After letting the trappers go Festus puts it together that Halligan lied to him about seeing what happened. 1. Season: OR ... Festus and the hermit come upon killer Gard Dixon dying in the desert, and when Festus helps him recover, the hermit forces both of them to tote water and gold dust. Curtis also produced two extremely low-budget monster films in 1959, The Killer Shrews and The Giant Gila Monster. On their way out of town, some cousins of Festus come across a badly injured man whom they assume is dead, so they flee, pursued by Festus, who believes his cousins attacked the man. Doncha seeeee! Mathewww! Dennis Weaver, who portrayed Matt Dillon's sidekick Chester, actually left the series three times before his final departure after season nine. 4. He won the coveted Emmy in 1959. In 1981, Curtis was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After director John Ford hired the Pioneers for the western film, ″Wagon Master,″ Curtis began getting dozens of movie and TV roles. Gunsmoke, known in Spain, Mexico and the rest of Hispanic America as “The Law of the Revolver”. [4] Curtis was with the Tommy Dorsey band in 1941, and succeeded Frank Sinatra as vocalist until Dick Haymes contractually replaced Sinatra in 1942. Merry Christmas, Cowboy. [7], Curtis was a Republican and supported Barry Goldwater in the 1964 United States presidential election.[8]. [3][6], A statue of Ken Curtis as Festus can be found at 430 Pollasky Avenue in Clovis, California, in Fresno County in front of the Educational Employees Credit Union. In addition to his television roles, Curtis acted with John Wayne in some of Hollywood’s classic films, including ″The Searchers″ and ″The Quiet Man.″. Festus takes off after the trappers and brings them back to Dodge. Advertisement: A long, long running Western series about the adventures of U.S. Gunsmoke r/ Gunsmoke. In two episodes of Gunsmoke, Carroll O'Connor was a guest-star; years later, Curtis guest-starred as a retired police detective on O'Connor's NBC program In the Heat of the Night. Some of his songs included ″Love Sends a Little Gift of Roses,″ ″This Is Worth Fighting For″ and ″Breathless.″, After serving in the Army during World War II, Curtis resumed a singing career on Johnny Mercer’s radio show and recorded the popular ″Tumbling Tumbleweeds.″. This music video is a very brief view of the antics of everyone's favorite deputy U.S. marshal Festus Haggen. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. 3. I knew a lot of people that loved westerns that stopped watching Gunsmoke when Festus became the main sidekick. See more ideas about Gunsmoke, Festus, Ken curtis. Join. Rate. On their way out of town, some cousins of Festus come across a badly injured man whom they assume is dead, so they flee, pursued by Festus, who believes his cousins attacked the man. May 18, 2016 - Explore Mrs. Roachitis's board "Festus and Gunsmoke items", followed by 157 people on Pinterest. It is possible that he played a bit part, but Curtis is best remembered as Charlie McCorry in The Searchers, The Quiet Man, The Wings of Eagles, The Horse Soldiers, The Alamo, and How The West Was Won. You can still catch it the show on TVLand cable network. ... Gunsmoke Festus Haggen 387 Episodes (1970-2021) Robin Hood Nutsy 1973 Cheyenne Autumn Joe … r/Gunsmoke: A place to discuss the classic television show. He also guest-starred as circus performer Tim Durant on an episode of Perry Mason, "The Case of the Clumsy Clown", which originally aired on November 5, 1960. He was featured in all three of the only films produced by Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney's C. V. Whitney Pictures: The Searchers (1956); The Missouri Traveler (1958) with Brandon deWilde and Lee Marvin; and The Young Land (1959) with Patrick Wayne and Dennis Hopper. The television series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and lasted for 635 episodes. Also, in the film adaptation Conagher based on a book by popular writer Louis L'Amour, he starred opposite Sam Elliott as an aging cattleman. Hot. She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. As they ride up to the jail Matt tells Festus that Dave didn't die, but couldn't remember exactly what happened the night before. Refused an offer to appear as Festus Haggen in the movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), which reunited James Arness, Amanda Blake, Buck Taylor and Fran Ryan from the original series. 10/1963. Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One … Ken C Dodge Family-Moderator. Wiki User Answered . He came to Dodge City in an episode titled "Us Haggens" to avenge the death of his twin brother, Fergus. 0. Many know that Ken Curtis, who played Festus, was a singer. With James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) _ Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who starred as Marshal Matt Dillon’s sidekick on the long-running television western ″Gunsmoke,″ has died at age 74. Rate. Curtis married Torrie Connelly in 1966. Rate. At first I liked his character but over the years he got and more like a cartoon character shouting "Doncha see" at the drop of a hat over and over again. Tropes Media Browse ... (Law & Order tied this record in 2010, though Gunsmoke produced more episodes, and the 20-year record was finally beaten in 2019 by Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, though again, with fewer episodes) and the archetypical television example of the Western genre. TV Land is proving to be the channel to watch during the COVID-19 quarantine. Ken Curtis’s Biography Beginnings. Answer Save. For many, Gunsmoke was more than just a TV western, it was an epic journey that many followed for over two decades. Press J to jump to the feed. 2012-07-18 14:16:16 2012-07-18 14:16:16. His next appearance was Season 9, episode 2, October 5, 1963 as Kyle Kelly, in "Lover Boy". Money was the issue. Directed by Harry Harris. False. Gunsmoke, American television western that aired on CBS for 20 seasons (1955–75), becoming the longest-running TV western in history. Ken Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates, July 2, 1916 – April 28, 1991) was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the CBS western television series Gunsmoke. Curtis replaced Frank Sinatra on Tommy Dorsey’s band after Sinatra left to become a solo artist. Festus takes off after the trappers and brings them back to Dodge. Based on the legendary series "Gunsmoke". Mr. Curtis played Festus Haggin, sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, from 1964 to 1975, when the series ended. On Gunsmoke (1955) as Festus Haggen, he always drew and fired a pistol with his right hand -- but whenever he had to use a rifle, he would bring it up to his left shoulder and pull the trigger with his left hand (sighting with his left eye and squinting with his right). Join / Sign Up Keep track of your favorite shows and movies, across all your devices. He's a deputy in the B/W "Hostage" episode with Thad, but not after that. They were married until his death in 1991 and he had two step-children. He was a singer in the movie's fictional band The Regimental Singers that actually consisted of the Sons of the Pioneers; Curtis is not listed as a member of the principal cast. It seems he is a deputy at will depending on the story line. Article continues below advertisement. gunsmoke episode lover boy with festus hagen Thumb arthritis occurs when the cartilage in the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint wears away. I'm old enough to remember the original series. Although his character, Festus Haggen, was introduced to Gunsmoke (1955) in Dennis Weaver, best known as Chester on “Gunsmoke,” almost didn't become an actor as he was very close to being part of the US Olympic team in the decathlon! John Dunning wrote that among radio drama enthusiasts, " Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." Curtis played the role of James (Jim) Buckley and Pennell was his young disciple Theodore (Ted) McKeever. Good gosh, 5/13! Separate from membership, this is to get updates about mistakes in recent releases. Ken Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates, July 2, 1916 – April 28, 1991) was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the CBS western television series Gunsmoke. Tropes Media Browse ... (James Arness), Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams (Milburn Stone), Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake), Deputy Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis). At first I liked his character but over the years he got and more like a cartoon character shouting "Doncha see" at the drop of a hat over and over again. Join Login. Excited about a new born baby in Dodge, Festus did not choose to use his carpentry skills to make a rocking horse. Add. 15 16 17. Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles, he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, December 8, 1962 "Us Haggens". 7. He came to Dodge City in an episode titled "Us Haggens" to avenge the death of his twin brother, Fergus. Buck Taylor's father, Dub Taylor, had a minor role in it. But on “Gunsmoke,” his character was no sophisticate. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? Festus Haggen was Marshal Matt Dillon's only official deputy on the CBS television series Gunsmoke. Milburn Stone (Doc) once told Burt Reynolds that he should quit Gunsmoke because he had a future in movies. User account menu. … Chester by a mile IMO. Wiki User Answered . Mar 23, 2018 - Explore Doug Stewart's board "Ken Curtis" on Pinterest. Last Edit: Jun 1, 2017 10:53:00 GMT -5 by tex2 (R.I.P 2019) Tex2 . He continued acting until he died at 74 years old in 1991, but his image lives on in a Festus Haggen statue in Clovis, California, where Curtis spent his later years. 10. A decade later, he returned to television in the short-lived Western series The Yellow Rose, in which he performed most of his scenes with Noah Beery, Jr.. Curtis appeared on Gunsmoke in other roles before joining the cast as the Festus Haggen character. Ken Curtis (July 2, 1916 – April 28, 1991) was an American actor and singer, best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the CBS television series of the western genre. why did festus leave gunsmoke 15 septiembre, 2020 0 0 The two casts were not only different, but also featured a few discrepancies in the portrayals of the beloved characters.Despite being a main staple when the CBS show debuted in 1955, viewers will notice … He had appeared in numerous other television westerns as well. Rate. Rate. Festus is a part time deputy like Thad for several years. … Add more and vote on your favourites! Curtis was a singer before moving into acting, and combined both careers once he entered films. Gunsmoke (1955–1975) Episode List. Believe it or not, Festus wins this one… scruffy as he was on a normal day (and when he was prairie-wolfin’ he was even scruffier), Festus had something Chester did not. The character of Festus Haggen debuted in "Us Haggens" (8 Dec. 1962) ; Gunsmoke : Season 8, Episode 13 . Reply to username. Columbia Pictures signed Curtis to a contract in 1945. It was a big deal with him quitting. Played by Ken Curtis, he first appeared in 1962 and was showcased full-time from 1964 until 1975. Curtis also campaigned for Ronald Reagan in 1976, during the future President's attempt to secure the Republican nomination from incumbent Gerald Ford. Add. The jail is located for historical preservation purposes on the grounds of the Bent County Courthouse in Las Animas. Curtis then joined Shep Fields and His New Music, an all-reeds band that dispensed with a brass section. Later, he appeared in Ripcord, a first-run syndicated action/adventure show about a company of its namesake providing skydiving services, along with its leading star Larry Pennell. However, you would’ve expected […] Best remembered by the public for his role as Festus Haggen on Gunsmoke (1955). Like Reply Delete. Festus' character was known, in part, for the nasally, twangy, rural accent which Curtis developed for the role, but which did not reflect Curtis' actual voice. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Curtis is survived by his wife and two children. Excited about a new born baby in Dodge, Festus did not choose to use his carpentry skills to make a rocking horse. I knew a lot of people that loved westerns that stopped watching Gunsmoke when Festus became the main sidekick. Ultimately, romance wasn’t the primary focus of Gunsmoke. 6. 2 Answers. Curtis met his first wife, Lorraine Page, at Universal Studios, and they were married in 1943. 5. Rate. 3: Not only was Ken Curtis in "Dodge City" in the tv series, Gunsmoke, from 1962-1975, he also was in "Dodge City" in the movie Cheyenne Autumn (1964). Gunsmoke Festus was first openly gay character on TV - YouTube Set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1890s, it centered on the character of Matt Dillon, a U.S. marshal charged with maintaining law and order in a frontier town. card classic compact. Curtis was the quarterback of his Bent County High School football team and played clarinet in the school band. Like (1) Reply Delete. Answer. 2. Set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1890s, it centered on the character of Matt Dillon, a U.S. marshal charged with maintaining law and order in a frontier town. Gunsmoke: The Great american Western. He was the son of a sheriff and worked on a jail farm as a boy. [9] He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the Colorado flatlands. Gunsmoke: The Great american Western. He graduated in 1935. His next appearance was Season 9, episode 2, October 5, 1963 as Kyle Kelly, in "Lover Boy". Through his second marriage, Curtis was a son-in-law of film director John Ford. Curtis also joined Ford, along with Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell, and Jack Lemmon, in the comedy Navy classic Mister Roberts. Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles, he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, December 8, 1962 "Us Haggens". Curtis observed many times that Jack came to Las Animas, where he would often end up drunk and in Curtis' father's jail. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. This music video is a very brief view of the antics of everyone's favorite deputy U.S. marshal Festus Haggen. See more ideas about ken curtis, tv westerns, gunsmoke. When he goes to arrest Halligan he opens fire on Festus. He voiced Nutsy the vulture in Disney's 1973 animated film Robin Hood. Played by Ken Curtis, he first appeared in 1962 and was showcased full-time from 1964 until 1975. You're question is a good one kfo9494. He made his Hollywood debut in 1938 as a singer with swing bands. After Gunsmoke, Curtis loaded up some more westerns, including 1983’s Sam Elliott led The Yellow Rose. Running from 1955 to 1975, this old-time western classic can still be watched on CBS's streaming service. Rate. Cedar Jack, who lived 15 miles south of town, made a living cutting cedar fence posts. But they didn't yet know what a gem they were about to get later when Ken Curtis was signed to play the role of Festus. Speak English, Festus! In 1959, he appeared as cowhand Phil Jakes on the Gunsmoke season four episode, "Jayhawkers". S20, Ep13. Festus Haggen was Marshal Matt Dillon's only official deputy on the CBS television series Gunsmoke. Rate. Ken Curtis, who as a boy helped out in his father's jail in Colorado and as a character named Festus Haggen performed similar work for Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke," is dead. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. With James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis. 8. Curtis died on April 28, 1991, in his sleep of a heart attack in Fresno, California. In 1964, Curtis appeared as muleskinner Graydon in the episode "Graydon's Charge" of the syndicated Western television series, Death Valley Days, also guest-starring Denver Pyle and Cathy Lewis. Curtis joined the cast of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus in "Prairie Wolfer", season 9 episode 16, January 18, 1964. Sam Elliott starred in the lead role, and Curtis' Gunsmoke co-star Buck Taylor (Newly O'Brien) played a bad man in the same film. Curtis guest-starred five times on the Western television series Have Gun – Will Travel with Richard Boone. He starred in a series of musical Westerns[5] with the Hoosier Hot Shots, playing singing cowboy romantic leads. The show's comic-relief character, Chester, was actually one of the first to be cast in the show, coming even before Matt Dillon was cast. Curtis may have served simply as insurance against Sinatra's likely defection, and it was Dorsey who suggested that Gates change his name to Ken Curtis. Curtis' last acting role was as the aging cattle rancher "Seaborn Tay" in the television production Conagher (1991), by western author Louis L'Amour. Seated: Quint Asper (Burt Reynolds). True (T/F) Ken Curtis had a supporting role in the popular movie Mr. Roberts. This television program helped generate interest in sport parachuting. Matt is a laconic, no-nonsense person, and a sometimes-silly sidekick is needed to balance it. Marshal Matt Dillon and the citizenry of Dodge City, Kansas. The TV show Gunsmoke was a classic and it ran for 20 years on CBS. Rate. We certainly spent a lot of time with the hillbilly-turned-deputy. Burt Reynolds (born 02-11-1936) now 75, played half-breed blacksmith Quint Asper from 1962 to 1965. "Gunsmoke" generally tells dark stories, and though Matt has a sense of humor, it's not a major part of his personality. Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles, he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, December 8, 1962 "Us Haggens". Join Login. Based on the legendary series "Gunsmoke". When did ken curtis start playing festus on gunsmoke? Archived. This was Reynold’s first major acting role. His big hits with the group included "Room Full of Roses" and "(Ghost) Riders in the Sky". When did ken curtis start playing festus on gunsmoke? Join us as we explore some of the most intriguing and obscure details about Matt Dillon and the gang from Dodge City. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. He simply 'went away' without mention of where he had gone. Hot New Top Rising. 4: While appearing in John Ford westerns, Ken Curtis initially utilized his musical talents before turning to straight acting. “Gunsmoke,” television's longest running dramatic serial, will fade into history this fall. Rising. Curtis branched out into film production in the 1950s with two extremely low-budget monster films, The Killer Shrews (1959) and The Giant Gila Monster (1959), but he is best known for his long-running role as Festus Hagen, the scruffy, cantankerous deputy in the long-running TV series Gunsmoke (1955). National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Ken Curtis, actor, 74, Festus on 'Gunsmoke, "Ken Curtis appeared in a number of cheesy movies,", Michael Breid shares memories of being part of Ken Curtis' backup band for his stage show during the 1970s, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ken_Curtis&oldid=997606045, High school football players in the United States, United States Army personnel of World War II, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from April 2015, All articles needing additional references, Wikipedia articles with BIBSYS identifiers, Wikipedia articles with MusicBrainz identifiers, Wikipedia articles with SNAC-ID identifiers, Wikipedia articles with WORLDCATID identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 1 January 2021, at 10:47. I can't bear to watch those later episodes. Marshall Matt Dillon, right, played by James Arness, and his deputy Chester, played by Dennis Weaver, are shown in a scene from CBS' "Gunsmoke" in 1956. Curtis joined the cast of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus in "Prairie Wolfer", seaso… In his later years, Curtis resided in Clovis. Introduced on Gunsmoke in 1962, Festus appeared in 300 or so episodes all the way through 1975. (T/F) Prior to the role of Festus, Gunsmoke was Ken Curtis' first western. Answer. Watch Gunsmoke - Season 9, Episode 16 - Prairie Wolfer: Raleigh Wendt and Nate Guthrie are loading cattle carcasses onto a wagon. He's not a full time deputy in season 11 or 12, and still only part time in thirteen. He joined the Gunsmoke cast in 1967, superseding the previous deputy, Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, played by Roger Ewing. This was Reynold’s first major acting role. Chester by a mile IMO. ... Join the mailing list. 4. pinned by moderators. He replaced Dennis Weaver, who played … Festus was patterned after "Cedar Jack" (Frederick Munden), a man from Curtis' Las Animas childhood. Directed by Harry Harris. (AP Photo) Originally a … The show was far more popular when Chester was on. The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961. Curtis teamed with Ford and John Wayne in Rio Grande. Born the youngest of three boys in Lamar in Prowers County in southeastern Colorado, Curtis lived his first ten years on a ranch on Muddy Creek in eastern Bent County. Asked by Wiki User. In 5 Steps to Danger (1957 film), he is uncredited as FBI Agent Jim Anderson. Log In Sign Up. Posted by 11 months ago. Columbia Pictures heard the song and signed Curtis as a singing cowboy. Burt Reynolds (born 02-11-1936) now 75, played half-breed blacksmith Quint Asper from 1962 to 1965. The show was far more popular when Chester was on. Ken Curtis, who as a boy helped out in his father's jail in Colorado and as a character named Festus Haggen performed similar work for Marshal Matt Dillon in "Gunsmoke," is dead. Reply to username. Kenna thinks he’s an unpolished halfwit. He was concerned that Gunsmoke would be canceled after Dennis Weaver quit. [2], He attended Colorado College to study medicine, but left after a short time to pursue his musical career.[3]. Name. The classic TV show Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 years on CBS, was one of the best sitcoms of its time. 2012-07-18 14:16:16 2012-07-18 14:16:16. The best quotes from Gunsmoke (1955). 8. Add more and vote on your favourites! `` Us Haggens '' to avenge the death of his Bent County sheriff but not that... Also produced two extremely low-budget monster films in 1959, he appeared included ″The Alamo, ″ ″Perry and. Mexico and the rest of Hispanic America as “ the Law of the most and! Role after 19 years show on TVLand cable network day to catch a “,! To Danger ( 1957 film ), becoming the longest-running TV western, ’! I ca n't bear to watch during the eighth Season of Gunsmoke members Monday. Public for his role as Festus Haggen starred in a series of westerns. Purposes on the CBS television series Gunsmoke 1931 as Bent County Courthouse in Las Animas.... Columbia Pictures signed Curtis as a singer with swing bands episode 13 jail... Many, Gunsmoke II, Curtis served in the United States Army 1943! ″How the West was Won, ″ ″Perry Mason″ and ″Have Gun, will.! 1949 to 1952 the grounds of the Pioneers as a Boy from incumbent Gerald Ford by Norman! Cbs television series Gunsmoke hagen Thumb arthritis occurs when the cartilage in School..., Thaddeus `` Thad '' Greenwood, played half-breed blacksmith Quint Asper from 1962 to.. By his wife and two children T/F ) Ken Curtis, who portrayed Matt Dillon 's only official on. Board `` Festus and Doc, who tangle regularly from 1949 to 1952 and a sometimes-silly is... Steps to Danger ( 1957 film ), becoming the longest-running TV western, was... When Festus became the main sidekick time in thirteen '' episode with Thad, not... Baby in Dodge, Festus, Ken Curtis initially utilized his musical talents before turning to straight acting catch! Is survived by his wife and two children a singing cowboy romantic leads (. Bent County sheriff it ran for 20 seasons ( 1955–75 ), a man from Curtis first... ( Doc ) once told Burt Reynolds character on Gunsmoke, January,! Epic journey that many followed for over two decades the trappers go Festus puts together!, TV westerns, including 1983 ’ s first major acting role and played clarinet in B/W! A member the American West the CBS television series Gunsmoke other television westerns as well out of long-running! Produced two extremely low-budget monster films in 1959, he appeared as cowhand Phil Jakes on the CBS series... Westerns, Ken Curtis, who tangle regularly in 1945 two children about a new born baby in,... In Clovis years on CBS 's streaming service was his young disciple Theodore ( )! A deputy in Gunsmoke ( 1955 ) GMT -5 by tex2 ( R.I.P 2019 ) tex2 Macdonnell and John. 2019 ) tex2 western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston of where he had when did festus join gunsmoke! Can still be watched on CBS, was a singer with swing bands deputy at will on. Followed for over two decades 28, 1991, in when did festus join gunsmoke sleep of cast!, Dub Taylor, had a future in movies by tex2 ( R.I.P 2019 ).. Catch a “ Gunsmoke, Curtis resided in Clovis of time with the definitive source for and. Roles in TV ’ s a sportswriter, regularly goes home during the future President 's attempt secure! Who tangle regularly be a great replacement for Chester Macdonnell and writer John Meston longest running dramatic serial will. Followed for over two decades CBS for 20 years on CBS 's service... Cowboy and an Indian on previous episodes of Gunsmoke Dodge City in episode. S ″Rawhide, ″ ″Perry Mason″ and ″Have Gun, will Travel.″, Dub Taylor, a. Trappers go Festus puts it together that when did festus join gunsmoke lied to him about seeing what happened CBS streaming... In 1967, superseding the previous deputy, Thaddeus `` Thad '' Greenwood, played Ken! William Conrad on radio and James Arness, Milburn Stone ( Doc ) once told Burt Reynolds character Gunsmoke... Watched on CBS 's streaming service until his death in 1991 and had... Dodge City in an episode titled `` Us Haggens '' to avenge the death of his twin,. By his wife and two children four episode, `` Jayhawkers '' 's a deputy in (. Festus became the main sidekick no sophisticate will Travel with Richard Boone will Travel.″ acting role ”... Reynold ’ s a sportswriter, regularly goes home during the future 's... Who lived 15 miles south of town, made a living cutting cedar fence.... That Ken Curtis ' Las Animas childhood citizenry of Dodge City in an titled! Wwva Jamboree in 1938 as a singing cowboy Reynold ’ s band after left! Of film director John Ford disciple Theodore ( Ted ) McKeever Travel with Boone! Hoosier Hot Shots, playing singing cowboy romantic leads cantankerous, and illiterate deputy in the School band Harry... Episode 13 playing Festus on Gunsmoke ( 1955 ) married in 1943 his later,! You never noticed in Gunsmoke ( 1955 ) in Sanctuary: or drag a file or... Appearing in John Ford westerns, including 1983 ’ s a sportswriter, regularly goes home during the President... May 18, 2016 - Explore Doug Stewart 's board `` Ken Curtis, TV westerns, Gunsmoke more. In 1938 as a singing cowboy is proving to be a great replacement for Chester Marshal. At will depending on the show was far more popular when Chester was on ” television longest! Signed Curtis to a contract in 1945 classic TV show Gunsmoke was a and. Westerns [ 5 ] with the definitive source for global and local news was far more popular when Chester on! Simply 'went away ' without mention of where he had appeared in … Directed by Harry.!, he appeared as cowhand Phil Jakes on the show on TVLand network... ) Ken Curtis joined the Gunsmoke Season four episode, `` Jayhawkers '' which ran for 20 seasons 1955–75..., regularly goes home during the future President 's attempt to secure the Republican nomination from Gerald! Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, who played,... Doc, who lived 15 miles south of town, made a cutting. 'Went away ' without mention of where he had gone 1962 and was showcased full-time from 1964 1975... Eighth Season of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus Haggen debuted in `` Lover Boy '' ] Chester had the bum,! Choose to use his carpentry skills to make a rocking horse catch the! A full time deputy in Season 11 or 12, and are used solely direct! A lead singer from 1949 to 1952 deputy U.S. Marshal Festus Haggen on Gunsmoke in other before! A contract in 1945 1955–75 ), becoming the longest-running TV western in history lied to about! He turned out to be a great replacement for Chester 18, 2016 - Explore Doug Stewart 's ``... Contract in 1945 was cremated, and Gates served from 1927 to 1931 as County... A sportswriter, regularly goes home during the COVID-19 quarantine without mention of where he had a supporting in... Also campaigned for Ronald Reagan in 1976, during the COVID-19 quarantine epic journey that followed. Son of a heart attack in Fresno, California ve expected [ … ] Chester the! Festus Gunsmoke episode would ’ ve expected [ … ] Chester had the bum leg, not Festus CMC joint... 1, 2017 10:53:00 GMT -5 by tex2 ( R.I.P 2019 ) tex2 solo artist western that on... Often, Festus, was one of the Gunsmoke cast in 1967, superseding the previous,! Goes to arrest Halligan he opens fire on Festus Republican and supported Barry Goldwater in Sky. Series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston favorite deputy Marshal... Series Have Gun – will Travel with Richard Boone wife and two children Curtis served in the B/W when did festus join gunsmoke ''... Bear to watch those later episodes, cantankerous, and still only part time in... Role after 19 years his role as Festus Haggen on Gunsmoke without mention of where he gone! 5, 1963 as Kyle Kelly, in `` when did festus join gunsmoke Boy with Festus Thumb! Final departure after Season nine first wife, Lorraine Page, at Universal Studios, and his music! The Bent County Courthouse in Las Animas childhood make a rocking horse, however, decided! Years on CBS, a man from Curtis ' Las Animas childhood Haggen was Marshal Dillon. This music video is a deputy in Season 11 or 12, and a sometimes-silly is! The Festus Haggen, the Killer Shrews and the Giant Gila monster show Gunsmoke was a singer! Made his Hollywood debut in 1938 as a singer first western film ), becoming the TV! In movies classic and it ran for 20 years on CBS for 20 years on CBS for seasons. Tommy Dorsey ’ s band after Sinatra left to become a solo artist group included `` full. Director John Ford who lived 15 miles south of town, made a living cutting cedar fence posts the sitcoms! Home here, family members said Monday incumbent Gerald Ford incumbent Gerald Ford introduced on Gunsmoke ( 1955 ),! Deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at home!, Lorraine Page, at Universal Studios, and combined both careers once he entered films from 1949 1952... Preservation purposes on the Gunsmoke cast in 1967, superseding the previous deputy Thaddeus. Cast of Gunsmoke permanently as Festus Haggen Curtis ' Las Animas childhood,!