Famous Women in Television Westerns: Miss Kitty Russell
She was born in Buffalo, New York as Beverly Louise Neill on February 20, 1929. Played by Amanda Blake, Miss Kitty Russell graced the western screen and as this sexy proprietress for 19 years (1955-1974). The sexy red-headed head of the saloon. How can one forget such a beauty?
Did you know: Before taking up acting, Amanda was a telephone operator.
After retiring from Gunsmoke Amanda retired to a home in Phoenix, AZ. She had always been an animal lover and with all of her free time she followed one of her passions in life. She helped finance the start up of PAWS: Performing Animal Welfare Society.
From 1980 through her last days in 1989, Amanda Blake had many battles with her health. She was diagnosed with oral cancer which was directly linked to smoking. In 1982 she told the United State House of Representatives subcommittee "I am a victim of oral cancer, a victim of cigarette smoking. When my doctor told me I had cancer of the mouth, I didn't believe it. I had never even heard of cancer of the mouth, yet I had it."
Amanda Blake died on August 16, 1989 in Sacramento, CA.
Miss Kitty Russell was an unforgettable charactor on one of America's favorite Western Television series - Gunsmoke. Here is one of our favorite Miss Kitty episodes of Gunsmoke.
Enjoy!
References:
Krebs, Albin, and Robert MCG. Thomas Jr. – Health: "NOTES ON PEOPLE; Miss Kitty Wants Stronger Warning on Cigarettes". – New York Times. – March 6, 1982