Denver Pyle was best known for his roles in The Doris Day Show, The Dukes of Hazzard and The Andy Griffith Show. These roles helped shape the way we remember the classic TV star, but did you know he almost took another major role?

According to a 1969 interview with News and Record, Pyle came within a "whisker" of playing Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke. The role eventually went to James Arness, the Marshal we know and love today, but there was a time when it could have been Pyle.

"When they were testing for Gunsmoke, I tested with Amanda Blake and Dennis Weaver," Pyle said. "Everybody was thrilled and said that this was the right combination."

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"But they said there was one more man they wanted to test," Pyle continued. "However, they also said that the man wouldn’t be right for Marshal Matt Dillon because he was too tall. That man, of course, was James Arness. And you know what happened."

Could you see Denver Pyle in the role instead of Marshal Matt Dillon? While Arness is the only man for the job, it’s interesting to imagine how it might have looked with Pyle.

Pyle had extensive experience in Westerns, appearing in shows like Bonanza. He was also skilled in character acting, had a rugged look, and the warmth needed for the role.

Was it disappointing for him not to get the part, especially on a series that enjoyed long-ranging success for 20 seasons? For many, it would have been a missed opportunity, but for Pyle, it was just "the business."

"You don’t look back in this business," Pyle said. "That’s why I don’t save any of my press clippings."

At the time of the interview, he was about 49 years old. He already had an "old man" look that suited him for other upcoming roles. Although it would have been interesting to see him as Dillon, he had a great career without it.

"I’m not too old, so I should be able to play these old guys from now on," Pyle said.