RIDGEWAY, Colo., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Emmy Award-winning actor Dennis Weaver, of TV's "Gunsmoke," "Gentle Ben" and "McCloud," has died at his Ridgeway, Colo., home at age 81.
Weaver died Friday from complications of cancer, his publicist, Julian Myers, told KMGH-TV, Denver, Monday.
Weaver started his TV career in 1955 as Deputy Chester Goode in the CBS western, "Gunsmoke." He stayed with the role for nine years and won an Emmy for the 1958-1959 season.
He moved on to the family drama, "Gentle Ben," in 1966, co-starring with a 600-pound black bear and in 1970, jumped into the title role in "McCloud," where he spent the next seven years portraying a modern day cowboy fighting crime in New York City.
An environmental activist, Weaver's southwestern Colorado luxury home was built using 3,000 recycled tires and 3,000 aluminum cans, KMGH said. He called the highly energy efficient abode his "earthship."
Weaver is survived by his wife, three sons and three grandchildren.
