The TV show Gunsmoke was a classic, running for 20 years on CBS from 1955 to 1975. Amanda Blake played the beloved character Miss Kitty, the owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. Miss Kitty was a fan favorite, and her relationship with Marshal Matt Dillon, played by James Arness, was a central aspect of the show. Amanda Blake was an integral part of the series, appearing from the very first episode until she decided to leave her role after 19 years in 1974.
Why Did Amanda Blake Leave Gunsmoke?
Commute and Tiredness
One primary reason for Blake’s departure was her growing tiredness from the long commute. Blake lived in Phoenix, Arizona, and had to travel frequently to Hollywood for the filming of Gunsmoke. After 19 years of this demanding travel schedule, she decided it was too much and chose to step away from the show.
Health Concerns
Towards the end of her tenure on Gunsmoke, Blake’s health began to decline. She was a heavy cigarette smoker and developed serious health issues as a result. In 1977, she underwent surgery for oral cancer. This health scare significantly impacted her ability to continue working on such a demanding schedule.
Post-Gunsmoke Life and Death
After leaving Gunsmoke, Blake’s health issues persisted. She returned to reprise her role as Miss Kitty in the 1985 TV movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, one of her last on-screen appearances.
Blake passed away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California, at the age of 60. There was initial confusion about the cause of her death. Although some reports suggested she succumbed to cancer, it was later revealed that she died of AIDS-related complications. Her physician, Dr. Lou Nishimura, stated that she died of “cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and CMV hepatitis, which is AIDS-related.”
Keeping Her Health Struggles Private
Blake chose to keep her AIDS diagnosis private. According to People magazine, a close friend, Pat Derby, mentioned, “Once she knew she had it, she decided to keep it to herself. She didn’t want to live in a goldfish bowl.” This decision reflected her desire to maintain her privacy and dignity during her final years.
Amanda Blake’s departure from Gunsmoke marked the end of an era for the show. Her contributions to the series left a lasting impact, and she remains a cherished part of television history.
