James Arness: top related news
26.06 / 21:05
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Why Gunsmoke Was Canceled After 20 Years (& Didn't Receive A Finale)
Here's why classic Western series Gunsmoke was canceled after 20 years and didn't receive a finale episode. Before it became a TV show, Gunsmoke started life as a radio program. While John Wayne was once reported to have been in contention for the lead role of Marshal Matt Dillon, this was eventually debunked, as it was unheard of for a movie star to switch to a TV series during this era. Wayne did, however, record an introduction to Gunsmoke's first episode in support of his friend James Arness, who did take the Dillion role.