U.S. television history. Its core cast remained largely stable for much of its run, helping define the classic television Western. For more background, see the Gunsmoke overview at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunsmoke
