Amanda Blake: The Unforgettable Miss Kitty and Her Lasting Legacy
What would “Gunsmoke” have been without Miss Kitty? Fans got the answer in season 20 when Amanda Blake left the Western drama series after its 19th season. Blake’s role as Kitty Russell was integral to the show. Her chemistry with Matt Dillon kept viewers captivated, and her portrayal of the sassy owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City highlighted a tough Western woman with a warm heart. Blake appeared in over 500 episodes, cementing her place in the Western genre of television.
Miss Kitty’s Departure from “Gunsmoke”
The Western drama series “Gunsmoke” was never quite the same after Amanda Blake left following its 19th season. Her portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell, the sassy owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City, was integral to the show. Blake’s chemistry with Matt Dillon and her role in over 500 episodes made her a fan favorite and an indelible part of the Western television genre.
Semi-Retirement and Animal Welfare Advocacy
After “Gunsmoke,” Amanda Blake went into semi-retirement, dedicating herself to animal welfare. She and her husband, Frank Gilbert, ran an experimental breeding program for cheetahs and successfully raised seven generations in captivity. Blake co-founded the Arizona Animal Welfare League in 1971, which is now the state’s oldest and largest no-kill animal shelter. In 1985, she helped finance the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), supporting its efforts and traveling to Africa for conservation work.
Controversy Surrounding Her Death
Amanda Blake passed away at age 60 on August 16, 1989, at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California. Initially reported to have died from oral cancer, it was later revealed that she had AIDS. Her physician, Dr. Lou Nishimura, clarified that Blake’s death was due to liver failure brought on by viral hepatitis, related to AIDS. Blake had discovered she had AIDS a year before her death but chose to keep it private.
Blake’s close friend, Pat Derby, co-founder of PAWS, respected her decision to keep her illness private. It remains unclear how Blake contracted the disease. Those who knew her insisted she never used drugs and was not sexually promiscuous. It is suspected she may have contracted AIDS from her ex-husband, Mark Spaeth, who died of the disease shortly after their divorce.
The details of Blake’s illness were not made public until a legal dispute over her estate. Her will left her entire estate to PAWS, leading to a contest by her family members. Fearing the legal battle would distort the truth about Blake’s death, Derby disclosed her AIDS diagnosis.
A Career That Spanned Nearly Four Decades
Born Beverly Louise Neill in 1929 in Buffalo, New York, Amanda Blake started her career as a telephone operator before transitioning to acting. MGM discovered her during her time performing summer stock in New England. She made her screen debut in 1950 in the MGM picture “Stars in My Crown.” Blake starred in several Hollywood films, including “Cattle Town” (1952) and “Miss Robin Crusoe,” before landing the iconic role of Miss Kitty on “Gunsmoke.”
Blake’s portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell on “Gunsmoke” for 19 years made her one of the most memorable characters in Western TV history. The show was canceled shortly after her departure, but Blake reprised her role in the TV movie “Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge,” giving fans one last glimpse of Miss Kitty.
Amanda Blake’s Lasting Legacy
Amanda Blake will always be remembered for her contributions to both television and animal welfare. Her portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell remains a standout in the Western genre, and her dedication to animal rights has had a lasting impact. Blake’s legacy as a beloved actress and passionate animal advocate continues to inspire.
