A GUNSMOKE episode was the breakthrough role for Charlie Dierkop. As a New York trained actor, filming the 1966 GUNSMOKE episode, “My Father’s Guitar” with Steve Ihnat and Beau Bridges, put Charlie on edge. The director was Robert Totten who had words with Charlie. What kind of words? Charlie almost got fired! Fortunately, you’re going to be able to hear Charlie recall the incident from our 2017 conversation for A WORD ON WESTERNS. I sure feel fortunate to be able to share it.

Charles Dierkop was born Sept 11, 1936, in Wisconsin. You probably know him best from his co-starring role with Angie Dickinson and Earl Holliman as an undercover cop on four seasons of POLICE WOMAN. Charlie’s western credits begin with GUNSMOKE. He did three episodes, making friends with co-stars and collaborators along the way. His other westerns include LANCER, BONANZA, BEARCATS!, DANIEL BOOONE, DEATH VALLEY DAYS, THE OUTCASTS, CUSTER, CIMARRON STRIP, CADE’S COUNTY, KUNG FU, ALIAS SMITH AND JONES, NICHOLS, THE HIGH CHAPARRAL, and even DUSTY’S TRAIL.

Charlie was unforgettable as “Flat Nose Curry” in director George Roy Hill’s BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID with Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The three got together again with Charlie for THE STING, an Oscar winner for Best Picture.

Cult TV shows graced by Charlie’s presence include STAR TREK, BATMAN, THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E., LOST IN SPACE and THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, among many others.

Even after taping his own interview, Charlie showed up several times to sit in the audience with his friends and enjoy the taping of new interviews for our show at The Autry Museum’s Wells Fargo Theater. He may have played a lot of tough guys, but he was one of the sweetest guys around and always a joy to be with.

Charlie died Sunday, Feb 25, 2024, following a heart attack, at the age of 87.

Thanks, Charlie, for the friendship and years of memories. We all send our condolences to his family, friends, and fans.

Rest in Peace. Sept 11, 1936 – Feb 25, 2024

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