William Conrad William Conrad William Conrad (September 27, 1920 – February 11, 1994) was an American World War II fighter pilot, actor, producer, and director whose career spanned five decades in radio, film, and television, peaking in popularity when he starred in the detective series "Cannon" (1971–1976). A radio writer and actor, he moved to Hollywood after his World War II service and played a series of character roles in films beginning with the quintessential film noir "The Killers" (1946). He created the role of Marshal Matt Dillon for the popular radio series "Gunsmoke" (1952–1961) and narrated the television adventures of "Rocky
Gunsmoke programs, i.e. produced outside the U.S., have been broadcast in the U.S. and contend for the position as the longest-running series. , "Gunsmoke" was rated fourth globally, after "Doctor Who" (1963–89, 2005–present), "Taggart" (1983–2010), and "The Bill" (1984–2010). James Arness and Milburn Stone portrayed their "Gunsmoke" characters for 20 consecutive years, a feat later matched by Kelsey Grammer as the character Frasier Crane, but over two half-hour sitcoms ("Cheers" and "Frasier"). George Walsh, the announcer for "Gunsmoke", began in 1952 on radio's "Gunsmoke" and continued until television's "Gunsmoke" was canceled in 1975. The first seven seasons were jointly sponsored by