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 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