Amanda Blake, best known for her role as Miss Kitty on the popular TV series Gunsmoke, led a fascinating and impactful life both on-screen and off. Although her career earned her a spot in the hearts of television viewers, her personal life and charitable efforts rounded out her legacy. With a net worth of $500,000 at the time of her death, Amanda Blake’s life was a mix of professional achievements, personal challenges, and unwavering contributions to philanthropy. Here is an exploration of her life, legacy, and finances with a detailed focus on Amanda Blake net worth at death.
Early Life and Upbringing
Amanda Blake was born as Beverly Louise Neill on February 20, 1929, in Buffalo, New York. She was the only child of Jesse and Louise Neill. Her father worked as a banker, allowing the family a stable middle-class upbringing. From an early age, Amanda showcased a love for theater, participating in community performances.
After graduating from Claremont High School in California, Amanda briefly attended Pomona College. Her interests soon veered from academics as she pursued her passion for acting, leaving college before completing her degree.
Hollywood Beginnings
Amanda Blake’s Hollywood career began in the late 1940s, when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) signed her in hopes that she would become the next big female star. She entered film with roles in productions like Stars in My Crown (1950), Miss Robin Crusoe (1954), and A Star Is Born (1954). While her performances garnered attention, it wasn’t until 1955 that her career truly took off.
Career Highlights and Success on Gunsmoke
Amanda Blake achieved widespread fame when she was cast as Miss Kitty, the fiery saloon owner, in the hit TV series Gunsmoke. The series debuted in 1955 and became one of the most beloved Western shows of all time, running for 19 years. Amanda’s portrayal of Kitty Russell was groundbreaking; her character possessed intelligence, strength, and independence, challenging societal norms of the time.
Key achievements during her career include:
- Three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her role in Gunsmoke.
- A Golden Globe nomination.
- Induction into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1968.
Amanda’s career saw her taking roles in other films and TV series as well, such as Tattletales, The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, and The Love Boat, but her long-term commitment to Gunsmoke limited her work in other areas.
Amanda Blake Net Worth At Death
At the time of her death in 1989, Amanda Blake net worth at death was estimated at $500,000. This wealth was accumulated largely through her acting career, with opportunities stemming from her iconic role in Gunsmoke. Unlike many stars of her era, Amanda also funneled much of her earnings toward philanthropic causes rather than accumulating vast personal wealth.
Her financial contributions were especially notable in her efforts to protect wildlife. She donated significant amounts to animal conservation programs, leaving behind an estate valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars, much of which went toward her charitable pursuits.
Physical Features
Amanda Blake had a striking presence on screen. She stood at 5 feet 5 inches (1.67 meters) tall and had an elegant figure that made her a screen icon of her day. Despite the limited information available about her exact weight, she carried herself with the confidence and poise that defined the golden age of Hollywood glamour.
Amanda’s Philanthropy and Animal Activism
One of Amanda Blake’s most enduring legacies was her commitment to animal welfare. She was a co-founder of the Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL), the state’s oldest no-kill animal shelter. Alongside her third husband, Frank Gilbert, Amanda ran a breeding program for cheetahs. They were among the first to successfully breed cheetahs in captivity, raising seven generations.
Amanda also co-founded the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) alongside her friend Pat Derby. Her home in Phoenix once housed 32 animals, including exotic species like lions and cheetahs. After her passing, the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge opened as a sanctuary for African hoofed animals.
Personal Struggles and Triumphs
Amanda Blake’s life was not without its challenges. She battled and later survived oral cancer in 1977, an experience that motivated her to advocate for cancer awareness. She received the Courage Award from the American Cancer Society in 1984, presented by President Ronald Reagan.
Her personal relationships were turbulent. Amanda married four times:
- Don Whitman (1954-1956)
- Jason Seymour Day Jr. (1964-1967)
- Frank Gilbert (1967-1982)
- Mark Spaeth (1984-1985; ended with his death).
Her fourth husband’s passing brought controversy and sadness, as it was revealed that Blake contracted AIDS from him, leading to her death in 1989 from complications related to the disease.
Notable Projects
Alongside Gunsmoke, Amanda Blake’s filmography includes appearances in:
- Miss Robin Crusoe (1954)
- A Star Is Born (1954)
- The Boost (1988)
- Various comedic appearances on The Dean Martin Comedy Roasts and The Red Skelton Show.
Her work extended beyond entertainment, reflecting a lifelong commitment to authenticity, wit, and compassion.
Legacy and Influence
Even after her tragic passing, Amanda Blake’s spirit continues to inspire. From Miss Kitty’s defining role on television to her profound impact on animal rights activism, she remains both an entertainment pioneer and a hero in philanthropy. While Amanda Blake net worth at death may not seem extravagant compared to modern celebrity standards, her achievements have left behind an immeasurable legacy that reaches far beyond monetary value.
A Snapshot of Amanda Blake’s Life
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Beverly Louise Neill |
| Date of Birth | February 20, 1929 |
| Place of Birth | Buffalo, New York |
| Date of Death | August 16, 1989 |
| Age at Death | 60 years old |
| Cause of Death | AIDS-related complications |
| Prominent Role | Miss Kitty, Gunsmoke |
| Net Worth at Death | $500,000 |
| Height | 5 ft 5 in (1.67 m) |
| Marriages | Four (Don Whitman, Jason Day, Frank Gilbert, Mark Spaeth) |
| Awards and Achievements | Primetime Emmy Nominations, Courage Award, Hall of Great Western Performers |
| Notable Contributions | Co-founder of AAWL, supporter of PAWS |
Final Thoughts
Amanda Blake’s life was filled with groundbreaking achievements, heartfelt struggles, and selfless dedication to causes close to her heart. Her role as Miss Kitty remains a symbol of resilience and empowerment for generations of women. While Amanda Blake net worth at death stands as one aspect of her life’s culmination, her influence extends far beyond numbers—proving that her legacy is timeless and inspiring.
