Gerald McRaney, a renowned actor, holds the unique distinction of being the last guest star to engage in a gunfight with Matt Dillon on the iconic television series Gunsmoke. This notable encounter took place in the episode "Hard Labor" (1975),which aired on February 24, 1975, and unfortunately, McRaney emerged as the loser.
Interestingly, during the early stages of his career, McRaney frequently portrayed the villain, but this trend reversed after his first series, Simon & Simon, gained immense popularity in 1981. The character of Rick Simon, a passionate yet irresponsible individual, provided McRaney with the opportunity to showcase his dramatic range while incorporating comedic elements.
McRaney's talent for comedy was further highlighted in his subsequent series, Major Dad, which premiered in 1989. Moreover, his romance with fellow Southerner Delta Burke, who guest-starred on Simon & Simon in 1981, blossomed into a loving relationship. Notably, McRaney appeared on Burke's series, Designing Women, as her ex-husband, despite the unwritten rule that actors with current series do not accept guest roles. The couple eventually tied the knot not long after.
