For nearly two decades, Amanda Blake entertained audiences as Miss Kitty Russell on the beloved Western series Gunsmoke. Her portrayal of the confident and outspoken saloon owner made her one of television’s most recognizable actresses. However, despite her success on the small screen, she wasn’t always impressed with the entertainment that television offered.
According to MeTV, the late actress once shared her surprisingly harsh opinions about the television industry, criticizing several popular sitcoms and expressing disappointment with the direction of programming. Her comments revealed just how seriously she took storytelling and the standards she believed television should maintain, even when it came to her own long-running Western.
Amanda Blake Criticized Popular Sitcoms and Wanted Better Television
During an interview with The Atlanta Journal, Blake made it clear that she wasn’t particularly impressed with certain television programs. She criticized popular comedies such as Mork & Mindy and Laverne & Shirley, describing television as “a bunch of garbage.” Although both sitcoms attracted loyal audiences, the actress believed the industry needed to offer viewers something more meaningful than lighthearted entertainment. She wanted television to demonstrate greater creativity and sophistication rather than relying too heavily on shows she considered unremarkable.
Her frustration went beyond disliking a few television programs. Blake believed the medium had enormous potential and wanted producers to raise their standards. “I’d like to see television get a little classier than it is now,” she explained. Interestingly, her strong opinions didn’t mean she expected every program to take itself seriously. She acknowledged that lighter entertainment had its place but felt television needed a healthier balance of quality storytelling and casual amusement.
Remembering Miss Kitty Russell and Her Love for ‘Gunsmoke’
Despite her criticism of television, Blake held a special affection for Gunsmoke, the Western drama that defined much of her acting career. She portrayed Miss Kitty Russell from 1955 until 1974, appearing alongside James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon. The character became an essential part of Dodge City, offering warmth, intelligence, and occasional sharp humor throughout the series. In an interview with The Buffalo News, the actress expressed how difficult it would be to leave the role, admitting that she could happily continue playing Kitty for the rest of her life.
Nevertheless, even her favorite show occasionally tested her patience. During a 1968 interview with the Associated Press, Blake complained about how frequently the writers placed Kitty in kidnapping storylines. She explained that the show’s writers often sent her character away from Dodge City because Matt Dillon would otherwise protect her from danger. Despite those occasional frustrations, her affection for the character remained strong. Blake died in August 1989 at age 60, but her portrayal of Miss Kitty continues to hold a special place in classic television history. Her outspoken comments also offer a fascinating reminder of an era when television stars weren’t afraid to question the very industry that made them famous.