The Shocking Mystery Behind Glenn Strange's Unexpected Departure from Gunsmoke Revealed

Summary

Gunsmoke was one of the longest-running and most beloved TV shows of all time due to its gripping stories and wide appeal.

Glenn Strange's portrayal of Sam Noonan, the bartender in Gunsmoke, was a standout on the show and captivated millions of viewers. Prior to his time on Gunsmoke, Glenn Strange gained recognition for his memorable depiction of Frankenstein's monster in the Universal Monsters cycle, leaving a lasting impression on the iconic character.

Glenn Strange, a veteran character actor, made a significant impact on the popular Western series Gunsmoke. His sudden departure created a void that was never truly filled. Gunsmoke, which began its groundbreaking TV run in 1955, follows the story of Marshall Matt Dillon (James Arness) as he upholds law and order in Dodge City, Kansas, a Wild West town. Pushing the boundaries of what was achievable on television during that time, Gunsmoke capitalized on the Western genre's popularity while also elevating the reputation of the growing TV medium. Over its 20-season run, the series boasted an ensemble cast that included numerous future stars.

Aside from being one of the longest-running TV shows in history, Gunsmoke is beloved for its captivating stories and timeless appeal. Glenn Strange joined the show a few years later, making his mark by portraying the bartender character Sam Noonan until 1973. Despite being a supporting role, Strange's exceptional performance often stood out as the highlight of the episodes, endearing him to millions of viewers as he engaged in witty banter with Kitty (Amanda Blake) and Marshall Dillon. Although Gunsmoke continued for a brief period after his departure, it never quite recaptured the same essence without Glenn Strange.

Glenn Strange Left Gunsmoke Because Of His Declining Health

Glenn Strange Was Best Known For His Role As Frankenstein's Monster

Glenn Strange's departure from Gunsmoke in 1972 was a result of his lung cancer diagnosis, after having appeared in over 200 episodes of the show. Known for portraying villainous characters, Strange took on the role of Sam Noonan, a lovable bartender, which offered a refreshing change for the actor who had been somewhat typecast. Despite his diagnosis, Strange continued to act as much as he could. Even after his death on September 20, 1973, fans were fortunate to have five additional episodes featuring the beloved bartender, which had been filmed prior to his retirement. Ultimately, Strange's final appearance on Gunsmoke was in season 19, episode 11, titled "The Hanging of Newly O'Brien," more than a year after his passing.

Glenn Strange gained great popularity when he portrayed Sam Noonan on Gunsmoke, but it was his portrayal of Frankenstein's monster for Universal Studios that truly propelled him to stardom. While Boris Karloff originally brought the character to life in the 1931 film Frankenstein, he chose to move on after participating in three movies with extensive makeup. Lon Chaney Jr. briefly took on the role for one film before it was then offered to Bela Lugosi, who had initially declined the opportunity. Eventually, Glenn Strange was selected to portray the monster in House of Frankenstein in 1944, and he reprised the role two more times thereafter.

In both House of Dracula (1945) and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948), Strange left a distinct mark on the character, with his notable mole and low eyebrows. Strangely, despite being the least renowned actor to portray the role in the original Universal Monsters series, his likeness appeared on the majority of Universal Monsters merchandise for many years. Such was Strange's association with the role prior to his appearance in Gunsmoke that, as per Gregory William Mank's book Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff: The Expanded Story of a Haunting Collaboration, Boris Karloff's obituary in The New York Times mistakenly featured a photograph of Strange in his monster portrayal.