John Meston and refined the main characters who would populate his and Macdonnell's radio portrayal of Dodge. Jeff Spain soon became United States Marshal Matt Dillon, and veteran voice actor William Conrad was chosen by Meston, Macdonnell, and two other network audition judges to be the lawman and the series' central figure. Other seasoned actors filled the needed regular supporting roles, including Parley Baer as Marshal Dillon's trusty assistant Chester Proudfoot, Howard McNear as Dr. Charles "Doc" Adams, and Georgia Ellis, whose role in the series' early episodes would quickly evolve into the saloon "hostess" Kitty Russell. "Gunsmoke" was broadcast for the
Gunsmoke was backed on that Capitol record by Rex Koury and the radio "Gunsmoke" orchestra. William Lava composed the original theme music for television, as noted in the program credits. Other notable composers included: The "Gunsmoke" brand was used to endorse numerous products, from cottage cheese to cigarettes. Lowell Toy Manufacturing Corporation ("It's a Lowell Game") issued "Gunsmoke" as their game No. 822. Other products include "Gunsmoke" puzzles, In 1985, Capcom released a video game for the arcade (and its corresponding game for the NES in 1988) with a Western theme, called "Gun.Smoke". Other than the Western theme, the show and