One of the reasons many of the later shows focused so much on the supporting cast was due to James Arness' arthritis. From what I have read he was really suffering in his later years. If you've ever watched any of the follow-up movies you can tell he's having a hard time getting around. Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty, born Beverly Louise Neill, 2/20/29,) died in 1989 (age 60) of liver failure caused by viral hepatitis. She was a heavy smoker and once had surgery for oral cancer. Arness was 6 years older than Miss Kitty but outlived her by several years. He was a Bronze Star and Purple Heart veteran of WWII. Was a member of the force that landed at Anzio. His younger brother was Peter Graves (Mission: Impossible). Arness died in 2011 (age 88).