Did you know that Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke had a life as captivating as her on-screen persona?
Amanda Blake's journey was one of Hollywood glamour, personal trials, and a surprising passion for wildlife conservation, making her far more than just a beloved actress.Born Beverly Louise Neill on February 20, 1929, in Buffalo, New York, Amanda Blake's path to stardom began far from the dusty streets of Dodge City. The only child of Jesse and Louise (ne Puckett) Neill, her father was a banker, instilling in her a sense of stability that would later contrast with the tumultuous nature of her personal life. Her heritage was a blend of English and Scottish roots. The family relocated to Claremont, California, while Amanda was in high school, where she graduated from Claremont High. She enrolled at Pomona College, but her burgeoning interest in acting soon overshadowed her academic pursuits. Her commitment to community and theater productions consumed her time, signaling the dawn of her career as Amanda Blake.
| Category | Information |
|---|
| Real Name | Beverly Louise Neill |
| Birth Date | February 20, 1929 |
| Birth Place | Buffalo, New York, USA |
| Death Date | August 16, 1989 |
| Death Place | Sacramento, California, USA |
| Age at Death | 60 |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Known For | Role of Miss Kitty Russell on "Gunsmoke" |
| Parents | Jesse Neill (Father, Banker), Louise (ne Puckett) Neill (Mother) |
| Marriages | Jack Shea (Married), Don Whitman (August 22, 1954 - August 21, 1956), Jason Seymour Day Jr. (August 15, 1964 - June 28, 1967), Frank Gilbert (June 30, 1967 - 1982), Mark Edward Spaeth (1984 - 1985, his death) |
| Children | None |
| Other Notable Activities | Cheetah Breeding Program, Animal Welfare Activism |
| Reference | Amanda Blake IMDB Profile |
Amanda Blake's career took off with her prolific work on "Gunsmoke," where she embodied the iconic Miss Kitty Russell, the red-haired saloon proprietress who commanded respect and radiated warmth. This role cemented her status as one of Hollywood's earliest television stars. Her performance wasn't just acting; it was a portrayal of strength and independence that resonated with audiences across the nation. Beyond "Gunsmoke," Blake also graced the screens in other movies and TV shows, including "Edge of Night," "Brothers," and "The New Dragnet," showcasing her versatility as an actress.However, Blake's life beyond the camera lens was just as intriguing, marked by a series of marriages that captured the public's attention. She married a total of four times, each relationship adding a new chapter to her personal narrative. Her first marriage was to Don Whitman on August 22, 1954, which ended on August 21, 1956. Following that, she married Jason Seymour Day Jr. on August 15, 1964. This union lasted until June 28, 1967.Just three days after her divorce from Day, on June 30, 1967, Blake married Frank Gilbert. Gilbert, a famous producer and writer known for his work in the films "Buffalo Bill Rides Again" (1947) and "Lighthouse" (1947), as well as the TV series "Tattletales" (1974), became a significant figure in her life. Their marriage, though ultimately ending in divorce in 1982, was her longest, lasting fifteen years. This period was not only defined by their personal connection but also by their shared passion for animal welfare. In 1984, she married Mark Edward Spaeth, but their time together was tragically cut short by his passing in 1985.It was during her marriage to Frank Gilbert that Amanda Blake embarked on a unique venture: breeding cheetahs in captivity. Together, they ran one of the first successful programs of its kind. Their home in Phoenix, Arizona, became an animal compound, complete with tropical bird aviaries and long runs for cheetahs and other large cats. The couple's experimental breeding program resulted in raising seven successive generations of cheetahs. They were among the first to successfully breed these magnificent creatures in captivity, eventually selling them to American zoos, contributing significantly to the conservation efforts of the time.The story of Amanda Blake and Frank Gilbert's cheetah breeding program is a testament to their dedication and love for animals. Kemo, one of their cheetahs, lived in their animal compound, becoming a part of their family. Their efforts were groundbreaking, demonstrating that with the right care and environment, even endangered species could thrive under human care.After "Gunsmoke" ended, Amanda Blake devoted much of her time to the care of animals. In 1971, she joined with others to form the Arizona Animal Welfare League, which has since become a prominent organization in the state. Her commitment to animal welfare extended beyond cheetahs, as evidenced by her hosting the first annual Sato Mutt Show in 1976.Despite her declining health, Amanda Blake remained active in her various pursuits. She divorced Frank Gilbert in 1982 and married Mark Spaeth in 1984. Her longest marriage, to Frank Gilbert, lasted fourteen years and left a lasting impact on her life and the world of animal conservation. That same year she married her fourth husband Frank Gilbert.There is some discrepancy in the records regarding the number of times Amanda Blake was married, with some sources stating she was married five times in real life. However, the commonly accepted number is four, with Frank Gilbert being her third husband.Amanda Blake passed away on August 16, 1989, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 60. Her legacy, however, lives on through her iconic role as Miss Kitty Russell and her pioneering work in animal conservation. She left behind no children.Amanda Blake's life was a tapestry of personal and professional experiences, marked by both triumphs and tribulations. From her early life in Buffalo, New York, to her rise as a Hollywood star and her dedication to animal welfare, she left an indelible mark on the world. Her relationship with Frank Gilbert, in particular, stands out as a testament to her passion for animals and her commitment to making a difference. Their work in breeding cheetahs in captivity was not only groundbreaking but also a reflection of their shared values and their desire to contribute to the preservation of these magnificent creatures.The former home of Amanda Blake and Frank Gilbert in Arizona remains a reminder of their unique lifestyle and their dedication to animal welfare. The property, once filled with tropical bird aviaries and long runs for cheetahs, is a symbol of their shared passion and their commitment to making a difference in the world. It was in Arizona with her third husband Frank Gilbert that Blake started an experimental breeding program for cheetahs, and successfully raised seven generations of the beautiful, but endangered animals.Amanda Blake's story is a reminder that even those who achieve fame and success can find fulfillment in pursuing their passions and making a positive impact on the world. Her legacy as Miss Kitty Russell will forever be etched in the annals of television history, but her contributions to animal welfare, particularly her work with cheetahs, will continue to inspire generations to come. In 1988, Amanda Blake and Pat Derby attended a PAWS award event, further highlighting her commitment to animal rights.Amanda Blake and Jason Day married in 1964 and divorced two years later. Amanda Blake and Frank Gilbert married in 1967 and divorced in 1982. Their marriage lasted for 14 years. They dated for two months after getting together in April 1967 and married on June 30, 1967. They divorced 14 years later, in 1982. Despite declining health, Amanda Blake remained active. She divorced Frank Gilbert in 1982 and married her fourth husband, Mark Spaeth, in 1984. She also appeared in movies and TV shows, including "Edge of Night," "Brothers," and "The New Dragnet." Amanda Blake was married to Jack Shea for one year, Don Whitman for two years, Jason Day for three years, Frank Gilbert for 15 years, and Mark Spaeth for one year. Their longest marriage was 15 years to Frank Gilbert. Amanda Blake was born Beverly Louise Neill in Buffalo, New York, on February 20, 1929. They would then send their cheetahs to zoos. Blake and her third husband, Frank Gilbert, began experimental cheetah breeding on their property and ended up raising seven successive generations.Amanda Blake, also known as Beverly Louise Neill, passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
