Amanda Blake’s portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell on Gunsmoke is one of the most enduring performances in television history. She played the role for 19 years (1955–1974), becoming the definitive “saloon keeper with a heart of gold.”
In the early seasons, Kitty’s profession was more overtly implied to be a “madam,” consistent with the gritty realism of the radio show. However, as the TV series progressed and moved toward a more family-friendly tone, her role shifted into the more “respectable” owner and operator of the Long Branch Saloon. Unlike many female characters of the era, Kitty was a self-sufficient businesswoman. She was often seen managing ledgers and staff, holding her own in a male-dominated frontier.
The central tension of the show was her unspoken, long-term relationship with Marshal Matt Dillon. While they never married or even explicitly shared a screen kiss, their deep mutual respect and affection were the emotional anchor of the series.
Blake brought a specific blend of toughness and vulnerability to the role that prevented Kitty from becoming a caricature. Her signature look, vibrant red hair and elaborate Victorian dresses, made her a visual icon of the Old West. Much like James Arness, Blake played Kitty with a “poker face” that made her rare moments of emotion more powerful. She was known for her sharp tongue and ability to trade barbs with Doc Adams or keep rowdy cowboys in check.
After 19 seasons, Amanda Blake decided to leave Gunsmoke in 1974, just one year before the show was ultimately canceled. The grueling schedule and the commute from her home in Phoenix to Hollywood had become taxing. Her departure was written into the show by having Kitty simply “leave town,” a move that many fans felt left a void in the final season.
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