Amanda Blake: cause of death, spouse, children

Are you a fan of old movies? By old, we mean the films of the 50s where you find gentlemen smiling while smoking, and ladies giggling joyfully while they show their modest dresses. They dance gracefully while listening to saxophone music. Everything looks idyllic, and it becomes difficult to stop admiring such movies. A woman who can ideally remind you of those films is Amanda Blake.

People of all ages love movies. It is so lovely when all family members meet to watch a good old film. There are too many old movies you can choose. Amanda Blake is one of those who have contributed to the making of exciting old films. Her movies assured you of a great evening with your friends or a fine rest after a stressful working day. But what happened to her, is Amanda Blake still alive?

Amanda Blake profile summary

• Full name: Beverly Louise Neill
• Nickname: Miss Kitty Russell, Kitty, The Young Greer Garson
• Date of birth: 20/02/1929
• Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, USA
• Ethnicity: White
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actress
• Active year: 1950-1989
• Net worth: $500 thousand
• Eye colour: Blue
• Hair colour: Blonde
• Spouse: Don Whitman (m. 1954; div. 1955), Jason Day (m. 1964; div. 1967), Frank Gilbert (m. 1967; div. 1982), and Mark Spaeth (m. 1984; div. 1985)
• Height: 5' 6" (1.68 m)
• Body measurement: 37-25-37 inches
• Education: Enrolled at Claremont High School and Pomona College
• Horoscope: Pisces

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Biography

Amanda Blake was an actress best known for her role as "Miss Kitty Russell" on a western TV series, Gunsmoke. She was born Beverly Louise Neill on 20th February 1929 in Buffalo, New York in the US. She was the daughter of daughter of Jesse Clayton Neill and Catherine Louise Puckett. Amanda was born as an only child, and hence had no sister or any known sibling. She is of English and Scottish descent. The American actress and her parents moved to Claremont when Blake was still in high school, a reason Neill graduated from Claremont High. She then enrolled at Pomona College, but since she was already involved avidly in community and theatre productions, she devoted much of her time on acting than the schoolwork.

Amanda started as a telephone operator before moving to full time acting. She began enrolling for stage plays. The year 1952 marked a significant milestone, as Beverly started working in Hollywood television and films. Some of the movies she did at the time include Stars in my Crown, Miss Robin Crusoe and Cattle Town. Her television roles included Split Playhouse of Stars, Cavalcade of America and Four-star Playhouse. She did several more films and TV series, but due to her central role on TV shows, she got little time for films.

In 1971, Blake joined others in Phoenix, Arizona to form the Arizona Animal Welfare League. The association is now the oldest and most famous "no-kill" animal shelter in Arizona. In 1976, Amanda hosted the first Annual "Sato" Mutt show. Amanda Blake's spouse and the 4th husband, Frank Gilbert, supported her in raising cheetahs on their four-acre ranch. They would then send their cheetahs to zoos.

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Amanda Blake was married four times

The American bold and beautiful actress was a married woman. She entered the list of those who broke the record having been married multiple times. After completing her studies, Blake got married to Don Whitman on 22 August 1954. Having shared a 2-year married life, the two divorced in 1956. However, they never cited the reason for their separation.

The screen sensation would tie the knot again with Jason Day in 1964, and after a three-year marriage, the relationship came to an end in 1967. Blake would marry her third husband, Frank Gilbert, in the same year she divorced her second husband. The marriage lasted longer, having been together for fifteen years, before divorcing in 1982. The talented actress would get married to Mark Spaeth in 1984. However, her fourth and last husband also died of AIDS-related complications. Rumours have it that Blake was also in a relationship with James Arness. The surprising bit is that she never got any children despite being in those many relationships.

Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke?

For many, Gunsmoke was not just another TV western; it was an epic journey which thousands if not millions had followed for over two decades. There was no denying that Glenn Strange, the actual cowboy-turned actor had made a significant impact on his co-stars. Sadly, he died at the age of 74 due to lung cancer, two years before the coming to the end of the show. Kitty left Gunsmoke due to the death of Glen. The impact of his death was so significant that Blake, who played Miss Kitty, could not handle it and was written out of the show the year after.

Cause of death

How did Amanda Blake die? There were controversies relating to cause of death of the amazing actress. Her friends had reported that she died of cancer. However, her doctor disclosed that she died of AIDS-related complications. Amanda Blake died on 16 August 1989 at Mercy General Hospital, Sacramento, California, United States.

Dr Nishimura spoke after her friends were quoted on a television station saying her death was related to AIDS. The doctor said she had suffered from AIDS symptoms for a year, but he would not tell how she had contracted the disease. Miss Blake's death certificate, nevertheless, stated the immediate cause of death as CMV hepatitis and cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure.

In 1977, the once a heavy smoker Blake went for surgery for oral cancer. She afterwards made an appearance on behalf of the American Cancer Society. Jerri Ewen, who was the Mercy General spokeswoman, had reported cancer as the cause of death at the request of Blake's close friends. Ewen said she never saw the death certificate and that she reported what the friends and family wished. Her body was cremated.

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Amanda's net worth when she died

Many have been interested in knowing Amanda Blake net worth. The beautiful actress earned an outstanding amount from her acting career. Having appeared in several movies and famous series saw her pocket good cash. According to Celebrity Networth, her net worth before death was $500 thousand. She was also nominated for various highly coveted awards.

The life of Amanda Blake is celebrated by many, especially those who had a privilege to watch her great movies. With her fierce loyalty, Louise found fame in Hollywood. She spent a third of her life in acting. Unfortunately, her private life was far less glamorous. The actress has been gone for almost three decades now, but Blake's legacy lives on as the fiery Miss Kitty of the famous American classic.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

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