Gerald McRaney

McRaney holds the distinction of being the last guest star to meet "Matt Dillon" in a gunfight on _Gunsmoke (1955)_ (qv) - in the episode, _Gunsmoke: Hard Labor (1975)_ (qv), first broadcast on February 24, 1975 (he lost). In fact, in the early portion of 'Gerald McRaney' (qv)'s career he almost always played the villain; but, since his first series, _Simon & Simon (1981)_ (qv), hit it big, he's played mostly good guys. The character of passionate but irresponsible "Rick Simon" gave McRaney the opportunity to play a dramatic role with a comedic edge. A second hit series, _Major Dad (1989)_ (qv), showcased his talent for comedy. McRaney met and fell in love with fellow southerner 'Delta Burke' (qv) when she guest-starred on _Simon & Simon (1981)_ (qv). He later appeared on her series, _Designing Women (1986)_ (qv), as her ex-husband, although it is an unwritten rule that actors with current series don't do guest roles; they were married not long after.::Kat Parsons <fke2d@Virginia.edu>