did amanda blake wear a wig on gunsmoke did amanda blake wear a wig on gunsmoke

Blake keeps it clean for the airwaves of the 1950s. Actor Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. How Was The Government Overthrown In The Russian Revolution? The setting of Gunsmoke is Dodge City, Kansas during the 1870's. Clint Eastwood dreamed of owning a ranch after Rawhide, Richard Boone believed actors should fight over roles, not dressing rooms, Richard Boone wanted to bring a movie operation to Hawaii. Did Chester carry a gun on Gunsmoke? In the late 1940s, Blake was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as the studio saw her as its next Greer Garson. He had several other roles during his acting career, but none could ever hold a light to Matt Dillon. "Cooter," where I first saw the beauty mark, aired as episode 27. Did they really drink that much in the Old West? Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? According to KXRB, Amanda had surgery in 1977 for what they reported was oral cancer, and she was sick for some time. Who guest starred the most on Gunsmoke? Miss Kitty was a fan-favorite on Gunsmoke, as the owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. Myanmar Nrc Prefix List, teacher harriet voice shawne jackson; least stressful physician assistant specialties; grandma's marathon elevation gain; describe key elements of partnership working with external organisations; Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! In the episode on Gunsmoke, her character is the matriarch of a family of outlaws. Rorabaugh wrote in his research on American alcohol consumption for The OAH Magazine of History: By 1700, the colonists drank fermented peach juice, hard apple cider, and rum, which they imported from the West Indies or distilled from West Indian molasses. The shipment was fast and everywhere I go someone compliments my hair!! She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series. Public Enemy Manchester Apollo 1988. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series. At first, Arness didnt accept the interview at all. They are trying to hold Marshal Matt Dillon responsible for the hanging of her husband. I absolutely love my wig.I've received so many compliments on how it looks so real. He even went with her to work sometimes while she was filming Gunsmoke.. He was 81. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Why did Chester have a bad leg on Gunsmoke? The popular Western series Gunsmoke was no stranger to some pretty amazing guest stars over the years. She even had a pet lion, Kemo, that she brought to the. Years after her death, the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge was opened in Herald, California, as a refuge for African wildlife rescued from auctions and hunting ranches. Arness peers over a collar of leis he received after he crossed the finish line first in the Multihull Transpacific Yacht Race, Sunday, July 15, 1968, in Honolulu. to the Performing Animal Welfare Society or PAWS. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. He wrote, James Arness: An Autobiography in 2001 when he was 78. "He's big, impressive and virile," co-star Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) once said of Arness, adding, "I've worked with him for 16 years, but I don't really know him." The actor was 32 when friend John Wayne declined the lead role in "Gunsmoke" and recommended Arness instead. AIDS, probably contracted from her bisexual husband, Mark Buongiorno Amore Mio In Spagnolo, How much did James Arness make per episode on Gunsmoke? Milly, as he was nicknamed, appeared in over 150 films, but is best known for his 20 year role as Doc Adams in the TV show Gunsmoke. Amanda Blake (February 20, 1929 - 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. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? However, other reports said she died of AIDS-related complications. Blake married Don Whitman in 1954 and divorced him in 1956. Some of her notable movies are Duchess of Idaho, Miss Robin Crusoe, and A Star Is Born. How do I make a drop-down list in HTML and CSS? She ended her role in Gunsmoke in the 1970s and pursued her passion for animal welfare. But in a 1973 episode, Matt had a brief affair with another woman, Mike Yardner (Michael Learned), while he had amnesia. Gunsmoke: Why Did Amanda Blake Leave the Show After 19 Seasons? Can the Constitution be changed by the president? After 19 years of doing that commute, she decided enough was enough. Afraid of being typecast, Arness initially rejected it. Given she had reportedly fought cancer off several years earlier, some reports said Amanda passed away from cancer. (TV Guide called him a hermit on horseback. Because of her continuing role on television, Blake rarely had time for films. Blake made her film debut in 1950 in the western film Stars in My Crown. He and James Arness were the only actors who stayed during the entire run of the series. They married in April 1984, and divorced a short time later. Interesting to see that, in color, Goode wears a pink shirt. When auditioning for the part of Kitty, Amanda's hair was extremely short. These women were rarely called prostitutes and went under the names of saloon girls, dancers, scarlet ladies, soiled doves and girls of the night. You ARE the Universe. Bruce Dern also co-stars in the episode alongside Bette Davis. Actor Dennis Weaver, who played Chester, wanted to pursue other opportunities. She lived in Phoenix, making her commute rather unbearably long. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more Kitty-like, and continued to wear them in the series. When did Kitty get her beauty mark on Gunsmoke? Gunsmoke: Michael Landons Best Friend Victor French Held Record for Most Guest Appearances on the Show. Prostitutes also worked in saloons and dance halls. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2012-2023 On Secret Hunt - All Rights Reserved I cowashed it prior to installing it and it did not tangle or shed. 5 What was the last episode of TV Chester? He wrote, "James Arness: An Autobiography" in 2001 when he was 78. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. [2][4] She appeared in a few Hollywood films, such as the 1952 western Cattle Town and in the starring role of Miss Robin Crusoe, a 1954 adaptation of the Robinson Crusoe adventure. She even had a pet lion, Kemo, that she brought to the Gunsmoke set. How else to explain that a core cast could work together for two decades? Doctor Galen Adams was Dodge Citys firm-handed, elderly physician. Blake starred on "Gunsmoke" as saloon owner Miss Kitty for 19 years. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? As the seasons went on, and the show became more popular, the actor renegotiated his contract. Actor Dennis Weaver portrayed Chester on CBS's Western drama "Gunsmoke" for a few seasons. It does not store any personal data. She passed away on August 16, 1989, at Mercy General Hospital at age 60. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? [8] She married Jason Seymour Day Jr. in 1964 and divorced him in 1967. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Dennis Weaver Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. By this time, Gunsmoke had won numerous awards, and Arness new contract reflected that. Blake were married. He appeared in different several films and on television. It is spread most often through sexual contact, needles or syringes shared by drug abusers, infected blood or blood products, and from pregnant women to their offspring. Amanda returned to play Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, a TV movie that ran in 1985. They married in April 1984, and divorced a short time later. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. After she declined, it was all Blake. The Glass Slipper. Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty on the show, said it became a natural part of Arness's life to defend Matt Dillon. The sassy owner of Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City was played by actress Amanda Blake, a woman who would forever make her mark not only in the western genre of television but also in society through her passionate work as an animal rights activist. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. She was ready to give CBS President William Paley. They were some of the first to breed cheetahs successfully in captivity; they raised seven generations of cheetahs. ), Amanda As one of the most beautiful actresses of her time, it's only natural that she got attention for her attractive outfits. What was the last episode of Gunsmoke with Dennis Weaver? Blake sure earned a lot of clams working on the show. was contested by members of Blake's family. In 1987, CBS aired the reunion TV movie - Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Scarlet Angel. Where is Dodge City from Gunsmoke? A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Miss Robin Crusoe. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/factsverse?sub_confirmation=1 Or, watch more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkXAntdjbcSKgHx6EQVOwNKVz1cR2hKVAmanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty, is one of the most memorable characters on the show. While she was working in the show "Gunsmoke", Blake had a recurring routine in the live "The Red Skelton Show", and was also a frequent TV panelist in the long running "Hollywood Squares". But Jim would never hear of it, Blake said, according to an interview in TV Guide from 1979. Marshall Trimble is Arizonas official historian and vice president of the Wild West History Association. She appeared in 425 episodes before wrapping up the show. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Roger Ewing was born on January 2, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA. "Technically she died of liver failure brought on by viral hepatitis, which was AIDS-related., The official cause of Amanda Blake's death, as reported by KXRB, was "cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and CMV hepatitis, which is AIDS-related. The popular Western series "Gunsmoke" was no stranger to some pretty amazing guest stars over the years. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. [14], Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, "7 things you never knew about the great Amanda Blake of Gunsmoke", "Amanda Blake's Lion Upsets 'Gunsmoke' Set", "AMANDA BLAKE, 60, WHO PLAYED MISS KITTY ON LONG-RUNNING 'GUNSMOKE' SERIES, DIES", The Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge, "Friendsand Her Doctorsay AIDS, Not Cancer, Killed Gunsmoke's Amanda Blake", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Amanda_Blake&oldid=1142422633, Game show: one week/5 episodes with husband Frank, Episode: "Nouveau Gypsies", (final appearance), This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 08:24. Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. What ever happened to Chester on Gunsmoke? Amanda was a natural redhead with lotsa freckles. Director Bill Conrad (center, with his back to the camera) walks the cast through a script. I cant wait to install and define these curls! James Arness was a popular American actor who was best known for playing the role of Marshal Matt Dillon for 20 years in the TV series Gunsmoke.. Kitty Left For A Strange Reason Sadly though, at the age of 74, Strange passed away from lung cancer, just two years before the show came to an end. She passed away on August 16, 1989, at Mercy General Hospital at age 60. Catherine Moore Kate" Barry (17521823), one of Amanda's ancestors, was a heroine of the American Revolutionary War. Little did she know, the role would have guaranteed her at least two decades of work. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series. Although there were a ton of actors wanting the role, the show really wanted Arness. James Arness Protective Over 'Gunsmoke' Role. "The Killer" aired as episode 28. Click HERE for Her death was revealed to be due to Image: The Everett Collection M*A*S*H favorite Harry Morgan pops in for a guest roll in a later episode, giving him time to kick back with Arness on the porch. The Crew Just Kept Staring at This Outfit Amanda Wore on Gunsmoke - Look Closer Facts Verse 9.03M subscribers Join Subscribe 9.8K Share 1.8M views 2 years ago Gunsmoke started as a radio show. Amanda Blake reads a letter, perhaps a piece of fan mail. Then Blake decided it was time to go. The show last one more season on CBS, then was canceled. Doctor Galen Adams was Dodge Citys firm-handed, elderly physician. CMV or cytomegalo virus hepatitis is AIDS-related, said Nishimura, who treated Blake during the year before her death and signed her death certificate. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. In 1985, she helped finance the start-up of the Performing Animal Welfare Society and devoted a great deal of time and money[clarification needed] in support of its efforts, including travels to Africa. You are not in the Universe. He had been on the show since the beginning. Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode) leans on a lamppost with Blake on set. Little to no shedding straight out the packaging, no smell, true to length, and very soft and silky. Since pasteurization was not invented yet, a cowboy had to take his beer warm and drink it quick. It seems only fitting that she would kick off her career in the Wild West, which is how she'll always be remembered. Heck, there was no pre-emptive warning that the show was being pulled from CBSs lineup. The lanky Mr. Weavers two most famous roles were as Marshal Matt Dillons trusty partner Chester Goode/Proudfoot on the CBS western Gunsmoke and as Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud on the NBC police drama McCloud. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. No Two Snowflakes Are Alike: Translation As Metaphor, He had been on the show since the beginning. September 23, 2014 1:49 AM. Once a two-pack-a-day smoker, Blake had undergone surgery for oral cancer in 1977 and afterward made appearances throughout the country on behalf of the American Cancer Society. Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell in the GUNSMOKE episode, "Circus Trick." Image dated June 8, 1964. . By this time, Gunsmoke had won numerous awards, and Arness' new contract reflected that. Arness initially made $ 1,200 per episode, but after the series won Emmys and climbed the charts, he again traded $ 20,000 per episode and said flatout, no pressure! She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more 'Kitty-like', and continued to wear them in the series. Arness passed away in 2011. Blake was a heavy cigarette smoker and had surgery for oral cancer in 1977. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Miss Blake, a resident of Sacramento, was a longtime activist for animal protection. Because of her continuing role on television, Blake rarely had time for films. What season of Gunsmoke did Chester leave? His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. After he left Gunsmoke, he played in two movies: as Donald Maxwell in the western Smith (1969) starring Glenn Ford and as Nelson in Play It As It Lays (1972) starring Tuesday Weld and Anthony Perkins. The hair is gorgeous, irreproachable quality, very fast delivery. Then from 1957 to 1963, she played the role of Ruby in 'The Red Skelton Show . Having shared a 2-year married life, the two divorced in 1956. Did Miss Kitty and Matt ever get together? A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Because of her continuing role on television, Blake rarely had time for films. Her name was changed to Amanda Blake, which. Milton Hershey School For Troubled Youth, Gunsmoke Final Share Watch on What was the last episode of Gunsmoke for Chester? Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. This stuff was raw and made right in the camp or town. Blake felt like it was home to her on the days when she was not needed. Amanda was known to be a very heavy cigarette smoker and she unfortunately fell ill in 1977. While she wasnt portraying the fabulous Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke, Amanda Blake was instead helping real-life animals. Fans loved watching the relationship unfold between Marshal Matt Dillon. This was, primarily, due to the fact that she had been living in . Blake, who portrayed the saloon owner in CBS's popular western TV series, left one season before the show ended. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Read More:'Gunsmoke' Co-Star Ken Curtis Also Found Success in Western Films, Country Music. Blake, who portrayed the saloon owner in CBS's popular western TV series, left one season before the show ended. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Remember, though, when "Gunsmoke" was on TV. False Amanda Blake in 1954 According to Amanda Blake, the social interaction among the Gunsmoke caste stopped when the show did. 32 Should arneis be chilled?. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? He had been on the show since the . Sadly, this might also be part of the reason why Miss Kitty left Gunsmoke. She continued to wear a wig throughout the series until the final season when Kitty gets a new hairdo after accidentally setting her hair on fire. President Ronald Reagan is flanked by Blake and Garland Murphy of the American Cancer Institute, during a White House ceremony in 1984. In 1985, she helped finance the start-up of the Performing Animal Welfare Society and devoted a great deal of time and money[clarification needed] in support of its efforts, including travels to Africa. Blake subsequently quit the popular television show, which was then in its 19th season. Spaeth died of the disease one year after he and All I use is water and little curl cream and the curls pop and look wet all day long. the air up there i will consider it for eternity; is pencil lead a pure substance. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Arness sits with his wife, Virginia Arness, 23, in 1958. Before making it on screen, though, the redhead was able to perfect her acting chops on the stage, which is where she was discovered by major Hollywood studio MGM. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? In 1954, she appeared in A Star Is Born. Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell and Milburn Stone as Doc Adams and in GUNSMOKE. All Rights Reserved. Blake left Gunsmoke in 1974. His last episode, titled Bently, saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. Blakes fifth husband, Mark Spaeth, an Austin, Texas, city councilman and developer, died of pneumonia in 1985 at age 45. "After about the first five years, Jim got very protective about Matt Dillon's image. She won two. Although James Arness was hesitant about taking on the Gunsmoke role, luckily he had John Wayne to help talk him into it. She did have a few film projects before committing to the show, including "High Society" and "The Boost". New York, She continued to wear a wig throughout the series until the final season when Kitty gets a new hairdo after accidentally setting her hair on fire. [citation needed] Blake married Frank Gilbert in 1967 and divorced him in 1982. Westchester Medical Center Revenue, She starred in All About Eve, Dark Victory, Now, Voyager, and What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? amongst many other landmark roles. Its a large freckle that was enhanced with makeup. Blake said in 1987 ``I see Jim about once a year and However, it remains one of televisions most beloved shows, seen in syndication around the world. Additionally, she was also an animal welfare activist. (Arness would later say that Matts only onscreen kiss was in that episode, Matts Love Story, but Kitty did in fact kiss him once.). Blake, who portrayed the saloon owner in CBSs popular western TV series, left one season before the show ended. did amanda blake wear a wig on gunsmoke. Most Professional Golf Wins Worldwide, Click HERE for [11], Blake joined with others in 1971 to form the Arizona Animal Welfare League, today the oldest and largest "no-kill" animal shelter in the state. True to length, very soft, pre plucked, I can not wait to install it! opposite Dennis Morgan. After 19 years of doing that commute, she decided enough was enough. Chiner; Carte cadeau; Le blog; what do police say when arresting someone Once she knew she had it, she decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, a close friend of Amanda. [citation needed] Blake married Frank Gilbert in 1967 and divorced him in 1982. Doc, Dillon and Kitty visit the real Dodge City in Kansas in 1958. Blake Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Sunny Side of the Street. The television series of Gunsmoke ran from 1955 to 1975 and is said to be one of the longest running prime-time shows on television. Miss Kitty was long the fan-favorite on Gunsmoke. By this time, Gunsmoke had won numerous awards, and Arness new contract reflected that. did amanda blake wear a wig on gunsmoke did amanda blake wear a wig on gunsmoke. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. How long was Doc Adams gone from Gunsmoke? a photo. From Bruce Dern to Harrison Ford to Wiliam Shatner to Adam West to Cloris Leachman to Dennis Hopper, the Western town had a lot of visitors to keep things interesting in the shows 20 years on the air. The reason I got away from Gunsmoke was that I wanted to leave the second banana role, Weaver said to the Toronto newspaper. She was ready to give CBS President William Paley a piece of her mind. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Gunsmoke lasted a remarkable perhaps untouchable, at least when it comes to hourlong dramas 20 seasons. The lanky Mr. Weavers two most famous roles were as Marshal Matt Dillons trusty partner Chester Goode/Proudfoot on the CBS western Gunsmoke and as Deputy Marshal Sam McCloud on the NBC police drama McCloud. 25 cents to 50 cents for unaged basic whiskey from corn or rye, often made nearby or in the saloon itself like the beer often was. After Blake died Aug. 16 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, a statement composed by the hospital and the actress friends reported her death as the result of her long battle with cancer. Did Amanda Blake wear a wig on Gunsmoke? Distractify is a registered trademark. Gunsmoke Cast List Amanda Blake Gunsmoke, The Edge of Night Amanda Blake (February 20, 1929 August 16, 1989) was an American actress best known for the role of the red-haired saloon Andrew Prine V, V Andrew Lewis Prine (born February 14, 1936) is an American film, stage, and television actor. She played the character of Miss Kitty for 19 years before leaving the show in 1974. No, Milburn, unfortunately, passed away 40 years ago. She is the first person to get 10 different Academy Award nominations during her career. He appeared in 36 episodes of Gunsmoke from 1965 to 1967. Later, after a Gunsmoke reunion film, she made two feature-film appearances: in The Boost, a drug-addiction drama starring James Woods and Sean Young, and B.O.R.N, both in 1988. There were 635 episodes and many of the outdoor scenes for this show were shot in Johnson Canyon near Kanab, Utah. Amanda was a natural redhead with lotsa freckles. Sabre Jet. The hair is really soft and tangle free. did amanda blake wear a wig on gunsmokedream about someone faking their death. She instead devoted more time to her animals. Did'nt realize it was fake until we watched one of the early shows when she is really young. Some of her notable movies are Duchess of Idaho, Miss Robin Crusoe, and A Star Is Born. Buck Taylor, another of Stranges costars on Gunsmoke, named his son Cooper Glenn Taylor in honor of Strange. Amanda Blake was born Beverly Louise Neill in Buffalo, New York,[1] the only child of Jesse and Louise (ne Puckett) Neill. Her father was a banker. Distractify is a registered trademark. During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. This was, primarily, due to the fact that she had been living in Phoenix and was commuting to Los Angeles for filming. Actress, Amanda Blake, wearing jacket she bought after tax cut was annouced. They were some of the first to breed cheetahs successfully in captivity; they raised seven generations of cheetahs. Why so surprising? Spaeth died in 1985. Reports later claimed that her, 'Gunsmoke' Co-Star Ken Curtis Also Found Success in Western Films, Country Music. James Arness would continue to return to the role of Marshal Matt Dillon in subsequent TV movies, all the up until 1994. On June 3, 2011, he died of natural causes. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Gunsmoke Aftermath. PAWS has named a wildlife refuge 2 What season of Gunsmoke did Chester leave? how many inches of rain did lincoln nebraska get; jojo script in japanese; 21 day weather forecast lanzarote puerto del carmen; Her name was changed to Amanda Blake, which does have more of a ring to it than Beverly Neill. During the early years of the series, Arness made $1,200 each episode filmed. In 1968, Blake was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. 1 What was Chester Goode last episode on Gunsmoke? Amanda Blake made the character into everything that made her popular. LIKE thats it thats all ! I cant wait to install and define these curls! [5], Blake became best known for her 19-year stint as the saloon-keeper Miss Kitty on the television series Gunsmoke from 1955 to 1974. (Arness would later say that Matts only onscreen kiss was in that episode, Matts Love Story, but Kitty did in fact kiss him once.). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Blake did have throat cancer, but that wasnt the reason that she died, said Dr. Lou Nishimura, a Sacramento internist. The first season of the show, Kittys hair was Debra Jo Rupps own hair but after excessive hair damage she asked producers for a wig.