Amanda Blake (born Beverly Louise Neill; Buffalo, February 20, 1929 – Sacramento, August 16, 1989) was an American actress, universally known for her role as Kathleen "Kitty" Russell, the owner of the Long Branch Saloon in the long-running Western television series *Gunsmoke*. She played the character for nineteen seasons, from 1955 to 1974, becoming one of the most iconic female figures in American television. Her career also includes appearances in films such as *A Star Is Born* (1954) and later television productions, including the reunion film *Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge* (1987). For her portrayal of Miss Kitty, she received an Emmy Award nomination and a Golden Globe nomination. She was also awarded the prestigious Western Heritage Award and, posthumously, the Golden Boot Award for her significant contribution to the Western genre.