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John Wayne Helped Launch James Arness’ Career With Gunsmoke – My Blog

John Wayne Helped Launch James Arness’ Career With GunsmokeCBSBY DREW TINNIN/MARCH 18, 2023 6:00 PM ESTJames Arness starred as lawman Marshall Matt Dillon on “Gunsmoke” for an incredible run of 20 seasons from 1955-1975. Until “The Simpsons” surpassed it in 2018, the epic series dramatizing the American West was the longest running television show in history. Originally, John Wayne was offered the role but turned it down because he had no interest in committing to a weekly TV series. If he had accepted the part, it’s incredibly unlikely the series would have ever run that long, and more TV movies of “Gunsmoke” probably would have hit the airwaves instead. During the first couple of years of “Gunsmoke,” filming took place at the legendary Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, one of the premiere Western movie towns of the 1950s with multiple locations and a working train helping to fill in for the real Dodge City. Arness received a Walk of Western Stars award presented to him at Melody Ranch where he was interviewed about how working with Wayne early on in his career led to the role of a lifetime.Arness began working with Wayne in supporting roles in B-movies like “Big Jim McLain,” “Hondo,” “Island in the Sky,” and “The Sea Chase.” When Wayne recommended Arness for the lead role on “Gunsmoke,” the legendary actor even introduced Arness to the television audience himself in the premiere episode’s prologue in 1955. Wayne never set foot at Melody Ranch, recording the introduction in the studio. Although their relationship soured over the years, an endorsement from John Wayne obviously went a long way, paving the way for Arness’ six-foot-seven frame to saunter onto the “Gunsmoke” set where he would remain for two decades. Amidst all kinds of cultural upheaval and generational change, Arness remained a constant in the living rooms of millions of Americans.The beginning and ending of a beautiful friendshipUnited ArtistsJames Arness apparently still held The Duke in high regard when he spoke about being recommended for the part:“When the ‘Gunsmoke’ offer came in, [John Wayne] said, ‘I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I have a young man here under contract who I think would maybe fit the bill.’ So he very graciously offered to introduce the first episode. And it was great. It was a wonderful thing. He was a one-of-a-kind guy. There just was never anybody else like him.”Arness seems eternally grateful, but the two stars had an eventual falling out over an issue concerning John Wayne’s passion project to make a big budget epic about the battle of the Alamo. Wayne had been working to secure the funding for almost 15 years, and had planned to play the much smaller role of Sam Houston in “The Alamo” which eventually made it to theaters in 1960. To secure the proper backing for the $12 million dollar budget, he agreed to star as Davy Crockett and wound up throwing in $1.5 million of his own fortune after taking out second mortgages on his opulent homes to secure a loan.Hoping that Arness would return the favor of being cast in the hit show “Gunsmoke,” Wayne set up a meeting for Arness about filling in for the role of Sam Houston. Arness completely flaked and never showed up to the interview, leaving Wayne hanging — something The Duke never forgot. Richard Boone ended up playing Houston, and Arness never appeared in another feature film again.Cowboys & aliensRKO PicturesLargely due to his height, James Arness’ big break came when he was cast as the Frankenstein-esque alien in “The Thing From Another World” in 1951. Described as looking like an “intellectual carrot,” there were rumors swirling for years that Arness regretted taking the role. “Well, it’s always with me, but it was great,” Arness recalled. “I was at the stage where I was trying to get any job I could, [and] that thing came along. I wasn’t going to turn that down.”Early on in Arness’ career, he would mostly play heavies or a gang member because of how imposing he was onscreen. His height ended up being more of a blessing than a curse, and thanks to John Wayne, he’s remembered now as a classic cowboy instead of a lumbering creature from outer space.Widely regarded as one of the best remakes ever, John Carpenter’s “The Thing” completely transformed the original “Thing From Another World” into a claustrophobic, effects laden masterpiece. Interestingly, the film’s would-be hero, R.J. MacReady played by Kurt Russell in Carpenter’s 1982 retelling, has another connection to James Arness. Russell appeared in “Gunsmoke” as a kid named Packy Kerlin in the 1964 episode “Blue Heaven.”

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Sophia Loren timeless beauty

Enjoy in timeless beauty of Sophia Loren:

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3738621 Sophia Loren (b/w photo); (add.info.: Sophia Loren (b.1934) Italian actress); © SZ Photo; .

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Justin Baldoni Responds to Bombshell Blake Lively Lawsuit

In a surprising turn of events in the entertainment industry, actor and director Justin Baldoni has addressed the recent lawsuit filed by actress Blake Lively. The legal battle has become a hot topic among fans and media alike, stirring discussions about celebrity relationships, professional ethics, and the implications of such lawsuits in Hollywood.

### Background of the Lawsuit

Blake Lively, known for her roles in popular series such as “Gossip Girl” and movies like “A Simple Favor,” has made headlines not only for her acting career but also for her high-profile marriage to actor Ryan Reynolds. The lawsuit reportedly stems from a conflict regarding alleged contractual obligations and personal disputes related to an upcoming project that both actors were involved in. Details of the suit indicate it revolves around claims of breach of contract and defamation, which have raised eyebrows in the industry.

### Justin Baldoni’s Response

Responding to the ongoing situation, Baldoni, who is recognized for his roles in “Jane the Virgin” and his directorial work, expressed his thoughts on social media. “I believe in the power of dialogue and resolution,” Baldoni stated in his post. He emphasized the importance of addressing conflicts in a constructive manner, stating, “This industry is filled with passionate people, and sometimes passions lead to misunderstandings. I hope we can all find a way to resolve this amicably.”

In his response, Baldoni also highlighted the significance of mental health, reinforcing that navigating legal disputes can take a toll on the individuals involved. He encouraged fans to be supportive rather than speculative, urging them to focus on the positive aspects of the artistic community rather than sensationalism.

### Industry Reactions

The news of the lawsuit and Baldoni’s response have generated mixed reactions across social media platforms. While many fans have rallied behind both actors, showing support and understanding, others have expressed concerns about the potential fallout from such legal disputes in an industry already facing scrutiny for various ethical concerns.

Industry insiders have noted that lawsuits in Hollywood are not uncommon but underscore deeper issues related to relationships between collaborators and the pressures of fame. Several celebrities have come forward expressing a desire for more transparency and communication within the industry to avoid such conflicts.

### Conclusion

As the situation unfolds, both Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively have their supporters, and the outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain. For now, the entertainment industry watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only reflects mutual respect but also encourages healthier collaborations in the future. In an age where public perceptions can shift rapidly, the importance of handling disputes with grace and dignity is more crucial than ever.

The legal proceedings will likely continue to attract attention, and audiences are left to wonder what this means for future collaborations in Hollywood. As fans await further developments, the emphasis lies on understanding and the potential for growth from this challenging chapter in both actors’ careers.

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The perfect reply comes from 76-year-old Susan Sarandon, who has faced criticism for her appearance

One of the most recognizable actors of all time is Susan Sarandon. The actress is admired for her unflinching self-assurance and capacity to hold her own on screen.

She decided to educate them after they began to criticize her choices.

Hollywood veteran Susan Sarandon is still going strong after a successful career. She rose to fame as an actress thanks to her portrayal of Janet Weiss in the venerable musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975.

Thelma and Louise was one of the movies she later starred in, for which she won praise from critics. For her performance in the movie, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. For her performance in Dead Man Walking, the actress ultimately received an Academy Award.

The actress has always valued her body and taken great pleasure in expressing herself through her sense of style. She has a rather direct demeanor and is forthright about the causes she supports.

The actress’ decision to show up to a red carpet event wearing a white jacket and a black bra was criticized by some. A reporter criticized her outfit as being “totally inappropriate.”. ”.

But the actress chose to use an image rather than try to defend herself verbally. She shared an old photo in which she was only wearing underwear and flaunted her figure. Because a picture speaks a thousand words, Sarandon successfully silenced those who questioned what was “appropriate” for her and what wasn’t.

The actress puts her priorities first rather than worrying about getting older. She remarked in a chat, “When your sense of time has an ending and isn’t finite, like how it feels when you’re young. ” According to the speaker, “When you understand that time is precious—you tend not to waste energy on the small stuff and only to surround yourself with people who are vital, curious, brave, and adventurous. ”.

Sarandon responded, “If you want to age gracefully, probably laugh a lot, get the recommended amount of exercise, eat well, and stay out of the sun would be the main things,” when asked how she manages to stay so young-looking. But according to the actress, maintaining your appearance also calls for a talented makeup and hair team.

Without a doubt, Susan Sarandon is exceptional! The actress stays on her course and ignores those with negative things to say about her. Please let us know in the comments what you thought of her response to the critics.