The Sad Reason Dennis Weaver Was Written off Gunsmoke

Do you remember watching Dennis Weaver as the character Chester Goode in the show Gunsmoke? Do you feel that his legacy lives on or do fans need to introduce him to a new generation?

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Dennis Weaver’s Early Life and Career
01:51 - Dennis Weaver’s Film Career
03:39 - Dennis Weaver’s Television Career
05:22 - Dennis Weaver’s Legacy
06:32 - Outro

Regardless, Dennis Weaver was a great actor who was sadly written off Gunsmoke. But this didn’t stop him from working in both film and television for 5 decades. But how did Dennis Weaver get his career started?

Dennis Weaver was born on the fourth of June, 1924, in Joplin, Missouri. Since his childhood days, he wanted to become an actor and knew it would be a struggle since he didn’t come from a show business background.

He was also an accomplished athlete and was briefly considering putting acting aside to become an Olympic-level star. However, after performing poorly at his trials he realized that acting was indeed his destiny.

He began his acting career in the theater. He served as an understudy to actor Lonny Chapman in the play Come Back Little Sheba. He eventually appeared in the play regularly and began honing his acting skills. It was around this time that he decided to join the Actor’s Studio to improve his craft and find more work.

By the time the 1950s came around, he began landing roles in film and television. He especially became famous for his roles in Westerns – both films and TV shows. His role as Chester Goode in Gunsmoke is perhaps the role he’s best known for.

Yet, he was sadly written off the show. But what was the sad reason Dennis Weaver was written off Gunsmoke? What were the struggles he had to overcome following his departure from the show and what were his other achievements in his career? His life was full of trials and tribulations and is one that serves as inspiration for anyone.

Join FactsVerse to learn about Dennis Weaver’s incredible life and career…

The Sad Reason Dennis Weaver Was Written off Gunsmoke

[thesixshooter]

Big fan of Dennis Weaver. Especially his iconic role as Chester on Gunsmoke. He brought so much depth to the character and his interactions with the other characters... especially Doc... were priceless.

[superserial]

I had the pleasure of running into him in a small grocery store in western Colorado a few years before he passed. Unbelievably friendly and sharply dressed for his age. I’ll never forget his genuine smile.

[dennisscalici]

He was one of our great American born actors. He’ll always be remembered RIP

[Merrihelen]

My mother was friends with Dennis and Geri Weaver. I met them at a gas station while we were traveling to our cabin in the San Bernardino Mtns. and they were returning home from New Mexico. Geri called out to my mom and they started to talk. I had been a fan of the McCloud TV show and always loved the turquois and silver watchband he wore. When I asked him, he showed me he was wearing it and said he got it in the town McCloud was supposed to be from. Geri chimed in when my dad said how beautiful it was, that she had the catalog at home and would send it to my mom. My mom ordered the watch for my dad for his birthday and after they died, it was left to me as it was my idea to ask about it in the first place, and yes, I still wear it.

[KcityMikeThomas]

The early Gunsmokes were the best! The chemistry between, Matt, Chester, Doc and Kitty made them a family and part of our families.

[nadlynncaler]

I still watch Gunsmoke everyday. Love all of Dennis Weavers roles that he has played. Wonderful actor.

[psw]

Great actor and versatile in roles. One of my favorite movies with him is Duel.

[ozrob]

Absolute fan of Dennis Weaver. I really loved his McCloud character...so many good TV shows from that era we still enjoy today.

[johnruggles]

Loved this guy. Never saw enough of him. 'McLoud' was my favourite out of all Universal's Mystery Movies TV series. He appears in one of my all-time favourite Western movies, 'Duel at Diablo', with Sidney Poitier and James Garner. It's a little known movie which I recommend to anyone. He gives a masterful performance as a really unpleasant, bitter man with a dark secret who you actually feel sorry for as he approaches his end. As Sam McLoud would say - " There you go - Country"

[dorawoody]

Love Chester he was Great Actor and love Dennis Weaver in everything he started in ❤🙏

[patriciaadkins]

Loved Chester on Gunsmoke and Dennis did a great job on all his characters. RIP

[dirtcop]

When I worked as a construction inspector I did a lot of work in the Kansas City Metro area. I also went through Dodge City, Kansas. But the most interesting thing to happen was when I found myself on an interesting street corner in Overland Park, the corner of Dennis and Weaver. I have kicked myself for not taking a picture of the street signs.

[stevenordstedt]

What an exciting and good life Dennis Weaver had. And a great actor to.
God Bless Dennis Weavers soul Jesus!
We need more people like him in 2022.

[swully-ollx]

I can't believe you failed to mention his movie Duel I was a young boy when this movie was out and I'll always remember Dennis Weaver because of this movie.

[marticannell]

Yes, I still watch Gunsmoke every day !!!!

[ldchappell]

Even though its a TV movie "Duel" is Dennis Weaver's masterpiece. "Duel" and "Vanishing Point" where the first two DVDs I ever bought.
Two great road thrillers from the early 70s.

[thenavylady]

I love Chester and Dennis Weaver. We are watching reruns of Gunsmoke now, and I really prefer the older episodes with Chester in them. It's fascinating to watch him act. So sweet and simple. I read that when they cast Chester, they wanted to make Marshal Dillon always imposing, so Dennis came up with a limp to make him more of a supportive character. I love that guy.

[aviatortrucker]

He was in Stevens Spielberg‘s first movie which was made for TV called “Duel”, about a rouge truck driver chasing Dennis Weaver who was a salesman in his car. He showed off his athletic ability when in one scene he runs out of the diner and chases the truck on foot. You can see him sprinting like a track star even though he was in business attire. He also appeared in one episode of the twilight zone call shadow play which he did a great job.

[rosemiller]

Still watch GUNSMOKE every day. I LOVE THAT SHOW, and all of the westerns.

[huntr]

YES! We loved Dennis Weaver. Whatever he did in any role, he did it EXCELLENTLY. God rest him. He deserved it.