Amanda Blake was born on February 20, 1929, in Buffalo, New York—a city that marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. While she had acted before, it was her iconic portrayal of Miss Kitty on the long-running CBS series Gunsmoke (1955–1974) that truly made Amanda Blake a household name. Her performance as the strong-willed saloon owner captured the hearts of audiences for nearly two decades. Over the years, Amanda Blake returned to the role with grace and familiarity, even reprising Miss Kitty in the 1987 television movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, which brought back fond memories for longtime fans.
Between her time on Gunsmoke, Amanda Blake stayed active in the entertainment industry, making memorable appearances on a variety of popular shows. She appeared on The Edge of Night (ABC, 1955–1985), added flair to productions like The Best Little Special in Texas, and shared the screen on The Red Skelton Show, which aired across multiple networks from the early 1950s into the 1970s. She also delivered a standout performance in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, a series that ran on CBS and NBC from 1955 to 1965—another testament to Amanda Blake’s versatility and enduring appeal.
In addition to her television success, Amanda Blake built an impressive film resume. Notable among her movie roles were appearances in High Society (1955), the dramatic The Boost (1988), and the action-packed B.O.R.N. (1989). These roles showcased her range as an actress beyond the Western frontier she was so closely associated with.
Off-screen, Amanda Blake was admired not only for her talent but also for her strength. In 1984, she was honored with the American Cancer Society’s Courage Award—an acknowledgment of her personal battle and resilience. Sadly, Amanda Blake passed away on August 16, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 60. Her legacy, however, lives on through her work and the lasting impression she left on fans around the world. Amanda Blake remains a beloved figure in American television history.
When it comes to Amanda Blake’s most acclaimed work, the standout has got to be A Star Is Born from 1954—it really shines as her highest rated film. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised Amanda Blake’s performance in that movie, making it a clear favorite in her career. On the other hand, if we look at the lower end of the spectrum, The Boost (1988) tends to receive much less favorable reviews, marking it as the lowest rated among Amanda Blake’s filmography. While Amanda Blake has been part of various projects, these two titles represent the highs and lows in terms of critical reception. It’s interesting how Amanda Blake’s roles span such a range in quality and impact, but that’s just part of what makes her body of work so compelling to explore.