Although Taylor Sheridan has transformed the landscape of Western TV over recent years, the iconic CBS seriesGunsmokestill reigns supreme as the greatest show in the genre’s history. The show couldn’t have reached the heights it did across 20 seasons without its lead actor, James Arness. However, Arness was initially reluctant to audition for the role of Matt Dillon.
Gunsmoke’s chief protagonist was a classic sharpshooting cowboy hero, but he was also a character meant specifically forWestern TV actors. At the time the series was commissioned, Arness specialized in supporting roles on the big screen, and was worried that playing Dillon might end his movie career. He’d turn out to be right, but in the best way possible.
Back in 1955, though,Arness seemed unlikely to get the part inGunsmokeanyway, as a relatively unknown name with limited appeal to audiences used to watching Westerns fronted by star attractions. That is, until a legend of the Western genre intervened to secure him thelongest-running TV rolein American history.
James Arness Wasn’t Sure About Doing Gunsmoke – Until John Wayne Encouraged Him To
Wayne Also Recommended Arness To The Developer Of Gunsmoke
It was John Wayne who recommended James Arness for the role of Matt Dillon. Wayne suggested him toGunsmoke’s developer Charles Marquis Warren, the writer and producer adapting what was then a hit radio drama for the screen. By that stage,the Duke had already worked with Arness on four movies, and the pair had become good friends.
The films that John Wayne and James Arness appeared in together areBig Jim McLain(1952),Island in the Sky(1953),Hondo(1953), andThe Sea Chase(1955).
But convincing Warren to cast Arness was only half the battle.Wayne also had to convince the actor himselfthat this particular TV role was for him. The Hollywood legend told Arness, who was 16 years his junior, “This is something you should really do.” (viaDeseret News) At the Duke’s insistence, Arness went for the part, and got it.
Although Wayne himself was never going to star in Gunsmoke, going with his recommendation for its lead role was the next best thing the show could do.
Arness’ physical likeness to John Wayne was undoubtedly a factor in his casting. AlthoughWayne himself was never going to star inGunsmoke, going with his recommendation for its lead role — who also happened to look like him — was the next best thing the show could do.
Gunsmoke’s Radio Cast Star Auditioned For Matt Dillon Before James Arness Was Cast
Before becoming thelongest-running Western show on television,Gunsmokestarted out as a radio program in 1952. In fact, its radio episodes continued until 1961, running concurrently with the TV series using a different cast. It wasvoice actor William Conrad who first played U.S. Marshal Matt Dillonin the radio version ofGunsmoke.
Conrad fully intended to reprise his role in the screen version, too. Harry Bartell, a cast member of the radio show, had a CBS photographer shoot Conrad and the rest of the cast dressed as their characters, as part of an audition for theGunsmokeTV show (viaJerry Haendiges).
However, ultimately, the network’s executives didn’t think these radio stars looked like the Western actors they needed.Gunsmoke’s TV roles were opened up to stars of the screen, and indeed, they found their Matt Dillon in James Arness.
