Gunsmoke remains one of the most iconic Western series in television history, running for two decades and featuring countless guest appearances. While many fans remember the legendary performances of James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, some of Hollywood’s biggest names made surprising appearances throughout the show’s 20-year run. From future superstars to established Hollywood legends, Gunsmoke became a stepping stone or memorable role for many. Here are 15 huge Hollywood icons you may have forgotten once appeared in this beloved Western classic.
Introduction
It’s difficult to overstate the influence Gunsmoke and Westerns had on my generation of TV viewers. Back then, NBC, ABC, and CBS dominated the airwaves, and Gunsmoke stood as a giant among them. Everyone I knew tuned in regularly, continuing to watch as the years passed and cast members were replaced.
As the seemingly peaceful, straightforward world of the 1950s gave way to the social and cultural upheaval of the following decade, Gunsmoke remained a steadfast presence. Every week, Marshal Dillon dealt justice to the outlaws of the Old West, while subtly offering lessons on morality and humanity in each episode.
Certainly! Below is an extended version with more in-depth information for each actor’s role and career in relation to Gunsmoke.
Kurt Russell in “A Trail of Bloodshed” & “Blue Heaven”
Kurt Russell, known for his rugged roles in films like The Thing and Escape from New York, had two memorable appearances on Gunsmoke. His first role came in 1964 when he portrayed Jaimie in “Blue Heaven.” At the time, Russell was already familiar with the Western genre, having starred in The Travels of Jaimie McPheeters, a TV series about a young boy journeying across the frontier.
A decade later, Russell returned to Gunsmoke for the episode “A Trail of Bloodshed,” further showcasing his ability to handle dramatic, tension-filled scenes. These performances helped establish his credentials as a serious actor before he became a household name in Hollywood. In 2021, his contributions to the Western genre were recognized when he was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers.
William Shatner in “Fred Bateman”
Before boldly going where no man had gone before as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek, William Shatner guest-starred in Gunsmoke in the 1966 episode titled “Fred Bateman.” Shatner portrayed a runaway killer on the lam, showcasing his skill in portraying intense, conflicted characters.
Although Shatner was still years away from becoming a sci-fi legend, his guest appearance in Gunsmoke revealed his talent for playing complex roles. The same year, he landed his iconic role in Star Trek, which transformed him into an international sensation. Despite his reputation as a space hero, Shatner’s early Western roles helped round out his acting career, allowing him to tackle a wide range of characters across multiple genres.
Chuck Connors in “The Preacher”
Famous for his lead role as Lucas McCain in The Rifleman, Chuck Connors made an unforgettable guest appearance in Gunsmoke as Sam Keeler in the episode “The Preacher.” Connors was no stranger to tough, heroic roles, having built his career playing stern, yet compassionate characters. In Gunsmoke, Connors’ role as Keeler—a man on a mission to prove his strength—provided him with a prime opportunity to show off his physical presence and authoritative demeanor.
This episode aired shortly before The Rifleman debuted, further helping to solidify Connors’ position as a Western TV star. Before his acting career, Connors was an accomplished athlete, having played in both the NBA and Major League Baseball, but his decision to pivot to acting led him to even greater fame.
Lee Majors in “Song for Dying”
Lee Majors, best known for his role as Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man, made an early guest appearance in Gunsmoke in the 1966 episode “Song for Dying.” Majors portrayed Dave Lukens, a man driven by revenge after the death of his wife during childbirth.
The emotional weight of the episode allowed Majors to explore darker, more vengeful motivations, setting him apart from the light-hearted, action-driven roles that later defined his career. Shortly after this guest appearance, Majors landed his breakout role as Heath Barkley in the Western series The Big Valley, proving his ability to lead major television shows. His performance in Gunsmoke is a testament to his range as an actor, providing a glimpse into the deep emotional portrayals he would continue to offer.
David Carradine in “Lavery”
Before becoming widely recognized for his role as Kwai Chang Caine in Kung Fu and later as Bill in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, David Carradine guest-starred in Gunsmoke in the 1969 episode “Lavery.” He played Clint, a conflicted man trying to pull an old friend back into a life of crime.
This appearance allowed Carradine to hone his craft of playing morally complex characters, something he would continue to do throughout his career. The role in Gunsmoke foreshadowed his later work in Kung Fu, where he portrayed a wandering monk with a deep inner conflict between violence and peace. Carradine’s guest appearance showcased his ability to handle nuanced roles, blending toughness with vulnerability.
Beau Bridges in “My Father’s Guitar”
In the 1966 episode “My Father’s Guitar,” Beau Bridges played Jason, a guitarist whose obsession with his father’s guitar leads him into a web of murder and deceit. This early television role provided Bridges with a unique challenge—balancing the intensity of a murder mystery with the emotional baggage his character carries regarding his father’s legacy.
Though he was still relatively unknown at the time, Bridges went on to become an award-winning actor, famous for his work in films like The Fabulous Baker Boys and numerous TV roles that earned him Emmy Awards. His guest role in Gunsmoke highlighted the complexity and depth he would bring to future characters, proving his versatility early on.
Harrison Ford in “The Sodbusters” & “Whelan’s Men”
Before he was known as Indiana Jones or Han Solo, Harrison Ford appeared in two episodes of Gunsmoke: “The Sodbusters” in 1972 and “Whelan’s Men” in 1973. Ford’s roles in both episodes were minor but significant, as they came during a time when he was still establishing himself in Hollywood.
While Ford had not yet reached superstardom, his appearances on Gunsmoke gave him valuable experience in front of the camera. Soon after, Ford would become a global sensation thanks to Star Wars and Indiana Jones, but these early TV roles serve as a reminder that even Hollywood’s biggest stars started with humble beginnings.
Ron Howard in “Charlie Noon”
As a child star on The Andy Griffith Show, Ron Howard was already a familiar face to American audiences by the time he appeared on Gunsmoke in 1973. In the episode “Charlie Noon,” Howard played a boy named Jamie, caught in a perilous adventure. His guest appearance came during his transition from child actor to one of Hollywood’s most celebrated directors.
While many know Howard for his directing accomplishments in Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, his time on Gunsmoke showcased his acting talents and prepared him for a successful career both in front of and behind the camera.
Jodie Foster in “The Roots of Fear,” “P.S. Murry Christmas,” & “The Predators”
Before Jodie Foster became a two-time Academy Award-winning actress, she made several appearances as a child actor on Gunsmoke. Foster played various roles in episodes like “The Roots of Fear,” “P.S. Murry Christmas,” and “The Predators.” These early performances allowed Foster to develop her acting skills and work with industry veterans, preparing her for her breakout role in Taxi Driver and later success in films like The Silence of the Lambs. Even at a young age, Foster displayed a depth of emotion and maturity that hinted at the stellar career that lay ahead.
Sam Elliott in “The Wedding”
Sam Elliott, with his iconic mustache and deep, resonant voice, made his Gunsmoke debut in the 1972 episode “The Wedding.” Elliott played Cory, a man about to marry a woman whose father disapproves of the union.
The episode showcased Elliott’s early ability to portray strong, rugged characters, traits that would later define his career. Elliott went on to star in numerous Western films, such as Tombstone and The Quick and the Dead, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable Western actors. His career came full circle when he received an Academy Award nomination for his role in A Star Is Born in 2018.
June Lockhart in “Dirt”
Golden Age Hollywood actress June Lockhart appeared in Gunsmoke in the 1967 episode “Dirt,” portraying Beulah, a woman caught in a complicated love affair. Lockhart was already a well-known actress, with roles in Lassie and Lost in Space, but her appearance in Gunsmoke allowed her to flex her acting muscles in a more emotionally charged and dramatic context. As one of Hollywood’s enduring stars, Lockhart’s portrayal in Gunsmoke is a testament to her versatility and talent across genres.
Bette Davis in “The Jailer”
Even Hollywood legends like Bette Davis made their way to Gunsmoke. Davis guest-starred in the 1966 episode “The Jailer,” playing a widow seeking revenge against Marshal Matt Dillon for the death of her husband. Known for her fierce acting style and larger-than-life screen presence, Davis brought a level of gravitas to her role on Gunsmoke.
By the time of her guest appearance, Davis had already won two Academy Awards and had been nominated for a record-breaking ten times. Her time on Gunsmoke further showcased her talent, even in a genre far removed from her usual dramatic films.
Charles Bronson in “The Killer” & “Lost Rifle”
Before becoming an action star in films like Death Wish, Charles Bronson made two guest appearances on Gunsmoke in the episodes “The Killer” and “Lost Rifle.” These roles allowed Bronson to hone his tough-guy persona, which he would later use to great effect in his action-packed career. His portrayal of gritty, no-nonsense characters in Gunsmoke foreshadowed the kind of roles that would dominate his career in the 1970s and 1980s. Bronson’s work in Gunsmoke helped establish him as a versatile actor capable of playing both heroes and anti-heroes.
Richard Dreyfuss in “This Golden Land”
Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss appeared in Gunsmoke in the 1973 episode “This Golden Land.” Dreyfuss played Gearshon, a character embroiled in a family feud. His appearance came around the same time as his role in American Graffiti, which catapulted him to stardom. Dreyfuss’ performance in Gunsmoke showed early signs of the talent that would later earn him an Academy Award for The Goodbye Girl. His ability to portray emotionally complex characters was evident even in this early TV role, providing a glimpse into his future as one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors.
Ed Asner in “High Hung” & “The Whispering Tree”
Before becoming the beloved Lou Grant on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and its spinoff Lou Grant, Ed Asner appeared in two episodes of Gunsmoke. Asner’s guest roles in “High Hung” and “The Whispering Tree” showcased his talent for playing intense, serious characters. While Asner is best known for his comedic and dramatic roles as Lou Grant, his performances in Gunsmoke demonstrated his versatility as an actor, capable of tackling both lighthearted and intense material. His work on Gunsmoke was a precursor to the successful, multi-faceted career that followed.
Conclusion
From Kurt Russell’s early Western roles to Bette Davis’ dramatic guest appearance, Gunsmoke played a significant role in the careers of numerous Hollywood icons. Whether they were already established stars or rising talents, each actor brought their unique flair to the show, further cementing Gunsmoke’s legacy as one of the most influential series in television history. The show served as both a launchpad and a platform for Hollywood’s finest, offering audiences a chance to see their favorite stars in unexpected roles. These guest appearances are a reminder of Gunsmoke’s far-reaching impact on both television and the careers of its iconic cast.
