RIP Dennis Weaver

[Gentle Giant]

I really liked Dennis Weaver's voice and mannerisms. He made McCloud one of the most fun-to-watch cop shows.

My favorite role of his was in a Twilight Zone episode called Shadow Play, which is also my favorite Zone episode. He plays a guy having the same dream every night. What makes it worse is that he gets zapped in the electric chair at the end of each dream. What makes it interesting is that he tries to convince the people in his dream that their whole reality IS a dream, and that if they kill him, they all disappear. As the show goes on, you're not quite sure what's real, and what's not.

RIP


'Gunsmoke' actor Dennis Weaver dies
By Bob Thomas, Associated Press Writer | February 27, 2006

LOS ANGELES --Dennis Weaver, the slow-witted deputy Chester Goode in the TV classic western "Gunsmoke" and the New Mexico deputy solving New York crime in "McCloud," has died. The actor was 81.

Weaver died of complications from cancer Friday at his home in Ridgway, in southwestern Colorado, his publicist Julian Myers said.

Weaver was a struggling actor in Hollywood in 1955, earning $60 a week delivering flowers when he was offered $300 a week for a role in a new CBS television series, "Gunsmoke." By the end of his nine years with "Gunsmoke," he was earning $9,000 a week.

When Weaver first auditioned for the series, he found the character of Chester "inane." He wrote in his 2001 autobiography, "All the World's a Stage," that he said to himself: "With all my Actors Studio training, I'll correct this character by using my own experiences and drawing from myself."

The result was a well-rounded character that appealed to audiences, especially with his drawling, "Mis-ter Dil-lon."

At the end of seven hit seasons, Weaver sought other horizons. He announced his departure, but the failures of pilots for his own series caused him to return to "Gunsmoke" on a limited basis for two more years. The role brought him an Emmy in the 1958-59 season.

In 1966, Weaver starred with a 600-pound black bear in "Gentle Ben," about a family that adopts a bear as a pet. The series was well-received, but after two seasons, CBS decided it needed more adult entertainment and cancelled it.

Next came the character Sam McCloud, which Weaver called "the most satisfying role of my career."

The "McCloud" series, 1970-1977, juxtaposed a no-nonsense lawman from Taos, N.M., onto the crime-ridden streets of New York City. His wild-west tactics, such as riding his horse through Manhattan traffic, drove local policemen crazy, but he always solved the case.

He appeared in several movies, including "Touch of Evil," "Ten Wanted Men," "Gentle Giant," "Seven Angry Men," "Dragnet," "Way ... Way Out" and "The Bridges at Toko-Ri."

Weaver also was an activist for protecting the environment and combating world hunger.

He served as president of Love Is Feeding Everyone (LIFE), which fed 150,000 needy people a week in Los Angeles County. He founded the Institute of Ecolonomics, which sought solutions to economic and environmental problems. He spoke at the United Nations and Congress, as well as to college students and school children about fighting pollution and starvation.

"Earthship" was the most visible of Weaver's crusades. He and his wife Gerry built a solar-powered Colorado home out of recycled tires and cans. The thick walls helped keep the inside temperature even year around.

"When the garbage man comes," Jay Leno once quipped, "how does he know where the garbage begins and the house ends?"

Weaver responded: "If we get into the mindset of saving rather than wasting and utilizing other materials, we can save the Earth."

The tall, slender actor came by his Midwestern twang naturally. He was born June 4, 1924, in Joplin, Mo., where he excelled in high school drama and athletics. After Navy service in World War II, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and qualified for the Olympic decathlon.

He studied at the Actors Studio in New York and appeared in "A Streetcar Named Desire" opposite Shelley Winters and toured in "Come Back, Little Sheba" with Shirley Booth.

Universal Studio signed Weaver to a contract in 1952 but found little work for him. He freelanced in features and television until he landed "Gunsmoke."

Weaver appeared in dozens of TV movies, the most notable being the 1971 "Duel." It was a bravura performance for both fledgling director Steven Spielberg and Weaver, who played a driver menaced by a large truck that followed him down a mountain road. The film was released in theaters in 1983, after Spielberg had become director of huge moneymakers.

Weaver's other TV series include "Kentucky Jones," "Emerald Point N.A.S.," "Stone" and "Buck James." From 1973 to 1975, he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.

Weaver is survived by his wife; sons Rick, Robby and Rusty; and three grandchildren.

[Scott Dolan]

JC's own grim reaper strikes again.

I'm just impressed that I beat you to the punch about Don Knotts.

[Chris D]

I hope Tim Conway has had a checkup recently. How's Harvey Corman? Is Andy Griffith in the pink?

[Gentle Giant]

Originally Posted by Scott Dolan

JC's own grim reaper strikes again.

I'm just impressed that I beat you to the punch about Don Knotts.

I actually find it quite reassuring when I hear about a celebrity death that matters to me and someone else has already started a thread. Sometimes I just feel I have to share such news with people who will understand. I know if I called my wife and said Dennis Weaver died, she's be like, "Who?" Similarly, Don Knotts' passing merited little more than a matter-of-fact "Hmm."

I much prefer having virtual wakes with you guys!

[Valerie]

very sad news, indeed. he was such a lovely man and was involved in so many humane causes. his son, rick, studied piano with my ex-husband in the '70s.

[Squaredancecalling Steve]

Good movie!!

[cookie]

I have always loved Dennis Weaver and have been watching old Gunsmokes recently. I remember that series and Gentle Ben well from childhood.

But I have to say that I have been most impressed with his activism. Not only did he entertain millions with his acting, he actually helped many people who needed more than entertainment.

RIP Dennis Weaver.

[Doc Martin]

My love of animals started in the 60’s from watching television. Some of my favorites were:
Mutual of Omaha’s Wildlife Kingdom (remember Marlin Perkins?)
The wonderful Ivan Tors’ programs:
Sea Hunt
Flipper
DAKTARI (featuring Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion) Dr. Marsh Tracy was role model of a young Doc Martin

And of course there was Gentle Ben, starring Dennis Weaver as Tom Wedloe, everyone’s favorite Florida Everglades game warden. Dennis’ character, Tom became another role model of mine (Hunter Thompson would eventually replace him). Tell me, what kid the 60’s didn’t want to ride around the Everglades in one of those big fan/air boats?
In the show Tom’s (Dennis Weaver) son, Mark was played by Ron Howard’s brother (from another planet) Clint Howard.

Fast forward to: the mid-eighties, backstage at a Lou Reed show, I met Clint and (over a joint) told of him of the influence the show had on me. Clint was very gracious about the whole thing and, told me he was still in touch with Dennis, and also told me of Dennis' philanthropic work with L.I.F.E. (Love Is Feeding Everyone), and the Institute of Ecolonomics. WOW, Dennis was a hippie. After the show I gave Clint my business card, and we went out separate ways.

Eight months or so later I received a hand written letter and autographed Gentle Ben glossy from Dennis Weaver! In the letter (which I still have) he told me that Clint related a story to him of meeting a tree hugging hippie, who told him how Gentle Ben was one of the influences of him becoming a Veterinarian, and how happy he was to hear that. The autographed picture of Dennis and Gentle Ben hangs in my study. What a guy, eh?

[hornplayer]

Originally Posted by Chris D

I hope Tim Conway has had a checkup recently. How's Harvey Corman? Is Andy Griffith in the pink?

You beat me to the punch, Chris. Just thinking the same thing.

and Ed Asner, Carol Burnett, Mary Tyler Moore.....

so many of the old timers seem to be checking out on the same plane....

Thanks for the memories!

[Ron Thorne]

Enough, already! This is far too many deaths in a short span of time.

I always appreciated Dennis Weaver's work, both as an actor and activist. A gentle man, indeed.

R.I.P., Dennis Weaver~

[jesus marion joseph]

Originally Posted by Doc Martin

My love of animals started in the 60’s from watching television. Some of my favorites were:
Mutual of Omaha’s Wildlife Kingdom (remember Marlin Perkins?)
The wonderful Ivan Tors’ programs:
Sea Hunt
Flipper
DAKTARI (featuring Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion) Dr. Marsh Tracy was role model of a young Doc Martin

And of course there was Gentle Ben, starring Dennis Weaver as Tom Wedloe, everyone’s favorite Florida Everglades game warden. Dennis’ character, Tom became another role model of mine (Hunter Thompson would eventually replace him). Tell me, what kid the 60’s didn’t want to ride around the Everglades in one of those big fan/air boats?
In the show Tom’s (Dennis Weaver) son, Mark was played by Ron Howard’s brother (from another planet) Clint Howard.

Fast forward to: the mid-eighties, backstage at a Lou Reed show, I met Clint and (over a joint) told of him of the influence the show had on me. Clint was very gracious about the whole thing and, told me he was still in touch with Dennis, and also told me of Dennis' philanthropic work with L.I.F.E. (Love Is Feeding Everyone), and the Institute of Ecolonomics. WOW, Dennis was a hippie. After the show I gave Clint my business card, and we went out separate ways.

Eight months or so later I received a hand written letter and autographed Gentle Ben glossy from Dennis Weaver! In the letter (which I still have) he told me that Clint related a story to him of meeting a tree hugging hippie, who told him how Gentle Ben was one of the influences of him becoming a Veterinarian, and how happy he was to hear that. The autographed picture of Dennis and Gentle Ben hangs in my study. What a guy, eh?

My whole family used to watch Marlin Perkins sipping scotch while his sidekick, Jim, wrestled with a giant anaconda!

Anyway, I knew Dennis was somewhat of a hippie, as I had seen him on some talk show speaking about houses being built out of recycled tires or newspapers or somesuch, but what was really remarkable was that they (the houses) were able to keep a near constant interior temperature. So he said, anyways.

What's up with you and Lou Reed? Is he a part time veterinarian or something?

[moneyp]

Originally Posted by Squaredancecalling Steve

Good movie!!

Yeah, but be honest. Weren't you rooting for the truck?

[Monte Smith]

Good story, Doc. I used to watch GENTLE BEN, too. Loved McCloud also. In recent years, Weaver was a presenter on the cable Westerns channel. He was definitely slowing up a bit, but still a great Hollywood western type. RIP.

[patricia]

Originally Posted by cookie

I have always loved Dennis Weaver and have been watching old Gunsmokes recently. I remember that series and Gentle Ben well from childhood.

But I have to say that I have been most impressed with his activism. Not only did he entertain millions with his acting, he actually helped many people who needed more than entertainment.

RIP Dennis Weaver.

I still remember the first time I saw Dennis Weaver as McCloud when I was a teenager and how I immediately fell in love with him. To me, he was the epitome of the Western gentleman in that series, strong, yet gentle. I just knew that he would protect the weak and the downtrodden.
AND he was so easy on the eyes.

Later on I was impressed by his activism on many fronts and felt that my trust in him all those years ago was well-placed.
RIP Dennis Weaver.

[gonzo]

mc cloud was the show!!very sorry to hear of mr. weavers death. my sympathy goes out to his family and friends .

[stereojack]

My earliest memories of Dennis Weaver are as Chester on Gunsmoke, a great and memorable character. That Twilight Zone episode is a killer, and Duel was certainly one of the best TV movies.

Farewell to an old friend.

[rollhead]

What's Mister Dillon going to do now?

Don Knotts and Dennis Weaver, but I'll survive.

It won't be as hard as when I lost my FIRST TV hero. I am still in mourning over Hoss.

[Gentle Giant]

Originally Posted by stereojack

That Twilight Zone episode is a killer

Amen to that. Seems like we have a lot of similar tastes.

[stonemonkts]

Weaver's turn as the spaced out motel operator in Touch of Evil was memorable (at least as much for his over-acting, as for the disturbing room sequence).

I liked Weaver in Duel, and also in The Night Stalker (as a kid, I ate that vampire shit up).

[patricia]

Originally Posted by stonemonkts

Weaver's turn as the spaced out motel operator in Touch of Evil was memorable (at least as much for his over-acting, as for the disturbing room sequence).

Weaver was in Touch of Evil?? I'll be damned!! I'll have to watch it again.

[stonemonkts]

He sure was.

But I messed up with The Night Stalker (that was Darren McGavin).

[patricia]

Originally Posted by stonemonkts

He sure was.

But I messed up with The Night Stalker (that was Darren McGavin).

Well, stonemonkts, we can't be expected to remember everything.

[Doc Martin]

Originally Posted by jesus marion joseph

My whole family used to watch Marlin Perkins sipping scotch while his sidekick, Jim, wrestled with a giant anaconda!

In his day Marlin Perkins was the zoological Mofo, and was recognized as one of the leading ecologists, naturalists and Scotch drinkers in the world. I always liked how Jim Fowler could wrestle with a giant anaconda while maintaining his comb-over, a tribute to modern babrbering.

Anyway, I knew Dennis was somewhat of a hippie, as I had seen him on some talk show speaking about houses being built out of recycled tires or newspapers or somesuch, but what was really remarkable was that they (the houses) were able to keep a near constant interior temperature. So he said, anyways.

Dennis really cared about the biosphere.

What's up with you and Lou Reed?

My mother was an, on and off member of The Exploding Inevitable, the rest of the story is quite long and not as exciting as it sounds.

Is he a part time veterinarian or something?

Actually, I’m a part time fifty-one year old juvenile delinquent.

[Steve Reynolds]

I love the old Gunsmoke episodes that were shown on the Westerns channel.

They ran the 1961-1966 seasoms twice a day for quite some time. I saw all of them during a very hard time in my life. I don't know why they helped me deal with a very big problem that i couldn't extricate myself from until outside forces helped me find my way to sanity.

fwiw - James Arness is the only cast member still alive - and he has a website that he posts comments from time to time

they are very sweet - the last one is as follows:

February 2006

Hello Fans,

I am enjoying watching all the shows on TV Land and I have about 35 favorite episodes. They showed one of my favorites recently “Zavala”. I would say that this is one of my top ten favorites. It is too bad that the Western Channel has stopped showing “Gunsmoke”. I wish that they would show the half-hour shows. Those were the ones that established “Gunsmoke” as the number one show for many years.

Janet and I have a storage house of photo’s and memorabilia that we have been going through. I can’t tell you how many photos and scripts we have. It was very interesting to find one script titled “Jailbait Janet”. What are the chances of having a script with my wife’s name on it? We had a good laugh over this one. Sometimes we just walk down memory lane together and it is such fun to relive the good times I had making “Gunsmoke” and “How the West Was Won”.

If any of you have special photos you would like to see on our website drop us an e-mail. I’ll have Janet see if we have it in our collection.

A dear friend, Barbara, came to visit from New York and Janet took her to Hollywood and they “cleaned” my star. I thought you would enjoy this picture.

We have been getting a lot of e-mails about our new book. I hate to tell you how long this process takes. I am very optimistic as a rule and seem to think things just happen. Our co-writer will be here in March to hopefully put the final touches on this book. That means (according to the publishers) that it should be released by early summer, we can only hope.

We wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to everyone who sent us gifts, cards and letters. They really made our Christmas special. We’d also like to thank you for helping with the donation to United Cerebral Palsy for 2005. All of your orders mean we give more to help with the research.

Sincerely,
Jim Arness

[John P. Cooper]

Originally Posted by patricia

Weaver was in Touch of Evil?? I'll be damned!! I'll have to watch it again.

Yeah...he is really good in that playing a near total simpleton. He has a great line of dialog that he does with a high and wavery voice when he goes into one of the motel rooms - "It stinks in here!!"...where he gives special emphasis on the word 'stink' and 'here'. A must hear line.

And yeah...he is great in that T>Zone episode... "Shadow Play".

"Duel" was a fine movie, very well done. His roles in Gunsmoke and McCloud go without saying.

Rip Dennis Weaver.

[jesus marion joseph]

Originally Posted by Doc Martin

Actually, I’m a part time fifty-one year old juvenile delinquent.

You're my new hero.

[frankenmeister7]

RIP Dennis Weaver.

wonder if Jim Arness is next.

seems like a lot of greats are leaving us.

so very sad.