started on a full acting schedule, doing summer stock in New England. 'Gunsmoke' Star Amanda Blake Dies at 60 - AP NEWS Amanda Blake Spouse, Divorce, Children, Net Worth & Death Cause This left the only other explanation as to where Blake could have contracted the AIDS to be during one of her several trips to Africa, where she often went to watch wildlife. Resend Activation Email. Blake passed away on August 16, 1989, at the Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, California. Blake, who portrayed the saloon owner in CBS's popular western TV series, left one season before the show ended. She followed that up with theater and radio acting in Buffalo and then movies in Hollywood. She didnt share any children with her partner. Spaeth was a city councilman and a developer, and the couple is said to have married for a mutually beneficial financial reason. While acting in small theater and stock companies she also painted backdrops and scenery. The doctor said she had suffered from AIDS symptoms for a year, but he would not tell how she had contracted the disease. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. To the last day of her life, Blake was devoted to her mission: to save mistreated animals. Her television roles included Split Playhouse of Stars, Cavalcade of America and Four-star Playhouse. Spaeth died in 1985 from pneumonia, at only 45, and when he was breathing his last, he opened up to the press, saying that Blake had infected him with the virus. However, the hospital and her friends claimed that she died of cancer. Search above to list available cemeteries. In 1977, the once a heavy smoker Blake went for surgery for oral cancer. Are you sure that you want to delete this flower? They lived three -years blissfully, however, they eventually separated in 1967 citing irreconcilable differences between them. He said he didn't know how she contracted the disease. Amanda Blake (born Beverly Louise Neill, February 21, 1929[citation needed] August 16, 1989) was an American actress best known for the role of the red-haired saloon proprietress "Miss Kitty Russell" on the western television series Gunsmoke. AmoMama creates engaging, meaningful content for women. You need a Find a Grave account to continue. There is a problem with your email/password. She followed that up with theater and radio acting in Buffalo The Western series starred Blake as 'Kitty Russell'.| Source: Getty Images. Are you sure that you want to delete this memorial? 1985), Enrolled at Claremont High School and Pomona College. Find the right content for your market. Everything looks idyllic, and it becomes difficult to stop admiring such movies. The Real Reason Why Amanda Blake Quit 'Gunsmoke' - MSN She is of English and Scottish descent. Amanda Blake quit 'Gunsmoke' before she was fired. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? But he added, That wasn't the reason that she died.. Enter Mark Spaeth, Blake's fifth husband. In 1968, Blake was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. However, they never cited the reason for their separation. She passed away on August 16, 1989, at Mercy General Hospital at age 60. Moreover, Blake married her third spouse, Frank Gilbert in the same year she divorced from her second husband. Amanda Blake. 464 Amanda Blake Photos Premium High Res Photos Browse 464 amanda blake photos photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more photos and images. The marriage lasted longer, having been together for fifteen years, before divorcing in 1982. Anyone can read what you share. . The life of Amanda Blake is celebrated by many, especially those who had a privilege to watch her great movies. She arrived in Claremont, California during a move with her family. It is so lovely when all family members meet to watch a good old film. Lili (1953) Amanda Blake was a beloved film and television actress that audiences will likely most fondly remember as the character of Miss Kitty on the long-running Western television series Gunsmoke. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. She instead devoted more time to her animals. The Walking Dead cast salary 2023: Who is the highest-paid per episode? Then Blake decided it was time to go. })(document); Amanda earned an outstanding amount of money out of her acting profession. There was no denying that Glenn Strange, the actual cowboy-turned actor had made a significant impact on his co-stars. She was married four times in her life. Her doctor, Lou Nishimura, revealed that she had died of AIDS complications, but had been said to have died of throat cancer. Learn more about managing a memorial . English However, the actress's numerous exotic pets were only the tip of the iceberg when it came to her love of animals. In 1984, she was the recipient of the society's annual Courage Award, which was presented to her by then U.S. President Ronald Reagan. For many, Gunsmoke was not just another TV western; it was an epic journey which thousands if not millions had followed for over two decades.