Gunsmoke’s James Arness Claimed to Outearn John Wayne – But Did He?
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A decades-old claim by “Gunsmoke” star James Arness that he amassed more wealth than screen icon John Wayne has long captivated fans of the Western genre. While Wayne embodied the rugged individualism of the silver screen, Arness, as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, enjoyed a remarkable 20-year run on one of television’s most enduring hits – and potentially, a larger fortune.
The Legend of Wayne Turning Down ‘Gunsmoke’
Rumors persisted that John Wayne was initially offered the lead role in “Gunsmoke” but declined. However, this narrative may be more folklore than fact. Before television’s “golden age,” the small screen was often viewed as a less prestigious platform for actors. As Norman Macdonnell, co-creator of the original “Gunsmoke” radio show, explained in 1975, “Wayne was a big movie star and wouldn’t have considered TV for a minute.”
Arness, however, offered a different recollection. He asserted that Wayne turned down the role and actively recommended him for it. A 1970 TV Guide article seemingly supported this account, with Wayne stating, “I always knew ‘Gunsmoke’ was a good thing. Almost did it m’self. Offered me the world. But I was busy so I gave ‘em a young fellow I had under contract named Jim Arness.” If true, the Duke passed on a project that could have potentially eclipsed his film earnings – at least according to Arness.
Arness’s Ownership Stake in ‘Gunsmoke’
A key factor in Arness’s potential financial success was his ownership of production companies involved in “Gunsmoke.” Between 1959 and 1964, alongside CBS and Filmaster Productions, Arness’s companies – Arness Production Company and Arness and Company – produced the show, granting him a significant stake in the property. A signed contract between Burt Reynolds and the Arness Production Company recently sold at auction for nearly $3,000, underscoring the value of this arrangement.
Reynolds himself joined “Gunsmoke” in its seventh season as Dodge City blacksmith Quint Asper, replacing Dennis Weaver. He recalled asking Arness if he ever regretted taking the lead role, to which Arness reportedly responded, “I own the company that does this show, and in the seven years it’s been on the air, I’ve sold it to CBS, bought it back, sold it and bought it back again, and I’ve made more money than Duke has in his entire motion picture career.”
Wayne’s Wealth and the Reality of the Claim
Prior to “Gunsmoke,” Wayne and Arness forged a friendship and professional relationship, appearing together in films like “Big Jim McLain” (1952), “Hondo,” “Island in the Sky,” and “The Sea Chase.” Wayne even recommended Arness to CBS head William Paley. Wayne made a cameo appearance before the first episode of “Gunsmoke,” offering his endorsement, stating, “No, I’m not in it…I wish I were though, ‘cuz it’s the best thing of its kind that’s come along.”
While Arness undoubtedly benefited from his production stake, and a 1970 TV Guide article estimated his earnings at $30 million by that point, Wayne was also a savvy businessman with investments outside of acting. According to a 1979 New York Times report, Wayne commanded fees of up to $666,000 per film. Furthermore, the Los Angeles Times reported in April 1969 that Wayne’s salary “for the last several years” had been $1 million plus a share of gross profits. Considering Wayne starred in over 200 movies, and factoring in his profit participation, it’s probable that the Duke’s total earnings surpassed Arness’s “Gunsmoke” income by a considerable margin.
Ultimately, while James Arness enjoyed significant financial success through his role in “Gunsmoke” and his ownership stake in the production, the claim that he outearned John Wayne remains largely unsubstantiated.
