William Dennis Weaver (June 4, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor, best known for his work in television, including his role as Matt Dillon's trusty helper Chester Goode on the long-running western series Gunsmoke. He later played Marshal Sam McCloud on the NBC police drama McCloud, and appeared in the 1971 TV movie Duel, the first film of director Steven Spielberg. He is also remembered for his role as the twitchy motel attendant in Orson Welles' film Touch of Evil (1958).
Missouri Southern State University, University of Oklahoma
Nationality
American
Spouse
Gerry Stowell
Children
Robby Weaver, Rusty Weaver, Rick Weaver
Parents
Walter Weaver, Lena Prather
Awards
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Nominations
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or a Movie, Primetime Emmy Award for Best Continuing Supporting Performance by an Actor - Dramatic or Comedy Series
Movies
Duel, Touch of Evil, Duel at Diablo, A Man Called Sledge, The Gallant Hours, What's the Matter with Helen?, Don't Go to Sleep, Column South, The Redhead from Wyoming, Gentle Giant, Home on the Range, Cocaine: One Man's Seduction, War Arrow, Stolen Women: Captured Hearts, The Lawless Breed, Terror on...
TV Shows
Kentucky Jones, Gunsmoke, McCloud, The NBC Mystery Movie, Centennial, Emerald Point N.A.S., Buck James, Wildfire, Lonesome Dove: The Series, Gentle Ben, Pearl, Stone
Star Sign
Gemini
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Fact
1
Introducing movies on the Encore Westerns channel. Telling a little about the films before they are shown. [2005]
2
Served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
3
He was of part-American Indian background, being a 'registered Cherokee', as well as Osage.
4
In 1948, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Fine Arts and Theater.
5
Signed to a contract at Universal in 1952.
6
Good friend of Robert Brubaker. Their sons went to school together.
7
He was a staunch supporter of the Democratic Party and a vocal opponent of the Iraq war.
8
Built an Earthship environmental home in Ridgway, Colorado.
9
Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Actors Branch).
10
Died on the same day and at the same age as Don Knotts.
11
He 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 (1955). After nine years as Chester, who he played with a stiff-legged gait, he was earning $9,000 a week.
12
Served as the president of "Love Is Feeding Everyone" (LIFE), which fed 150,000 needy people a week in Los Angeles County. Also, founded the Institute of Ecolonomics, which sought solutions to economic and environmental problems.
13
Almost didn't get the part of "Chester Goode" on Gunsmoke (1955) until he asked for a second chance to read the lines in a humorous, countrified accent and won the role.
14
Inducted (as a cast member of Gunsmoke (1955)) into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1981.
15
Lost a daughter-in-law, Lynne Ann Weaver (who was married to his son, Robert Weaver), to a July 2003 Santa Monica, California, car accident that killed more than eight people.
(1973-1975) President of Screen Actors Guild (SAG).
21
In 1958, he formed a singing trio with Milburn Stone and Amanda Blake. In 1960, the trio broke the house record for the Albuquerque Arena during the New Mexico State Fair.
22
Shelley Winters gave him one of his first real breaks by helping him get a part in a stage production of "Come Back, Little Sheba."
23
Born at 8:00am-CDT.
24
Placed 6th in the 1948 Olympic Trials in the Decathlon. Bob Mathias placed first; Weaver won the final event, the 1500 meter run.
25
Was a track and field athlete from the University of Oklahoma.
$800,000
