If you’re a fan of the long-running Western television series Gunsmoke, then you know that the show featured some of the most unforgettable guest appearances in its twenty-year run. Gunsmoke originally aired from 1955 to 1975, and is known for its gritty realism and set the standard for Westerns that still stands today. Throughout its twenty-year run, Gunsmoke featured a host of stars, from the main cast to some surprisingly well-known guest stars. These are the ten most unforgettable guest appearances on Gunsmoke.
1.John Wayne
John Wayne is one of the most iconic western stars of all time, and he made an unforgettable appearance on Gunsmoke in 1958. Wayne played the character of Stranger, a mysterious figure who arrives in Dodge City and gets into a fight with Matt Dillon. Wayne’s character is a drifter who is searching for his long-lost daughter, and he gives an emotional performance that showcases his acting prowess. It’s an unforgettable scene that will live on forever in the hearts of Gunsmoke fans.
2.Glenn Ford
Another unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke was that of Glenn Ford. Ford had a long and varied career in Hollywood, but he’s perhaps best known for his roles in westerns. In 1964, Ford made a brief appearance in an episode of Gunsmoke titled “Wrong Road”. Ford played the character of Johnny Dollar, a drifter who is accused of thievery and murder. Ford’s performance is one of the most memorable guest appearances on Gunsmoke, and he brings a lot of gravitas to the role.
3.James Coburn
James Coburn made his mark on Hollywood with his roles in westerns and action films. His appearance on Gunsmoke in 1965 is one of the most memorable guest appearances on the show. Coburn played the character of Henry James, a drifter who enters Dodge City and immediately gets into trouble. Coburn’s performance is powerful and full of emotion, and his appearance on the show has become one of the most memorable guest appearances on Gunsmoke.
4.Martin Landau
Martin Landau is another Hollywood star who made an unforgettable appearance on Gunsmoke. In 1969, Landau played the character of Joe Bledsoe, a drifter who arrives in Dodge City and quickly finds himself in the middle of a dangerous situation. Landau’s performance is captivating, and he brings a sense of drama to the role that makes it one of the most memorable guest appearances on Gunsmoke.
5.Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen is one of the most popular stars of the 1960s, and his appearance on Gunsmoke in 1972 is one of the most memorable guest appearances on the show. McQueen plays the character of Henry White, a drifter who arrives in Dodge City and quickly finds himself in the middle of a gang war. McQueen’s performance is full of energy and excitement, and it’s an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke.
6.Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas is one of the most iconic and beloved actors of all time, and his appearance on Gunsmoke in 1965 is one of the most unforgettable guest appearances. Douglas plays the character of Nathan Price, a drifter who arrives in Dodge City and quickly finds himself in the middle of a dangerous situation. Douglas’ performance is full of gravitas and emotion, and it’s an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke.
7.John Ritter
John Ritter is most famous for his role as Jack Tripper on the classic sitcom Three’s Company, but he also made an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke in 1973. Ritter plays the character of Billy Joe, a drifter who enters Dodge City and quickly finds himself in the middle of trouble. Ritter’s performance is full of energy and humor, and it’s an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke.
8.Rory Calhoun
Rory Calhoun is another one of the great western stars of Hollywood, and he made an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke in 1965. Calhoun plays the character of Bill Jenkins, a drifter who arrives in Dodge City and quickly finds himself in the middle of trouble. Calhoun’s performance is full of grit and emotion, and it’s an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke.
9.Tom Selleck
Tom Selleck is one of the most popular and successful actors of all time, and his appearance on Gunsmoke in 1974 is one of the most unforgettable guest appearances on the show. Selleck plays the character of Jim Larkin, a drifter who arrives in Dodge City and quickly finds himself in the middle of trouble. Selleck’s performance is full of wit and charm, and it’s an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke.
10.Bette Davis
Bette Davis is one of the most iconic stars of Hollywood, and her appearance on Gunsmoke in 1973 is one of the most unforgettable guest appearances on the show. Davis plays the character of Sarah White, a drifter who arrives in Dodge City and quickly finds herself in the middle of trouble. Davis’ performance is full of emotion and wit, and it’s an unforgettable guest appearance on Gunsmoke.
These are the 10 most unforgettable guest appearances on Gunsmoke. Each of these stars made an indelible impression on the show and its fans, and each of their performances will live on forever in the hearts of Gunsmoke fans. If you’re a fan of the show, then you know there are plenty of other memorable guest appearances on Gunsmoke. But these 10 are the most unforgettable.

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