After being forced to undergo oral cancer surgery in 1984, the American Cancer Society awarded her with its Courage Award
Amanda Blake's death certificate listed the immediate cause of death as cardiopulmonary arrest due to liver failure and cytomegalo virus (CMV) hepatitis. CMV hepatitis is AIDS-related according to Sacramento internist Dr. Lou Nishimura. The AIDS virus was thought to have been contracted from her last husband, Mark Spaeth, a member of the city council of Austin, Texas. The openly bisexual Spaeth (1939-1985), also died of complications of the disease.
Before making it in show business, she worked as a telephone operator.
In 1961 she sold her residual rights to "Gunsmoke" (1955) for $100,000.
In 1971 she joined with others in Phoenix, Arizona to form the Arizona Animal Welfare League. The AAWL is now the oldest and largest "no-kill" animal shelter in Arizona. In 1976 she hosted the 1st Annual "Sato" Mutt Show in response to all the pure-bred dog shows.
Inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in 1968.
Smoked 2-3 packs of cigarettes a day until being diagnosed with oral cancer in 1980.