They would probably be even more surprised to learn that he began his show business career as a singer in . Coming off his early career as both a big band and country singer, Ken Curtis guest starred in many Westerns when he first came to TV, often playing numerous roles in multiple episodes of shows likeHave Gun Will TravelandWagon Train. Perhaps future episodes will tell the tale. 4/7. Initial Gunsmoke scripts gave him no name at all; his lines were simply to be spoken by "Townsman". When the program came to television in 1955, the first episode was introduced by John Wayne in a brief film clip in which Wayne predicted that James Arness would become a major star. He received a second Gold Deputy Festus: Directed by Harry Harris. Pat Peterson. His death was attributed. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. As shabby as he was, his character was loveable, and many found him endearing. When his opponent dies, Gordon is arrested and charged with murder. Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who played the scruffy deputy Festus on the television series "Gunsmoke," died in his sleep on Sunday at his home. (Arness would later say that Matts only onscreen kiss was in that episode, Matts Love Story, but Kitty did in fact kiss him once.). Request Answer. Just wondering if you can get me TV on your cell phone? The Answer Man is also a big "Gunsmoke" fan and is fascinated by the sequence of events that made Festus a deputy. A wonderful story for a closure but the series is picked up again next year for another year to continue the saga of Dodge City. buffalo breath. However, not . Even Wikipedia . The kid is very good with a gun but can't understand how anyone could kill another human being. Curtis played various roles during the series' early days, making infrequent appearances. He needed to grab some supplies at the feed store, so he'd keenly volunteered for the morning ride into Dodge. Warren stated that the inquiry had not been serious inasmuch as Wayne could not realistically have been expected to abandon a thriving movie career for a less certain and immensely less lucrative television role. To cool the blood in his head on hot days. From Quiz: "Gunsmoke" - Name the Actor 2 She was Mrs. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Vintage TV Westerns "Festus" Gunsmoke Christmas Novelty Card with Envelope at the best online prices at eBay! A popular story holds that Wayne himself had been offered the part and had turned it down. Although his character, Festus Haggen, was introduced to Gunsmoke (1955) in an episode called "Us Haggens," in which he arrived in Dodge City to avenge the death of his twin brother, the fact that Festus had a twin was never again mentioned on the show. (AP) _ Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty in the long-running Gunsmoke television series, died of AIDS-related complications, not cancer as previously reported, her doctor said Monday. Unanswered Questions . How many men did festus kill on gunsmoke. Galloping onto CBS in 1955, "Gunsmoke" still leads the herd of TV Westerns as one . Festus Haggen (played by Ken Curtis) is Matt Dillon's deputy marshal and one of the main characters of Gunsmoke who would first appear in the Season 8 episode "Us Haggens" (episode #13, December 8, 1962). Weaver went on to a lead role in the ill-fated series "Kentucky Jones," which lasted only one season. The Real Reason Chester Was Written Off Gunsmoke. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? Ken Curtis. Free shipping for many products! The Wounded Marshal and the Part-Time Pacifist. Because of this, Matt resigns as Marshall and heads into the wilderness to recover. Matt is shot again, this time in his right arm, maimed; he resigns and heads out of town for the good of all as a swarm of outlaws might pour into Dodge looking to even scores with Matt. Very entertaining but was really rushed at the end. google_color_bg = "FFFFFF"; google_color_link = "000000"; This page was last edited on 11 February 2023, at 19:54. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? Festus ],