William Dennis Weaver (June 4, 1924 – February 24, 2006) was an American actor who was best known for his work in television. Weaver's two most notable roles were as Marshal Matt Dillon's trusty helper Chester Goode on the long-running CBS western series Gunsmoke and as U.S. Marshal Sam McCloud on the NBC police drama McCloud. He appeared in the 1971 television film Duel, the first film of director Steven Spielberg. He is also remembered for his role as the twitchy motel attendant in Orson Welles' film Touch of Evil (1958).