Gordon Nore
Senior Master
I was an avid viewer of the original show when I was twelve. He was definitely an iconic figure whose legend survived his personal demons and flaws.
I didn't even know there were "politics" involved with him let along a Carradine vs Lee argument (I suppose it's about who's better?).
It's a shame the way he went though, nobody should ever "check out" by hanging oneself. I liked his movies too.