McRaney holds the distinction of being the last guest star to meet Matt Dillon in a gunfight on Gunsmoke - in the episode "Hard Labor", first broadcast February 24, 1975 (he lost). In fact, in the early portion of Gerald McRaney's career he almost always played the villain; but, since his first series, "Simon and Simon", 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", showcased his talent for comedy. McRaney met and fell in love with fellow southerner Delta Burke when she guest-starred on "Simon and Simon". He later appeared on her series, "Designing Women", 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.