Dennis Weaver
PMP Network Presents
Dennis Weaver reflects on his iconic roles, including the terrifying 'Duel' and his breakthrough as Chester in 'Gunsmoke.' He shares insights into his early life, his training as an actor, and his experiences in the nascent days of television.
Dennis Weaver
About Dennis Weaver
Dennis Weaver was an American actor who earned an Emmy Award in 1959 for his portrayal of Deputy Chester Goode on "Gunsmoke" (1955-1964). He starred in Steven Spielberg's 1971 television thriller "Duel" and later headlined the police drama "McCloud." His film work included a memorable role in Orson Welles's "Touch of Evil" (1958). Weaver served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1973 to 1975.
In this interview
- Recalls "Duel" as one of the most frequently aired television movies ever.
- Describes being born in Joplin, Missouri and serving as a naval pilot during the war.
- Talks about studying drama at the University of Oklahoma before moving to New York.
- Remembers working in early live television when mistakes were broadcast in real time.
“I was there at the very beginning of television when Hollywood had no television, it was all emanating from New York.”— Dennis Weaver, in this interview
Since this interview
Dennis Weaver died on February 24, 2006, at the age of 81 in Ridgway, Colorado.
