AMANDA BLAKE The actress who played Kitty Russell on the television show Gunsmoke writes a letter to a fan saying "Good luck with your hobby and thank you for caring about animals." Typed Letter signed: "Amanda Blake", 1 page, 7¼x10½. No place, 1973 August 10. On Personal letterhead addressed to Ms. Phyllis Mancz, Miamisburg, Ohio. In full: "I signed the photograph you sent me but I thought it rather old, so I am including a newer one. Good luck with your hobby and thank you for caring about animals. Sincerely," Amanda Blake (1929-1989), born Beverly Louise Neill, is best remembered as Kitty Russell, hostess of the Long Branch Saloon in the long-running TV Western, Gunsmoke (1955-1974; she left the show before its final season). She was nominated for Golden Globes for Best Actress - Drama for the role in 1969 and 1970 and for the Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe in 1971. Blake, who had been signed by MGM in 1949, made her film debut in 1950, the year she was first cast opposite her future Gunsmoke co-star, James Arness, in Stars in My Crown. Her feature film credits also include Sunny Side of the Street (1951), Lili (1953), A Star is Born (1954) and High Society (1955). Blake, who made guest appearances on TV shows from 1952 (Schlitz Playhouse of Stars) to 1983 (Hart to Hart), also starred in several made-for-TV movies, including 1987's Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, a "reunion" film. Normal mailing folds. Lightly toned. Otherwise, fine condition.  Previously authenticated by PSA/DNA.