- Name: Amanda Blake
- Occupation: Actress, Philanthropist
- Date of Birth: February 20, 1929
- Place of Birth: Buffalo, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Parents: Jesse and Louise Neill
- Spouse: Don Whitman (m. 1954–1956), Jason Day (m. 1964–1982)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $5 million in 2024
- Source of Wealth: Acting, Investments
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Height: 5’6"
- Notable Works: Best known for her role as Miss Kitty Russell on the long-running TV series "Gunsmoke."
Early Life and Acting Career
Amanda Blake, born Beverly Louise Neill in Buffalo, New York, was the only child of Jesse and Louise Neill. Her father was a banker, and she briefly attended Pomona College before pursuing a career in acting. Blake was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the late 1940s and appeared in Hollywood films such as "Cattle Town" and "A Star Is Born." However, she became best known for her role as Miss Kitty on the television series Gunsmoke from 1955 to 1974.
Animal Welfare Advocacy
After Gunsmoke, Blake devoted more time to her passion for animals. She and her husband, Frank Gilbert, ran an experimental breeding program for cheetahs and successfully raised seven generations of the species. Blake was a founding member of the Arizona Animal Welfare League and supported the Performing Animal Welfare Society. In 1997, the Amanda Blake Memorial Wildlife Refuge was established in California to provide sanctuary for African hoofed wildlife.
Health Struggles and Advocacy
In 1977, Blake was diagnosed with oral cancer, which was successfully treated with surgery. She became a supporter of the American Cancer Society and made fundraising appearances nationwide. In 1984, she received the society’s Courage Award from President Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately, Blake passed away on August 16, 1989, at the age of 60 from AIDS-related pneumonia. Her death shed light on the disease, and it was later revealed that she may have contracted AIDS from her fifth husband, who also died of AIDS-related pneumonia in 1985.
Legacy
Amanda Blake’s legacy lives on through her contributions to animal welfare and her advocacy for cancer research. Her work with cheetah breeding and support for animal shelters continues to impact the lives of animals in need. Despite her health struggles, Blake’s courage and dedication to important causes have left a lasting impression on those who knew her and the organizations she supported.
Financial Insights:
By the time of her passing in 1989, Amanda Blake had amassed a considerable fortune through her successful acting career and smart investment choices. In 2024, her estimated net worth stands at $5 million, a testament to her financial acumen and long-lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
A significant portion of Amanda Blake’s wealth comes from her earnings as an actress, particularly from her role in "Gunsmoke," which remains one of the most enduring and beloved TV series of all time. Additionally, she made shrewd investments in real estate and other ventures, further diversifying her financial portfolio and ensuring long-term financial stability.
Despite facing personal challenges and health issues later in life, Amanda Blake’s financial legacy continues to thrive, thanks to her strategic financial planning and prudent investment decisions. Her enduring impact on the entertainment industry and her commitment to philanthropy serve as a lasting testament to her remarkable life and career.
