How Many Times Was Mariette Hartley On Gunsmoke

Gunsmoke. Just the name conjures up images of dusty streets, tough cowboys, and the ever-reliable Matt Dillon. But how many times did the amazing Mariette Hartley grace Dodge City with her presence? Prepare to be surprised!

A Face in the Crowd... Or Was It?

You might think, "Oh, she was probably on it a dozen times!" After all, she's instantly recognizable with those piercing blue eyes and that unforgettable smile. But the truth is a bit...well, let's just say it's not quite what you'd expect.

Here's the kicker: Mariette Hartley only appeared on Gunsmoke once. Yep, you read that right. Just one single episode!

The Lone Star Turn

So, when did this momentous event occur? Drumroll, please... It was Season 18, Episode 18, titled "The River: Part 2."

This episode aired on February 5, 1973. She played the character of "Lorraine," a woman caught up in a dramatic river adventure.

It was a two-part episode, but Hartley was only in the second part. A short but memorable stint!

Why the Confusion?

Okay, so one episode. Why do so many people think she was on Gunsmoke more often? There are a few reasons.

Firstly, Mariette Hartley was a prolific television actress in the '60s and '70s. She popped up in tons of popular shows.

Think *The Twilight Zone*, *Star Trek*, *Bonanza*, and *The Virginian*. She was everywhere!

Secondly, she just has that classic Western look! She fits so seamlessly into that era that it's easy to assume she was a Gunsmoke regular.

Her strong, independent spirit and those beautiful features just scream "frontier woman." It's almost typecasting, but in the best possible way.

The Power of Perception

It's a testament to Mariette Hartley's talent that she made such a lasting impression with just one appearance.

She embodies the spirit of the Wild West so perfectly that we *want* to believe she was a Gunsmoke staple.

It is a good example of how memory can play tricks on us. We often remember impressions and feelings more than cold, hard facts.

A Lasting Legacy

So, while Mariette Hartley's time on Gunsmoke was brief, it was certainly impactful. It’s become a fun piece of trivia for fans of both the actress and the iconic Western series.

Next time you're watching "The River: Part 2," keep an eye out for her. She makes every second count!

Her career is still going strong, with appearances in more recent shows. From old Westerns to modern dramas, she is always shining!

And now you know the surprising truth: Mariette Hartley only graced Gunsmoke with her presence *once*, but that was more than enough to leave a lasting memory. This makes her single episode even more special, wouldn't you agree?