Here’s What Happened To The Cast Of Gunsmoke – One Of The Most Revered Westerns Of All Time

“Our own Iliad and Odyssey.” That’s how the Los Angeles Times described Gunsmoke when its record-breaking run came to an end. Quite the compliment! But as it’s been more than 40 years since James Arness finally took off his cowboy hat, you may have wondered what the stars of the iconic western did next. Well, no need to hold yer taters. Saddle up and read on, because we have all the answers.

Roy Roberts (Mr. Botkin)

It’s probably easier to list the TV shows Roy Roberts didn’t grace with his presence. Over four decades in showbiz, the prolific character actor racked up more than 900 screen credits – which is certainly no mean feat. However, Gunsmoke fans will likely know Roberts best as one of the three men who took on the role of Mr. Botkin, the town’s bank manager.

After his departure from the hit western in 1974, Roberts portrayed Mayor Bagby in Roman Polanski’s Oscar-winning noir Chinatown. He followed that up by playing namesake Mr. Roberts in family comedy The Strongest Man in the World. Sadly, though, this part in the 1975 flick would prove to be Roberts’ last, as he passed away that same year at the age of 69.

Shug Fisher (Obie)

Shug Fisher transformed himself into more than a different dozen characters during his 12-year stint on Gunsmoke. But while you probably don’t recall Dobie Crimps, Jed Rascoe, or Mule Skinner unless you’re a die-hard fan, you may just know Obie. Yep, Fisher portrayed the prospector five times during the show’s early years. Beverly Hillbillies lovers may also remember him as the man behind Shorty Kellems.

What happened to Fisher after his time on Gunsmoke? Well, he headed into movies. The actor appeared in made-for-TV flicks Huckleberry Finn, The 3,000 Mile Chase and The Ghost of Cypress Swamp before hitting the big screen proper in The Apple Dumpling Rides Again. But for the last of his many, many roles, Fisher returned to television to star as Harry Haldeen in Harper Valley P.T.A. He passed away in LA in 1984, aged 76.