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‘Gunsmoke’: Who Did Kurt Russell Play on the Classic Western Series?

Although he may not have been as recognizable then, popular actor Kurt Russel was a guest star on the widely popular Western series “Gunsmoke.”

While still in his teenage years, Russell was just getting started in the acting world. He had also appeared in other small roles like “It Happened at the World’s Fair” and “Gilligan’s Island.”

Kurt Russell in ‘Gunsmoke’

“The Hateful Eight” and “Escape from L.A.” actor was only about 13 years old when he landed a guest spot on the show. He appeared alongside the famous “Gunsmoke” trio, James Arness, Milburn Stone, and Amanda Blake.

Russell appeared in an episode titled “Blue Heaven.” It originally aired on September 26, 1964.

According to IMDb, a runaway child (Russell) teams up with a man (played by Tim O’Connor) who is wanted from East Texas. Together the duo is trying to find the kid’s mother while also avoiding law enforcement. The man is wanted but did not commit the Carver County murder he is accused of.

Michael O’Herlihy directed the episode. He had also directed episodes of shows like “Maverick,” “Star Trek,” “Hawaii Five-O,” and “M*A*S*H.”

Kurt Russell’s first official role was in a TV series called “Dennis the Menace” in 1962, according to his IMDb page. He has gone through the stages of life in his acting career. From playing a young child in shows like “Gunsmoke” to then eventually playing Santa Claus with a long, white beard.

Russell is amongst many other stars who got to appear on the 20-season-long “Gunsmoke” days. Other guest stars include Sam Elliott, David Carradine, John Wayne, Adam West, Bruce Dern, and Katherine Ross.

Kurt Russell and Wyatt Russell

Kurt Russell had a child with his longtime partner Goldie Hawn. Wyatt Russell was born on July 10, 1986.

Now, Wyatt Russell is taking after his actor parents and has a career in the entertainment world. Marvel fans will likely recognize him from “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” on Disney+. He is currently playing Captain America in the series, although fans are not ecstatic about it.

Chris Evans plays the heroic soldier in the Marvel Universe franchise. However, Wyatt plays John Walker, an army man who is anointed as the new Captain America. Unfortunately, his role in the series has led to the hashtag #NotMyCap.

According to Esquire, Wyatt Russell is well-aware that people do not necessarily support him in his new role. He also just doesn’t care. Besides a role in “Gunsmoke,” Kurt Russell also entered the billion-dollar Marvel franchise. He played an evil villain named Ego in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

Like father, like son.