Dennis Weaver, 1924 - 2006.

Dennis Weaver, the slow-witted deputy Chester Goode in the TV classic western Gunsmoke and the New Mexico deputy solving New York crime in McCloud, has died. The actor was 81.

[...]

He appeared in several movies, including Touch of Evil, Ten Wanted Men, Gentle Giant, Seven Angry Men, Dragnet, Way... Way Out and The Bridges at Toko-Ri.

Weaver also was an activist for protecting the environment and combating world hunger.

[...]

Weaver appeared in dozens of TV movies, the most notable being the 1971 Duel. It was a bravura performance for both fledgling director Steven Spielberg and Weaver, who played a driver menaced by a large truck that followed him down a mountain road.

Bob Thomas for the AP.

The official site. See in particular "From the desk of Dennis Weaver..."

Posted by dwhudson at February 27, 2006 11:43 AM