- Amanda Blake left 'Gunsmoke' after 19 seasons
- She revealed what she missed the most about the show
- Blake played the iconic "Kitty" in the series
For nearly two decades, the dusty streets of "Dodge City" had been graced by the fiery presence of one red-haired saloon queen, captivating the hearts of Western aficionados. Click through to discover what Amanda Blake, the fearless actress known as "Kitty" from 'Gunsmoke,' revealed about her departure from the iconic show.
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"Kitty"s departure: A whiskey-sized void in 'Gunsmoke's final season
Amanda Blake's departure after 19 seasons of barroom banter and frontier justice left a whiskey-sized hole in the show's final season. Fans mourned the absence of their beloved "Kitty," whose spitfire spirit and unwavering confidence made her a fan favorite. "It was a wonderful 19 years," Blake confessed, her voice tinged with the nostalgia of a bygone era.
To Blake, the set of 'Gunsmoke' was more than just a backdrop; it was a second home, a place where friendships were forged amidst the clinking of glasses and the drama of the Old West. "They are family," she said, reminiscing about the camaraderie with her fellow actors and crew. While she may have missed slipping into "Kitty"'s corset and petticoats, Blake was ready to trade them in for the modern-day threads of her show. "I can really do anything I want to now," she declared with the same boldness that had viewers returning each week for a fresh dose of "Dodge City" drama.
A new frontier for Blake
Less than three weeks post-retirement, Blake was already saddling up for a new adventure in ABC's 'Betrayal,' her first dramatic role since hanging up "Kitty"s holster. But fear not, fans of the feline-named saloon owner, Blake's heart was still beating for the wild - both on-screen and off. "More time to be devoted to my animals and wildlife conservation," she beamed a true pioneer in every sense.
So, as we tip our hats to Amanda Blake, let's remember the saloon doors will always swing in memory of Kitty, the queen of Dodge City's nightlife. And as for Amanda? She rides off into the sunset, her legacy etched in Western lore.
