Adam West Explained Why He Really Didn’t Want to Have a Career Like ‘Gunsmoke’ Actor James Arness
Actor Adam West had a strong appreciation for Gunsmoke and other popular Westerns of its time. However, he didn’t want to create a career out of them. Western stars, such as James Arness, made successful careers out of shows like Gunsmoke, but West had other plans that didn’t include the genre whatsoever. There was almost a world where he would have had a similar path as the Matt Dillon star.
Adam West starred in Westerns, such as ‘Maverick’
West had his share of experiences working on Westerns, including Gunsmoke itself. He played Emmett on the 1963 episode titled “Ash” – season 8 episode 23. The Harry Harris-directed episode follows two business partners named Ben (John Dehner) and Ash (Anthony Caruso). They’re longtime friends, but everything changes when Ben’s personality suddenly changes after an injury. They begin to bicker over a woman, which could separate them forever. West’s Emmett is the woman’s fiancé.
The actor was under a seven-year contract with Warner Bros. at the time. Through this business transaction, he came to star in several Western television shows. Some of his credits include Maverick, Colt .45, and Sugarfoot. However, West’s future changed forever with a mix between industry politics and his own career aspirations.