Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty, Amanda Blake, Had A Recurring Role On A Daytime Soap Opera

Amanda Blake, best known for her role as Miss Kitty in the classic TV series "Gunsmoke," had another recurring role in the daytime soap opera "The Edge of Night." Miss Kitty, portrayed as a red-haired and razor-witted owner of the Long Branch Saloon, was a key character in Dodge City. However, Blake's career extended beyond "Gunsmoke" as she also appeared in 10 episodes of "The Edge of Night" nearly a decade after the popular show ended.

"The Edge of Night," which originally aired on CBS in 1956 and later moved to ABC in 1975, was considered one of the best daytime soap operas of all time. Blake's role as Dr. Julianna Stanhower was a departure from her usual portrayal of a saloon owner. As a psychiatrist on the soap opera, she played a medical professional and former professor, a stark contrast to her previous role as Miss Kitty.

Blake's transition from "Gunsmoke" to "The Edge of Night" wasn't without its challenges. In 1984, she spoke candidly about her struggles in the acting industry following a cancer diagnosis just a year after "Gunsmoke" concluded. She expressed concerns about being dropped from shows due to her cancer, fearing she might not be considered "alive" by her colleagues. Despite her remission, Blake hoped that the limited role in "The Edge of Night" would serve as a career comeback. Unfortunately, she passed away in 1989.