FESS PARKER - August 16, 1924 – March 18, 2010

When casting his planned Davy Crockett episode of the Disneyland television show, Walt Disney viewed the film to see James Arness who had been recommended for the role. However, Disney was impressed by a brief scene of Fess Parker, detained in a mental institution and insisting that giant flying ants had caused him to crash his plane. Disney realized he had found his Crockett. Arness, however, did well for himself. John Wayne had seen this movie and, impressed with his performance, coupled with his familiarity with Arness as part of his Batjac Productions company of players, recommended Arness for the role of Marshall Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, a role which lasted from 1955 to 1975. Wayne himself had turned down the part, but did appear in the pilot episode to introduce Arness. ( Information found on Wikipedia)