James Arness, the towering figure behind the iconic role of Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, was beloved by millions for his stoic and rugged portrayal of the lawman who kept order in the Wild West. However, in a rare and candid moment toward the end of his life, Arness revealed something that shocked many of his fans: the person he hated the most.
Arness, who had lived a life filled with numerous triumphs both on and off-screen, had always been known for his calm demeanor and reserved personality. His image as the steadfast, moral hero on Gunsmoke was a far cry from the occasional turmoil of his real-life experiences. But during an interview in his later years, just before his passing in 2011, the beloved actor opened up about a topic that few knew he had strong feelings about—someone he despised throughout his career.
A Life of Silence and Discipline
Before we delve into who Arness disliked so intensely, it’s important to understand a bit about his life. James Arness, born in 1923, was a man of few words. His long career in Hollywood was marked by professionalism, and while he shared a lot with his audience through his work, he kept much of his personal life private. For instance, he had a notoriously private upbringing, serving in World War II and later rising to fame as one of television’s most dependable stars. For over 20 years, Arness was the face of Gunsmoke, the longest-running prime-time TV series in history at the time.
Though he worked alongside many co-stars, such as Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) and Dennis Weaver (Chester), Arness was never one for controversial public statements. His unassuming nature made him a standout in a world of flashy personalities.
But despite his reputation for being easygoing, Arness did harbor a secret resentment that would eventually surface in his later years.
The Enemy He Couldn’t Stand
In his interview, when asked about his experiences in Hollywood and the people who had crossed his path over the years, Arness surprised everyone by naming the person he despised most. He revealed that he had deep animosity toward Hollywood agents, specifically one individual.
This agent, whom Arness did not name in the interview, was someone who had reportedly wronged him early in his career. According to Arness, the agent had made promises that were never kept, ultimately leading to him losing out on major roles and opportunities. The betrayal was a significant setback for Arness, who had to fight his way through the Hollywood system.
"I learned early that agents would promise you everything, but in the end, they were just looking out for themselves," Arness explained. "I was lucky enough to make my way through, but that experience made me distrust the industry. That one guy—he was the one who did me the most harm."
The agent’s betrayal stuck with Arness throughout his career. Though he never sought to publicly drag anyone through the mud, it was clear that the scars of Hollywood’s cutthroat business had left a lasting impression on the actor. His words were tinged with a sense of regret, but also a realization that, in the long run, his experiences shaped the way he handled his career and his relationships with others in the industry.
The Actor’s Legacy
Despite the negative experiences, Arness was still widely respected by colleagues and fans alike. His work on Gunsmoke remains legendary, and he is often remembered as one of the greatest television actors of his era. The show, which ran from 1955 to 1975, was a cornerstone of American television, and Arness’s portrayal of Marshal Dillon is a part of pop culture history.
Arness’s career spanned decades, and even after Gunsmoke, he appeared in films, made guest appearances on other TV shows, and continued to be a sought-after actor in Hollywood. Yet, despite all of his success, the interview revealed a side of Arness that many had never seen: the quietly simmering frustration he felt toward those who had betrayed him.