James Arness on the cancellation of "Gunsmoke" - EMMYTVLEGENDS.ORG

See the full James Arness Archive of American Television interview at emmytvlegends.o...

[@niceguyinpenn]

It is amazing how callous network executives are in dealing with actors. Mr. Arness had made millions for CBS with Gunsmoke and then not even to be told in person.

[@kenrickbautista6141]

Just like his character, he seems like a really nice guy. Sad to learn that he passed away. RIP James Arness (1923-2011)

[@MGBguy72]

Matt Dillon is without doubt one of my favorite television characters. James Arness,and the entire cast (and guest cast) of Gunsmoke and the writers of the series will forever be remembered. This was television at its finest!!!

[@9traktor]

A great man from a time when right was right and wrong was wrong...

[@lobo81865]

R.I.P. Mr. Arness. You were a class act. Loved you on "How the West Was Won" too.

[@Mr5083]

What a great show , still watch it on cable channel

[@jamillagreen7999]

I love James Arness, and I love Gunsmoke.

[@bobke114]

RIP Mr Arness. I have a lot of cherished memories of my Grandmother and I watching Gunsmoke after the late news back in the late 1960's.

[@godfatherjbh]

Most successful show ever created. Matt Dillon will live on forever. James Arness is one of the last of a dying breed. Pernell Roberts (last of the original Bonanza actors) is gone. How sad are our times when stupid reality shows replace these immortal and spectacular westerns. TV has definitely gone to hell.

[@kuraumaki2813]

A TRUE LEGEND AND BEAUTIFUL MAN...

[@MrImiller07]

I agree with the previous comments regarding the inexplicable failure of CBS executives to contact Arness and his Producer John Mantley to advise of the cancellation of one of the landmark dramatic series of all time. Not only did it run for 20 years, it left an indellible impression on the public. Arness had some poetic justice in that he made a series of successful Gunsmoke made for TV movies during the 80's and 90's that served as a coda for the character and the series.

[@IKillGoliath]

A mans Man . My Hero and i'm 58 years old.I,m still enjoying Gunsmoke now thnx for the upload Showed kids what a true man is like.Quiet, strong, Never wasted words ,Also a good friend who had a lot of respect from his friends. And man fast on the draw. But i always thought he got out drawn at the beginning. Even though the other guy died lol. what do you think?

[@vincentfisher1603]

As a little boy I would run outside with my toy gun and pretend that I was Matt Dillon. 50 years later I still think that any good lawman should have some of Matt Dillon in him/her. Tough but fair and always looking for justice.

[@janicegrizzle4803]

Love , Gunsmoke James Arness was one of my favorite .. I watch him everyday all the cast members were great he will be missed.

[@strattuner]

on screen or off,all man,went to war like my dad,same generation,tougher than pine knots these old timers,RIP JAMES,NAMED MY BOY AFTER HIM

[@rickcharles5064]

Wish they'd bring back a western.

[@mr22vzt90]

What happened to Cowboy movies? These were a staple in our home as children. No cussing and nudity.. morals ruled then. Real acting from real actors meant a lot then. Now Hollywood can't sale jack without naked bodies all over the screen. Black and White movies are dead. Stars like James Arness,.Chuck Conners, Clint Eastwood are no where to be seen. Everthing is about money not quality any more.

[@ladycharsw]

Our family loved Gunsmoke and all the actors. I wanted to meet them. Char a young senior cowgirl Fresno, Cal

[@lyncmjclmn]

I really wish I had gotten the chance to meet him! I love him as Matt Dillon!

[@bear022013]

a great,great man..an AMERICAN.

[@915buck]

looks so much like my father and the fact that we would watch Gunsmoke.....God love ya, James Arness!!!

[@altfactor]

I was always under the impression that the producers of "Gunsmoke" pulled the plug in the Spring of 19756 because everyone agreed the show had run it's course and that 20 seasons was a nice round number.

[@GildyGury]

James arness gunsmoke 2o years is good enough to get retirement paychek! They should have made15 more. Thanx gunsmoke for givin me, my grandma ms. Wanda Nida countless hours of good entertainment with festus. Rifleman2, bonanza with adam!

[@gtc1961]

@niceguyinpenn I wouldn't expect anything less from Hollywood.

[@bear022013]

I do not care for the rude interview man.......Watch entire interview and see how he mistreated James Arness..

[@scootergreen3]

Yes, exactly. Makes you wonder why.

RIP

[@anama90]

Good old Jamess...

[@Thomas05091942]

Just like any other American business. In this case besides taking proper care of executives, they have to please sponsors. The people who do the actual work (in front of and behind the scenes) have no true value and can be replaced.

[@starey1]

back then, shows didn't really have finales. They started a year or two after GUNSMOKE was canceled.

[@hisfilly]

How crass...

[@brwe1]

@RichardElden Should we just consider the source?

[@borntobewilder9]

@biltom , Agreed!

[@starr522]

@niceguyinpenn can t add anything to your comment

[@Brdj010]

@dek1937 Take that nonsense somewhere else.