Movie star John Wayne first convinced Arness to take on the role to play Matt on Gunsmoke. He was initially upset that his friend recommended him for the part without his permission. However, it was ...

Gunsmoke Season 2 Episode 21, “Bloody Hands,” aired on CBS on Feb. 16, 1957. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) shot and killed several members of an outlaw gang in self-defense, but the impact ...

"Gunsmoke" star James Arness has died. The television icon was 88 and was best known for his role as the straight shooting Marshal Matt Dillon on the long-running Western series. No cause of death was ...